Do you ice or heat a back sprain?

Generally speaking, ice therapy is more appropriate for new injuries, like sprains and strains, whereas heat therapy is typically better for treating chronic conditions.

Can ice make lower back pain worse?

The truth is, treating low back pain with ice can make the pain worse. Icing these areas can actually cause the body to feel threatened. In many cases, you will immediately notice that the muscle spasm increases the second you place ice on the injured area.

What does a pulled muscle in lower back feel like?

Symptoms to expect from a pulled lower back muscle—or any type of lower back strain—typically include: Dull, achy low back pain. Strained muscles usually feel sore, tight, or achy. Pain that feels hot, tingling, or electric is more likely caused by an irritated nerve root, not a pulled muscle.

Should you use heat or ice for lower back pain?

Both heat and cold therapy are beneficial and can provide effective relief from lower back pain. If you are like many people, though, you might not know when to use heat vs. when to use ice for lower back pain to achieve the maximum benefit. If you are suffering from lower back pain, read on to discover whether you should be using heat or ice.

How long should you use ice on your back after injury?

In most instances, you should use ice on your back for the first 24 to 72 hours following an injury. Cold therapy helps minimize swelling and inflammation. This, in turn, eases your pain.

Should you use heat or ice for a strain injury?

Heat increases the inflammation, and may not be a good idea at first (during the inflammatory phase of the injury.) After those first few days, most experts recommend the use of either ice or heat, according to your preference.

How long should you use heating for back pain?

Heat helps to increase pliability of tightened muscles and increases your flexibility, which in turn helps to decrease your pain and improve function. As a general rule, you want to use heat for about 30 minutes at a time. Anything longer than 30 minutes, and you may start to notice increased inflammation and pain.