Heat therapy for back pain

1
Heat therapy for back pain

• BY
• http//733back.com/

2
Heat therapy has long been associated with
relaxation and comfort. Chiropractors also
consider it one of the most readily available
first aid for lower back pain. It not only
provides instant relief from pain but also helps
in healing and soothing muscles. Start by taking
proper guidance from your chiropractor for Back
Pain, and then you can continue the therapy on
your own. Heat therapy dilates the blood vessels
of the muscles and increase the flow of oxygen
and nutrients to them, healing damaged tissue.
There are many ways of using it like heating
pads, heat wraps, gel packs, hot baths, warm gel
massages, hot oil massages, etc. These are
usually easy to work with and inexpensive.
3
Types of Heat Therapy There are two common
options for heat therapy Dry heat
therapy Electric heating pads, heat wraps and
hot water bottle are some of the examples of dry
heat therapy. Dry heat therapy may draw out
moisture from your body and leave the skin
dehydrated, so always use it carefully, and drink
lots of water.
Moist heat therapy Hot baths, steamed towels,
moist heating packs, hot oil massage and warm gel
massage are some of the moist heat alternatives
that usually work as better pain
relievers. Moist heat therapy lets the heat
penetrate into the muscles giving a more soothing
effect.
4
Usage of common heat therapy Electric heating
pad It maintains a constant level of heat as
long as it is plugged in. But dont sleep over
it. Hot water bottle It tends to stay warm for
20 to 30 minutes. Heated gel packs They can be
either microwaved or heated in water. They tend
to stay warm for about 30 minutes. Certain types
of gel packs provide moist heat too. Heat wraps
Wraps can be worn on the lower back, against the
skin, providing convenience and several hours of
warmth. Baths Hot bath, hot tub, sauna and
steam bath stimulate a general feeling of comfort
and relaxation that may help reduce muscle
pain. It is important to either keep the heat low
or use enough insulation between the heat source
and the skin to avoid overheating or burning of
skin. There are also certain types of back pain
for which heat therapy is not useful. Always
consult your chiropractor for Back Pain before
you start using any therapy. Also heart and
hypertension patients should take special care
and consult their doctor before using heat
therapy.
5
When Heat Therapy Shouldnt Be Used Heat therapy
should not be used under following
circumstances Lower back is swollen or
bruised Dermatitis Deep vein thrombosis Diabetes P
eripheral vascular disease Open wound Severe
cognitive impairment Generally its better to
apply ice or a cold pack if the injured area is
swollen or bruised. Heat therapy is for muscular
pain. Heat therapy is one treatment that can
relieve pain related to muscle tightness or spasm
in the lower back. But dont forget to visit a
chiropractic clinic for complete treatment. Call
us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ron.
6
Author Bio Dr. Ronald T. Linzner B.Sc.,
D.C. has been a chiropractor for Back Pain in
Barrie, Ontario since his graduation in 1996. He
has an interest in the feet and gait and their
effect on the spine and is experienced in
diagnosing and correcting problems with your
gait. He designs custom orthotics and orthopedic
shoes. If you are not sure if it is a
chiropractic problem ask. He will be happy to let
you know.