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Heat or Ice?

When should you apply heat? When should you use ice? Confusion abounds about these simple, yet helpful, procedures. Use heat in the wrong circumstances and you can make the problem worse. Here’s what to do and when to do it:

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Think back to high school chemistry. How do you slow down a reaction? You make it cool. So, if you’re trying to reduce the inflammation resulting from a new injury, use ice. Ice constricts blood vessels, helping to avoid muscle spasms and reduce swelling. It can also slow nerve transmission of painful symptoms. Ice, when used properly, becomes a natural local anesthetic. Apply an ice pack for short periods of time (15 to 20 minutes). Allow an equal amount of time between applications of ice so you don't compound the problem by risking frostbite!

On the other hand, if you want to speed up a reaction, add heat. Topical (or tropical!) heat can help increase blood circulation and help improve flexibility. If you have a history of chronic, long-standing joint and muscle stiffness, it can show temporary improvement with the application of moist heat or a hot bath. Just avoid the dry heat of a heating pad.

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Dr. Erica Asks some important questions of interest to North Houston residents - Chiropractor North Houston Dr. Erica Asks...

What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.
What is the purpose of pain?
Pain prompts many North Houston folks to begin chiropractic care. But pain isn't the problem! Pain is just how your body alerts you that a limit has been reached (or exceeded), that something isn't working right and that some type of change is needed. As a chiropractor, my job is finding the underlying cause and recommending the changes needed to bring your body back into balance.