$Unique_ID{BRK02031}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Correct Treatment of Muscle Injuries:  Hot or Cold?}
$Subject{muscle injuries backs back pain warm baths heat heating pads cold ice
muscle tissue circulation analgesic analgesics swelling}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Muscles of the Back*0005003.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Correct Treatment of Muscle Injuries:  Hot or Cold?


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QUESTION:  Recently several of my coworkers have injured their backs in
non-work related accidents, and this led to quite a bit of discussion about
proper treatment.  Without boring you with details, the debate boils down to
this:  For muscle injuries, like sore or injured (muscular, not skeletal)
backs, is it best to apply heat (warm baths, heating pads) or cold (ice)?
Thank you.

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ANSWER:  Not an infrequent discussion, for this question keeps coming back
like a song.  And I keep trying to settle all the debates.  Specifically, for
the condition you mention, heat is the treatment of choice.  The muscle tissue
have been injured and you want to increase the circulation to the area for
that will speed the healing process.  Two other elements of treatment are a
bit of rest for those muscles and an analgesic if the pain is a bit too much
to bear.  Cold is indicated for those situations where there is a possibility
of swelling, like an injured joint, and even that is used for but the first
day following injury, after which heat is applied again to increase
circulation and advance healing.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.