I.C.E. DOWN Cold Therapy

Most back pain can be treated at home without the need for prescription medication or medical intervention. Cold therapy can play an important role in self-care, physical therapy, and recuperation from surgery.

Heat or Cold Therapy

Back pain sufferers often reach for the heating pad. Heat can provide some temporary relief by relaxing tense muscles, but it can make inflammation worse and even cause tissue damage.

Cold therapy reduces the inflammation. By calming nerve activity it can stop the muscle spasms that so often cause the pain. The application of cold immediately stimulates the release of endorphins, your body's natural painkillers. When the area stays cold enough for long enough, the transmission of pain signals is reduced.

Immediate Treatment for Back Pain

When back pain sets in, bed rest may be appropriate, but it should not last more than 72 hours. Prolonged bed rest can make back problems worse. Applying an I.C.E. DOWN ice wrap right away will reduce inflammation and pain and provide support for your back.

If the pain does not begin to improve within 72 hours, you should seek medical attention.

Also seek medical attention if:

• Back pain is accompanied by fever
• Back pain is accompanied by abdominal pain
• You experience tingling, numbness or weakness in one or both legs, feet, or your toes
• You lose control or your bladder or bowels
• Back pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
• You have experienced a blow to the back, a fall, or have been in an accident
• Your pain is very intense or constant

Exercise for Back Pain

Proper back exercises can restore flexibility, range of motion, and strength to your back. This means you can perform your normal activities more comfortably and without overworking weak back muscles.

Back exercises can often be performed at home without the supervision of a doctor or therapist, but you should consult with your doctor or chiropractor before beginning any exercise program.

The best thing for most back pain is to get moving, however the pain itself can be a severe deterrent. I.C.E. DOWN ice wraps can be work while performing back exercises, providing relief from the pain so that you can exercise, but not blunting the pain signals that tell you when you are overdoing it.

I.C.E. DOWN ice wraps are safe and effective in treating both acute and chronic back pain. They can be used alone or in combination with other treatments and therapies. I.C.E. DOWN ice wraps are an alternative to pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, without the dangerous or unwanted side effects.

To learn more about I.C.E. DOWN cold therapy for back pain, or to place an order, please visit our online store today.