During an injury, it is common to grab at any possible solution to help the pain. Depending on the type of injury, people may use medication while others opt for ice or heat packs. There is a time and place for most pain relief solutions, however one solution may not be ideal in certain circumstances. When it comes to heating or icing injuries, which is best?

Using Ice on Injuries

When getting a recent or acute injury, ice is going to be the best solution. Using ice on recent injuries will help with swelling that commonly follows an injury. In addition to reducing the amount of swelling, ice can also help to reduce bleeding, muscle spasms, and overall pain.

Using heat is great relaxing and loosening tissues to help stimulate blood flow, but will not help a new injury to heal and wont minimize pain. When using heat on a recent injury, you run the risk of increasing or worsening the swelling, bleeding, or pain of the injury by drawing more blood to the area. 

Use Ice Early and Regularly 

With all types of injuries, recovery takes time and consistency to get well. When getting an injury, icing quickly as possible and throughout the day is super important. This ensures both swelling and pain will decrease. 

Some Injuries Require More Than Just Icing It 

Icing an injury goes a long way in reducing pain and swelling, but in some cases the injury may require additional attention. For example, in an automobile accident, you may experience one injury that can be treated with ice packs, but then you pay also have to deal with other internal issues, such as headaches or neck pain. 

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, please call Augustine Chiropractic Wesley Chapel at 813-994-6008 to make an appointment. 

Dr. Brian Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and other ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regimens to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services!