Indiana Spine Group

When someone twists their ankle, or pulls a muscle in their back – you know heat and cold are good remedies to help with swelling and pain. Often time though, it is hard to remember which you do first. A spine wellness tip to help you remember – think of the alphabet - c comes before h. So cold and then hot!

So next time you pull a muscle in your back  - for the first 24 to 48 hours after you hurt your back, use ice. This will help reduce the swelling, muscle spasms and back pain. Then after 48 hours, switch to heat, which warms and helps relax sore muscles. (And if the back pain is persistent and does not go away in a timely fashion, see your physician).