Ice or Heat for Fibromyalgia Pain?

Fibromyalgia patients often ask me if they should use ice or heat on their painful areas.  When I tell them not to use a heating pad, sometimes their faces will turn white.  The person will then tell me that they have been using a heating pad all the time because it “feels good.”

Using heat on sore muscles tends to feel pretty good, especially in cold weather areas like Wisconsin.  However, heat makes tissues swell.  The swelling can cause damaged tissues to take twice as long to heal.

People suffering from fibromyalgia tend to have inflammatory issues already.  The inflammation comes from a variety of reasons too lengthy to go into in this blog.  But, heat will make the inflammation worse.

Generalized heating of the body that comes from a hot bath or shower does not seem to be harmful. Its the heating pads that seem to cause the most trouble.  The localized heat causes blood vessels to open up and increase circulation.   The increased circulation to an already swollen area, causes more swelling.

If you are experiencing symptoms where your skin is very sensitive to the touch, discontinue the use of a heating pad immediately.  This is a sign that you have too much swelling and you are getting over sensitive.

I normally suggest ice in order to bring swelling down.  However, I know from experience that many fibromyalgia patients cannot tolerate ice.  The cold makes them feel too achy.  But ice is the best thing to do, if you can handle it.

If you like the heat because it gives you temporary relief of pain, then take a shower or bath.  Limit the time to 20 minutes.  This will keep you from overheating.  If you take a warm bath, you may try using Epsom salts.  The magnesium in the Epsom salts has been found to be beneficial for fibromyalgia sufferers.

To find out more about how I treat fibromyalgia, log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com

Ice or Heat for Low Back Pain?

I am often asked whether to use ice or heat when you hurt your back.  And, the answer is most definitely ice.  Ice, Ice, ICE!

In 14 years of practice, I have only seen one patient that got into trouble using ice.  This patient put an ice pack directly on his skin and he developed frostbite.

In contrast, I get two patients a month who sustain a mild back injury.  They put a heating pad on it and in the morning they can’t stand up due to severe pain.  The heat caused the injury to swell and it will take about twice as long to heal.  The swelling must be brought down with ice, and then the chiropractic treatment can be allowed to work.

Be aware, emergency room doctors and nurses are notorious for telling patients to use heating pads on their backs and necks.  I have no idea why.  The scientific literature is pretty clear on this point and you should be too.  Any new injury should be iced for the first 48 to 72 hours.  After that, heat can be used, but in my experience I would only suggest it if the pain is significantly less.  And, I would only use it under the advice of a professional.

When in doubt ice.  20 minutes every two hours and go to your chiropractor as soon as possible.

For more information on how I treat back pain, go to www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com or call Jennifer at 262-251-8306 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation to see if I can help.