Billye,

I've been thinking about your response to the suggestion that cold may help your back pain if inflammation is part of the problem. Heat or other energy is contraindicated where inflammation is present. It may actually increase inflammation and make the swelling and muscle spasming worse. Without knowing for sure, I'd guess that a strong magnetic field would have the same negative effect if inflammation is present.

The pain reducing, swelling reducing, and healing effect of cold packs can be dramatic. I was a serious recreational runner and backpacker for about 20 years and had my share of injuries, aches, and pains. Ice packs were the first thing I used for instant pain relief and quick healing.

Cold can't hurt you, and may dramatically help. Cold promotes healing because it increases blood flow while it reduces spasms and inflammation. At the same time, pain is reduced because cold shuts down the nerves in the area. I found that if inflammation was involved in the pain, the cold felt good after the initial shock. To reduce the initial cold shock, wrap the ice pack in a single or double layer dish towel when first applying.

For safety, don't use the blue cold packs you put in the freezer. If your freezer is, let's say -10 F. degrees, you can get frostbite. Safer, cheaper, and gentler are ice packs you make yourself. Fill a quart size clear plastic freezer bag 3/4 full with ice cubes. Add some water to make a nice semi-floppy containter that will conform to your body shape. The water mixed in prevents any possibility of frost bite because it rapidly warms the ice cubes to exactly 32 F. degrees. Double bag the pack to prevent leaks, and enjoy for 20 minutes on, 20 off, then 20 on again. The pain reduction should occur within minutes as the cold moves deeper. The area will feel cool to the touch but you'll experience warmth and comfort in the area as soon as it is totally cooled down, and when you remove the pack. The pain relief will last for hours, or even all day.

If this works on you as good for you as it does for me, ice packs will become your first line defense for inflamatory pain.