What is heat and cold therapy?
 

Hey friends can someone tell me what is heat and cold therapy. My father is suffering from a severe back pain and is really very depressed due to that. Someone told me to give him the heat and cold therapy which will help him in getting recovered soon from this problem of back pain. I really don’t know what is it and how does it work so please give me your suggestions on it.

Kevin,

Basically, heat will relax muscles and cold or ice will help take down inflammation. I am guessing that your friends mean alternating. I have to do that with my neck and back sometimes. The only thing is, if using ice or cold, only do it for about 20 minutes at a time. Has your dad seen a spine doc? Since you said it is pretty severe my suggestion would be to see one; preferrably a spinal pain management doc if your dad doesn't get any better or any relief. Oops, forgot to add. I am having problems with my shoulders from having had fusions. Yesterday, the Ortho doc and PT both said...ice on the shoulder itself and heat on the trapezius. So, there ya go. One to take down inflammation and the other to help loosen up the muscles.

Alternating the hot/cold temperatures will increase the blood flow in the area which can help with discomfort.
Is he having muscle related back pain or actual bone/spine pain?
What is the cause of the pain?