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Brrr Ice Massage for your Pain in the Back |
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Written by Chad Cook
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Tuesday, 19 December 2006 |
Brrr Ice Massage for your Pain in the Back
Picture this; despite your best efforts you've hurt your back. Perhaps this is a chronic problem; you've hurt it again but this time you have to find something to help get you back into the game fast. Back injuries, and susequent pain, are often caused by muscle strains. Lifting something that is too heavy, or lifting it wrongly can bring about strained muscles. This can happen during athletic competitions, by falling, or simply by a sneeze that possibly brought about a sudden awkward motion. While it may not be the first thing one might think of, one alternative is massage therapy with ice. This is considered one of the easiest, safest and most successful methods that can be used in the home.
One of the reasons to use ice is that it produces a completely different effect than the application of heat. Ice not only helps to ease the pain of a back injury, but it also reduces blood flow to the area. This helps to reduce the swelling and potentially minimize any internal bruising. The goal of ice therapy is quite simply to promote healing of the injured area. But, if you are going to try this method the ice must be applied as soon as possible following the onset of pain.
There are various ways to use ice. You can empty some ice cubes into a towel wrapping it securely of course, so they don't fall out, and use that. Or you can use prepared cold packs. These are very handy to have, and can be kept in the freezer so they're there to use when needed. With these, you need to be careful that they don't split and allow the gel inside to leak, as this can be harmful to the skin. If neither of these options are available to you, use a package of frozen vegetables; Corn or peas are best as the smaller vegetables will allow the package to more easily fit the contours of the area.
Another useful idea to simplify ice massage is to take a paper cup, made from heavier material like Styrofoam, fill it with water and freeze it. Then you peel the Styrofoam back, away from the ice, and use it to massage the area. This method is so straightforward that you if you suffer often from recurring back pain, it's a good idea to have a few in the freezer so you're prepared when you have the need for them.
Ice massage is usually performed over a short period of time. Some professionals suggest limiting it to five to seven minutes while others say from ten to twenty minutes. But all agree that if the area becomes numb, it's time to stop. The area is gently massaged, with whatever form of ice pack you've chosen, in a circular motion. Make sure to skip areas where the bone is closer to the skin. This includes the spine when dealing with back pain alone, but also includes the knees, elbows and shoulders. At first the treated area will start to feel cold. Don't be surprised when it starts to hurt. Then it will turn a pinkish color before it becomes numb. Remember, that's when you should stop. Repeat the ice massage though, several times throughout the day, but never before the area has warmed and reverted to normal temperature again.
Ice massage is such a popular method of back pain treatment that there are many specialized packs available. These often come in leak proof containers, which can be tossed into a gym bag, as they can remain frozen for eight to ten hours. Some are even weighted to add to the feeling of pressure during massage. These are easily available but often expensive.
Although ice massage is a useful treatment for back pain or back injuries, certain precautions must still be taken. Do not leave the cold pack directly on the skin. It should be wrapped in a wet cloth even if the pack is in constant motion. Stop the ice massage once the skin begins to feel numb. In addition, if the treatment does not begin to show significant results within seventy-two hours, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. |