Many people are confused about whether to apply heat or ice to a sore neck or painful back. Both ice and heat are extremely useful. By knowing what both accomplish, you can make you own decision about which modality to apply—heat or ice.

A spinal subluxation will be the initial cause. A subluxation is a damaged joint causing nerve pressure. When a joint of the spine is subluxated, it is misaligned. The resulting misalignment causes swelling which can accumulate in the disc and around the spinal nerve (nerve arising directly from the spinal cord). The swelling compresses the spinal nerve causing pain and discomfort. A damaged joint will also cause muscles in the area to spasm.

Applying heat to an area increases the blood flow. When you increase blood flow you bring more fluid into the area. So in essence, you are bringing more swelling to the area, increasing nerve pressure and making your problem worse. Heat, however, can be very beneficial when applied at the appropriate time. As your joint starts to heal and fluid in the area has been significantly reduced, the application of heat facilitates motion. Motion is excellent for joint health because it stimulates nutrient exchange. If we are sick, we need to get the proper nutrition to help us heal faster and feel better. The same thing can be said about a sick joint. Heat can help sore muscles feel better, but it is important that swelling has subsided before heat is applied. I’m fond of saying, "Icing can’t hurt, but heat can send you to the emergency room." Heat can also stimulate joint healing after swelling has gone down. As mentioned, heat increases blood flow to the area. More blood flow brings in more white blood cells. White blood cells gobble up garbage that has accumulated in damaged joint, promoting the healing process. In a nutshell, only use heat when you are absolutely sure swelling in the area has subsided. If a problem has just flared up…stay away from the heat.

The job of ice is to decrease the swelling in a joint and numb the nerve. Because the disc and the spinal nerve are irritated from swelling, applying ice will help get the fluid out of the area. Therefore, an ice pack may be chilly, but it can help decrease pain and nerve pressure resulting from joint damage.

Ice an area no longer than 20 minutes at a time. Let you skin warm up for about 20 to 30 minutes before reapplying.

Nerves in the area sense prolonged cold. A message is sent to the brain that this area of the body is freezing to death. To prevent tissue damage, the brain increases blood flow to warm up the area. This can actually increase swelling. Keep you nervous system healthy folks! It is constantly looking out for your best interests!