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Heat or Ice for Sciatica
Heat or ice for sciatica are both effective tools for home based acute nerve pain relief. Heat and ice work well in combination with each other, but should be custom tailored to fit the criteria of each painful complaint.
Heat or Ice for Sciatica /
New Injury
Ice is always advised for use immediately after a traumatic injury. Ice will reduce
acute
pain and also help to fight any inflammatory response. Ice should be used 15 to 20 minutes on and 30 minutes off, for the first 48 hours after a fresh injury. Do not apply heat during this time. Heat can be used to treat a fresh injury after 48 hours. Heat will help increase circulation, removing metabolic waste products and facilitating the healing response to the affected region. Heat can be applied half hour on and one hour off for best results.
Heat or Ice for Sciatica / Chronic Pain
For ongoing
sciatica pain
conditions, heat and ice can be used in combination for maximum effectiveness. Ice should be used first and left applied for 15 to 20 minutes. It is best to wait for 30 to 60 minutes, then apply heat for 30 to 45 minutes. This double dose of ice and heat will reduce pain and increase circulation, providing lasting
relief
for many patients. This treatment can be repeated as necessary and can be used in the comfort of your own home.
Heat or Ice for Sciatica Facts
Ice can be applied using simple ice cubes in a bag, then wrapped in a towel. Never apply ice directly to the skin! Ice can also be applied utilizing a commercial “cold pack” which can be stored in the freezer till needed. These soft gel packs are much more comfortable and versatile than traditional ice. There are also chemical cold packs for travel use, which do not need to be frozen and can be stored anywhere. Heat is most effective when applied with moisture. Wet heat, such as hot towels or hot water bags, is more efficient than a heating pad or other source of dry heat. Even better is a hot bath or shower to really allow the temperature to have the maximum effect. Hot tubs can be an ideal
back pain
treatment if you have one available for regular use. Never leave ice applied for too long or you might suffer injury to the region. Make sure not to fall asleep with a cold pack, since this will be counterproductive to the very theory of the treatment and can actually retard the healing process. Always be sure that heat is not TOO HOT to use. You want to cure your pain, not create burns. Use common sense…
Heat or Ice for Sciatica Advice
I have used both of these remedies for many years, both for back pain and for the various martial arts injuries which I have sustained on a regular basis. Ice was a particular favorite of mine and was always recommended by my care givers. While I can honestly say that both of these modalities worked well for me when I had acute flare-ups, it is important to remember that these methods are the simplest form of purely
symptomatic treatment.
However, compared to other forms of symptomatic treatment, ice and heat are terrific, since they are convenient, free (or low cost) and quite effective. I recommend ice and heat for providing ongoing relief while you try to work out a real cure. These modalities are far better than pharmaceutical
pain management
and do not have any of the many risks inherent to
sciatica drugs.
To make the best use of ice and heat, try applying them while reading some quality sources of
knowledge therapy.
You will be better in no time…
Heat or Ice for Sciatica to Sciatica Home
7/22/08 Revised 12/15/09
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