If you suffer from lower back pain, let the Chiropractors at AICA Tucker help you.
Although there are a variety of treatment solutions we use to treat lower back pain, here is how to use heat therapy to aid in your quest for complete pain relief:
Using Heat Therapy
Before we discuss how to apply heat therapy to your lower back, let’s take a quick look at the best temperature for heat treatment.
Ideally, any heat treatment should be at a moderately warm temperature—as high temperatures can burn your skin. In contrast, a warm temperature will allow the heat to penetrate your lower back muscles without harming your skin deeply.
How to Apply Heat Therapy
As a general rule, the more acute your lower back injury, the longer your heat therapy session needs to last. For example, if you have minor back discomfort you may only need a 15 to 20-minute session. But if your injury is severe, you may need 30 minutes to 2 hours.
There are numerous options for the application of this heat therapy, including dry heat like an electric heating pad. Or if you prefer damp weather, you can try a steamed towel.
Additionally, you can try any of the following options:
- Heat wrap
- Heated gel pack
- Hot water bottle
- Warm bath
No one heat therapy option is necessarily superior to another, so it is best to experiment with both options until you find the one that works best for you.
Finally, make sure you place a towel or other form of insulation between yourself and the source of heat to prevent burns.
When to Avoid Heat Therapy
It is best to avoid heat therapy if your back is bruised or swollen. Instead, you should typically apply ice to the injured area.
If you have hypertension or heart disease, it’s best to speak with your doctor before beginning heat therapy. Also, people with an open wound, diabetes, or dermatitis should forgo applying heat to their lower backs.
Compared to other treatment options, heat therapy may seem too simple. But give it a try, and you may find substantial relief from your lower back pain.
Learn More About Heat Therapy and other Chiropractic Treatment Solutions by Scheduling A Consultation
If you suffer from lower back pain, schedule a consultation with our office to learn more about heat therapy, as well as other options that may be appropriate for your condition.
We offer a broad range of treatment solutions that all provide immediate pain relief, while also addressing the cause of your condition.
Schedule your appointment today by filling out our online submission form or by calling us at 404-592-1186.