Quick and easy instructions to help relieve your neck and back pain now!

One of the more common questions we hear from patients is, When should I use ice and when should I use heat? Ice reduces inflammation and swelling. It is used for acute injuries and pain. If you hit your thumb with a hammer, it swells up; that is inflammation. You need to put ice on it since ice is a natural anti-inflammatory. If you apply heat, swelling will increase, and pain will intensify as well.

An ice pack should be applied to the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time immediately following an acute injury. Soft gel ice packs, a bag of frozen vegetables, or a moist washcloth folded in a zip-lock bag all have the perfect properties for making ice packs. An ice pack should be applied to the sore area for ten minutes at a time. Remove the ice pack for at least 40 minutes and repeat the cycle as necessary. A towel or paper towel should be placed between the cold pack and your skin. If you apply it to one location for more than 20 minutes, do not apply it directly to the skin as it may freeze there.

To deal with acute back pain, simply place an ice pack on your back and hold it in place with your pants’ belt-loops or underwear. Insert a paper towel between your skin and the ice pack area.

To apply a cold pack to the neck, lie down on your back with a pillow. Place the ice pack between the pillow and the affected area. Make sure to place a paper towel between your skin and the ice pack to prevent frostbite. Do not sleep with the ice applied, and be sure to inspect the area for any excessive redness or discoloration.

Perform heat therapy after 2 days to heat the area gradually, in 15-20 minute increments to increase blood flow to the area.

Hot and Cold Therapy wraps are available for purchase at Elastogels.com.