Traditionally, when we injure our back or neck, people believe heat would be more beneficial on the affected area. This is not true most times. I always say, remember back when you were younger and twisted an ankle badly, mom made you put an ice pack on it. Most of the time, this is true for the back and neck when you injure them.
Treating the affected area would be best served using cold. Heat is used in some cases where we are trying to soften a tight muscle or if there is a case where you need to bring an excess of blood to the area. Most injuries have an inflammatory factor that coincides and reducing that inflammation is more beneficial. Try an ice pack next time and it might relieve all the pain.
Dr. Thomas A. Harmody is the owner and chiropractor of Vero Walk-In Chiropractic in Vero Beach, Fl.