An ice massage is quick, free, easy to do, and it can provide significant pain relief for many types of pain. In a world of sophisticated medical care, a simple ice massage can still be one of the more effective, proven methods to treat a soreness.
Most episodes of pain are caused by muscle strain. Muscles can become inflamed and spasm, causing pain and significant stiffness.
While it sounds like a simple injury, a muscle strain can create a surprising amount of pain. In fact, this type of injury is one of the most common reasons people go to the emergency room. However, not much can be done for a strained muscle except for rest (e.g. for up to two days), pain relief medications, and ice and/or heat application.
How ice provides pain relief
Ice can help provide relief for back pain in a number of ways, including:
- Ice application slows the inflammation and swelling that occurs after injury. Most pain is accompanied by some type of inflammation, and addressing the inflammation helps reduce the pain.
- Numbs sore tissues (providing pain relief like a local anesthetic)
- Slows the nerve impulses in the area, which interrupts the pain-spasm reaction between the nerves
- Decreases tissue damage
Ice is most effective if it is applied soon after the injury occurs. The cold makes the veins in the tissue contract, reducing circulation. Once the cold is removed, the veins overcompensate and dilate and blood rushes into the area. The blood brings with it the necessary nutrients to allow the injured muscles, ligaments and tendons to heal.
As with all pain relief treatments, there are some cautions with ice. Never apply ice directly to the skin. Instead, be sure that there is a protective barrier between the ice and skin, such as a towel. Additionally, ice should also not be used for patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud’s Syndrome, cold allergic conditions, paralysis, or areas of impaired sensation.
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