Using heat or cold as part of nonsurgical treatment for herniated disc

According to a Mayo Clinic article, the nonsurgical treatment for a herniated disc may include a variety of options on which you and your physician decide. The goal is to reduce pain and allow the injury to heal. Cold and hot therapy are some options including medications that help reduce swelling and pain, muscle relaxants, electrical stimulation, bracing, hydrotherapy, traction, and possibly surgery.

Using cold is recommended to help reduce swelling according to the article. Heat will increase circulation and may increase swelling during the first 48 hours. The Clinic recommends using a package of frozen vegetables wrapped in cloth. Maine Warmers' Back Warmers can be frozen and provide a gentle cold. Their Knee Pack can be used on the back and is made of soft flannel cloth that holds a frozen bag of peas if you need a more intense cold.

Once the pain eases your doctor will be able to prescribe a routine that helps gradually strengthen back muscles through physical therapy. Stretching and aerobics may be a piece of the overall plan which will help
the pain and prevent future injury.

If pain becomes worse, or is worse at while reclining, if a fever persists, or there is a loss of bladder control, tingling in the toes seek immediate medical attention.

Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pads can be heated gently and used without the worry of overheating as with electric heating pads. All of their products can be used over and over again and have a removable washable cover.

How to Relieve Sore Muscles after a Workout

Expect soreness when you start a new exercise routine. Muscle soreness is caused by overextending muscle tissue during a workout in the gym or through sports activities. If you experience soreness "Don’t stop exercising," says Web MD. Your muscles need to become used to the activity level. If the pain is such that it prevents you from doing normal activities then the activity level may be too great and you may need to lessen the workout.

Take up physical activity gradually and don’t push yourself too hard right out of the starting gate. Too much pain will discourage you from going back to do more exercise. Make sure to cool down gently and stretch after exercising. Maintaining flexibility is critical and spending ten minutes or more stretching after a workout is recommended.

WebMD recommends a few things to help ease mild pain associated with exercise. “ … several remedies, such as ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, massage, heat, and stretch have been reported as helpful in the process of recovery."

If your muscles are tight then use a heating pad to help with flexibility. If they are swollen, use ice to reduce the swelling and ease pain.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs to help relax sore tight muscles. Extra Large Back Warmers Back Warmers and Extra Long Neck Heating Pads can be microwaved for heat or frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling without the harshness of ice cubes. These products are also available in a variety of animal shapes, such as an alligator neck warmer and a whale back warmer. Check out all of their Comforting Creatures and traditional heating pads to help deal with muscle stiffness and cramps.