Should a lumbar sprain be treated with cold or heat therapy?
Disease description:
Today, I injured my lower back while working and am wondering about treatment options—should I use cold or heat therapy for a lumbar sprain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Cold compress is generally recommended. Following a lumbar muscle strain, muscle fibers tear, leading to bleeding within the muscle and soft tissues, which in turn causes swelling and pain. Applying an ice pack at this stage helps control soft tissue bleeding. Additionally, cold therapy can numb pain receptors and alleviate local swelling and pain. Once the swelling and pain have subsided, heat application may be used to promote recovery of the muscle and soft tissues.
