Heat and cold is commonly used separately or in combination as part of professional or at-home, non-surgical treatments of back pain, neck pain and other symptoms related to the spine. Cold therapy works to slow inflammation and swelling, numb sore tissues, slow nerve impulses in injured areas, and decrease tissue damage.  Heat therapy works to stretch the soft tissues; increase the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the muscles; stimulate the skin’s sensory receptors; decrease transmission of pain signals; and accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.

In this ISASS Guide for Patients:

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The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for medical advice in any way.  A licensed medical professional should be consulted for any and all medical conditions and symptoms.

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