What is the depth of penetration of therapeutic cold therapy (cryotherapy)? Could it have a physiolgic effect on a herniated disc as to cause pain relief or repair?
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Does cold therapy penetrate deep enough to affect a herniated lumbar disc?
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Back Pain America
Pain Relief, Pinched Nerve
Herniated Disc, Joint Pain
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Back Pain ReliefPain Relief, Pinched Nerve
Herniated Disc, Joint Pain
Sciatica, Upper Back Pain
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tips, secrets, services and products.
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#1 by CAT on August 31st, 2011
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cold won’t work, and it will more then likely make it hurt worse, heat helps.
#2 by ttpawpaw on August 31st, 2011
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You are asking several question, each with different answers. First the pain relief. Yes cold can provide pain relief, as well as heat. Each person is different as to the amount of cold or heat that will help, without hurting. I have some permanent scaring on my back from a heating pad. Some people use cold only, some use heat only. Most use an alternating pattern of heat-15min, next, rest 15 min, next cold 15 min, next rest 15min, repeat. The exact amount of time is up to you and your system.
Next is the disc repair. No it does not work, directly. Indirectly it can help. The rest and pain relief you get from the cold helps you relax which can in turn relax your back muscles which can help the disc return to normal. You notice I use the word “can”. There are no promises on the repair side.
I began with a ruptured disc about 15 years ago. I have been using the heat/cold therapy ever since.pp