Cryotherapy is a common and effective approach to achieving back pain relief and helping patients along the road to recovery. Paired with other Chiropractic adjustment techniques, cryotherapy can be instrumental in helping patients to recover from a spinal injury. Ice therapy is most effective in easing this pain shortly after an injury.

 

What is Cryotherapy in Chiropractic?

Also known as cold therapy and ice therapy, cryotherapy is a technique used by Chiropractors to decrease swelling and inflammation in the spine. Rather than only using cryotherapy, Chiropractors often combine ice therapy with at least one other method of treatment. When used on the appropriate occasions, cryotherapy can play a crucial role in helping patients to overcome back pain.

Cryotherapy treatment relies on exposing inflamed parts of the spine to cold temperatures for a sustained treatment. This treatment has a variety of positive effects. First, applying ice therapy to injured parts of the body reduces overall swelling and inflammation. Like laser therapy, it can play a role in healing tissue damage.

In addition to promoting overall spinal health, cryotherapy also goes a long way in soothing pain. Following the same principle as icing an injury, cryotherapy provides temporary pain relief for spinal injuries. The cold temperatures from cryotherapy treatments have a numbing effect on the tissue, similar to local anesthetics. Icing the nerves also slows the nerve signals. This consequently prevents the transmission of pain signals, easing pain in the affected areas.

 

How is Cryotherapy Performed?

Before providing treatment, the Chiropractor will conduct an examination of the spine to determine which portions are in need of attention. If the Chiropractor determines that cryotherapy should be included in this treatment, then he will utilize this technique, as well as others.

These are the two primary applications of cryotherapy:

  • Ice Massages:The Chiropractor applies an ice cube against the skin during an ice massage, moving it against the impacted area. Because prolonged exposure can be harmful to the skin, ice massages last between five and ten minutes.
  • Ice Pack Application: Rather than applying an ice cube directly to the skin, specialized Chiropractic ice packs can have the same soothing effect, while also reducing inflammation. In order to prevent ice burns, we take care to always separate the ice and bare skin with clothing or towel layers.

Which Conditions Does Cryotherapy Treat?

Patients that suffered a spinal injury that causes swelling, inflammation, or a similar injury will benefit from cryotherapy:

ice pack on spine

 

Is Ice Therapy Uncomfortable?

While cryotherapy may be slightly uncomfortable during the application, it will have a soothing effect on the spine, and the body as a whole. After the procedure is complete, the benefits of ice therapy will continue to ease the body’s pain.

Why Should I Choose Cryotherapy over Heat Therapy?

While both heat therapy and cold therapy involve extreme temperatures, they are not used to treat similar injuries. The main idea behind heat therapy is improving circulation. In turn, this dilates the blood vessels, and brings nutrition to the designated area.

Cryotherapy, on the other hand, is used to treat swelling and similar injuries. Depending on the Chiropractor’s evaluation, he may decide that one or both of these techniques will be helpful.

 

Schedule a Chiropractic Appointment for Car Accident Injuries Today

After suffering an car accident injury, visiting a chiropractor should be a priority. Dr. Brenner can help you to identify any injuries that could cause pain in the future, and provide chiropractic treatments that will offer pain relief and recover for the long term. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and begin the recovery process.