Instant ice pack and back pain

This week on Dispotech's blog we will talk about some common methods for relieving back pain. The benefits of ice are very helpful, so having an ice bag - or a substitute for it - available can be useful! To find out more we will avail ourselves of an article posted on spine-health.com.

One of the most common and simple means of treating back pain is the use of an instant ice pack. Whether it be a reusable gel pack, an instant ice pack or a simple bag of ice wrapped in a piece of cloth, it is now well known that the effect of cold helps to counteract joint and back pain. Several applications throughout the day (for no more than 20 minutes) can greatly help.

There are several instant ice packs on the market. The most common are reusable instant ice packs, i.e. gel-filled packs that can be cooled (or, why not, heated if you want to combine cold and heat therapy, which is also very good). This solution is very popular because of its practicality: you can keep the gel pack in the freezer and use it when you need it.

If we don't have a instant ice pack like this, we can always come up with something with the things we have at home. A home  made ice pack can be prepared in a few minutes by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag and removing the air from it before closing it. The important thing is never to put an ice pack in direct contact with the skin. An iced bag must always be wrapped in a cloth or towel, otherwise you risk burning yourself.

A bag of frozen food can also be a quick solution, as well as a sock filled with rice and placed in the freezer or a sponge first wet and then placed in the freezer - covered with a plastic bag and a dry cloth before applying it to the sore area.

Finally, there are disposable instant ice packs that are activated by a chemical reaction to freeze instantly. This characteristic means that these items do not need to be placed in the freezer: it is enough to apply pressure on the pack, hear a 'crack' and the freezer bag is ready to cool the painful part for a long time.

Despite the convenience of instant ice packs and the speed with which we can create one, it is important to be careful. As mentioned above, ice packs should not be placed in direct contact with the skin: the risk is a nasty ice burn. Furthermore, instant ice pack therapies are not recommended for people suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis, areas with diminished sensitivity, and so on. If you have any doubts about this, consulting your doctor is always the best option.

Do you use instant ice packs? Are you familiar with the pain-relieving action of ice? To find out more, contact Dispotech