The more you understand the biomechanics of how your body works, the better you can care for yourself. Scientific knowledge of how the body functions empowers you to care for your most valuable possession: Your Body. Of course, we cannot diagnose or treat online, so if you continue having symptoms, or if symptoms worsen, see a qualified health professional. As always, should pain persist, seek professional attention. Click here to Find A Professional near you.

Most back, neck and joint pain & injuries fall into two broad general categories:

1. Injuries that get better by themselves.

Usually these problems get better within 2-3 weeks.

2. Injuries that don’t get better by themselves.

Problems lasting over 3 weeks frequently become chronic and recur periodically. Symptoms occur intermittently over time, sometimes better and sometimes worse, and commonly worsen with age. This starts The Pain Cycle

There are new and old problems, but many “new” problems are merely the latest flare-up of an old injury or condition.

First Aid For Neck/ Back /Joint Injuries & Flare-ups Of Old Problems (first 48-72 hours)

The damage caused by uncontrolled swelling is often greater than the initial injury. Healing time increases in direct proportion to the amount of swelling, so it is very important to use ice immediately.

First:

If there is no bleeding, dislocation, or fracture:

R.I.C.E.

• Rest the injury
• Ice the injury
• Compress with an Ace bandage
• Elevate the injury above your heart.

Then:

After the first 48-72 hours of a new injury, or with old conditions:

• Exercise with ice.
• Once numbed, carefully exercise the area in the pain-free range of motion.
• Emphasize circular, spiral and diagonal motions.
• Continue until the numbness wears off, then stop.
• Repeat as frequently as three times a day.
• Gently stretch in ways that do not increase the pain.

For Back Problems:

Walking is great therapy as long as the pain is not aggravated.

How Ice Therapy Works:

Ice initially constricts local blood vessels and decreases tissue temperature. It then dilates deep tissue vessels and increases tissue temperature. These two responses alternate, which act to:

· Decrease pain

· Speed nutrients to the area

· Speed debris removal

· Increase strength

· Promote healing

· Decrease swelling

· Decrease tissue damage

· Decrease blood clot formation

· Decrease inflammation

· Decrease muscle spasm

Remember these important points:

· To prevent cold damage, stop as soon as numbness is achieved. Apply ice only 15-20 minutes per treatment.

· Inexpensive ice packs can be made by freezing water in a zip-lock storage bag. (Fill the bag only about 3/4-full.)

· Ice should never be place directly on the skin. A thin towel is good for keeping ice from direct contact with skin.

· Caution: Ice causes changes in the collagen of tissue. Strenuous exercise while the area is numb can result in further damage.

· As always, should pain persist, seek medical attention.