CHIROPRACTIC CARE I have a few bouts of lower back pain per year and am confused as to what to use to reduce pain. Do you recommend heat or ice? A If you have sustained an injury and/or the area is red or swollen, ice should be used at a frequency of 20 minutes on and 1 hour off for pain and inflammation. For chronic spasming or degenerative arthritis, heat, at the same frequency, is usually a better option. If you are unsure, it is wise to err on the side of icing. While ice may not always help, it does not have the potential of worsening a condition like heat can. Consult with your healthcare provider as to what suits your specific diagnosis best. Dr Brok A. TOWNLEY Chiropractic Origin Chiropractic Physician 1203 28th St. S, Suite A Fargo, ND 280-2599 CHIROPRACTIC CARE I have a few bouts of lower back pain per year and am confused as to what to use to reduce pain. Do you recommend heat or ice? A If you have sustained an injury and/or the area is red or swollen, ice should be used at a frequency of 20 minutes on and 1 hour off for pain and inflammation. For chronic spasming or degenerative arthritis, heat, at the same frequency, is usually a better option. If you are unsure, it is wise to err on the side of icing. While ice may not always help, it does not have the potential of worsening a condition like heat can. Consult with your healthcare provider as to what suits your specific diagnosis best. Dr Brok A. TOWNLEY Chiropractic Origin Chiropractic Physician 1203 28th St. S, Suite A Fargo, ND 280-2599