Back Pain Tips San Diego CA

 

Ice vs. Heat? 

 

When patients come into our office, one of the first things I let them know for post therapy treatment is on this topic.

 

So, which is better, ice or heat?

 

In general, ice is what I choose to use with my patients based upon what I want it to accomplish. Ice causes something called "vasoconstriction", which basically means it pushes out inflammation and swelling which helps to lower the overall pain levels. Most of my patients are dealing with disc injuries that are pretty serious in nature and high in pain. 

If we are heating these injuries, although it can feel good at the time, it will generally cause something called "vasodilation" which will bring extra blood into the already inflamed and irritated tissues which can then further increase the pain.

We want to be sure we use ice for only 20 minutes per hour and NEVER ice the skin directly, always use a shirt or a cloth over it to prevent tissue damage.

 

Dr. Cassidy Boelk D.C.

Dr. Boelk is the clinic founder, director and head treating doctor at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, He loves helping patients get pain-free as fast as possible and back to enjoying life once again. Dr. Boelk holds the following licenses and certifications:

#1 Rated Spinal Decompression Office In San Diego Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic California Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor California X-ray Radiology Licensed Doctor Pain Free Performance Specialist The International Disc Education Association Member

He has personally recovered from a broken back, 3 herniated and bulging discs and a variety of other sports related injuries. He specializes in helping patients with chronic neck & back pain as well as patients with disc bulges, disc herniation’s, sciatica and degenerative disc disease among many other disc related conditions and injuries. For over 18 years, Dr. Boelk has treated countless patients & has performed over 30,000 decompression sessions on patients who have tried everything else and been unable to get rid of their pain.

Dr Boelk has been an avid athlete his whole life. He played football, baseball, basketball & hockey all at very highly competitive levels. He also enjoys golf, snowboarding & surfing both here in San Diego and Mexico & abroad. He is an avid surfer and you can find him at various breaks throughout San Diego County. He continues to play hockey, baseball and golf. He is also an active member of NXPT Fitness and enjoys the workouts, the results, and especially the great trainers and members. No matter what you’re passionate about, Dr. Boelk is ready to help you return to a fully active lifestyle without pain.