Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
I was recently in a car accident, and my back has been hurting me. is it better to ice it or apply heat?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Both: initially first 24-48 hours they recommend ice.to minimize any damages and to slow any bleeding,ice will constrict the blood vessels,and minimize damages after they recommend heat,by now the muscle hurt,and spastic,heat will help the muscle relax,and minimize the spasm. the important thing is ,if you have not been evaluated by a physician since the accident,go and do so,you might have a bad injury
Answered 5/15/2015
3k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
I have acute plantar fasciitis. Why would applying ice to the area make it hurt worse? The pain is very sharp. Would heat be better?
5 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
A member asked:
My eyelid is swollen and hurts. Should I ice it? Or apply heat to it?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
My thumb got slammed in a car door 3 days back, treated with ice bags and took pain killer.Its swollen now. What can I do? Heat up thumb? How?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Hurt a muscle after car accdt in lower back. Hurts to touch gently. Tried heat/ice/prof massage. Still can't sit/stand/sleep/walk right. What do I do?
Lower back still continues after car accident 2 months ago. In the morning wake up in pain been streyching, using heating pad but still in pain?
I have a 10 year old knee injury caused by a bike accident. My knee is stiff&hurts after "insanity" workouts. Should I apply cooling or heating cream?
Fell on my knees&nose.Hurt my wrist,nose,&knees.How many hours/days after accident do I use ice on my wrist&knees?Can I use heat towel after 7 days?
My wife sneezed and hurt her lower back pretty badly. We have been using ice/heat alieve. What is our next step if she isn't better by morning.
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
