I get very confused about when to use ice packs or heating pads if muscles are sore. For a while I used only heat, because it’s a more comfortable temperature. I really don’t like the feeling of cold. Then I discovered that cold and heat serve two different purposes, and sometimes applying heat can make the problem much worse. Now they tell me!

Ice should be used when there’s an inflammation of some sort. That’s because ice will cause the blood vessels to constrict and make the swelling go down. Heat, on the other hand, does just the opposite. It will make blood vessels open wider so more blood can reach the muscles and spine. You need good blood flow to promote healing. Some doctors say you should use ice the first day and then use heat from that point on. By the way, don’t use ice packs or heating pads directly on the skin so you don’t freeze or burn yourself.