Of course, if the doctor determines back pain is not due to sprain or strain, he will look further, which may include seeking the opinion of a another specialist. During the first 24 to 48 hours cold therapy helps to reduce swelling, muscle spasm, and pain by reducing blood flow to the injured area. Most sprains and strains heal within a few weeks. These work by relieving both swelling and pain. Usually, after the first 48 hours, heat therapy is used to warm sore tissues.
Heat increases blood flow warming and relaxing soft tissues.
Heat therapy is often used in physical therapy to prepare patients for gentle stretching and exercise to increase flexibility. When combined with stretching, the benefits of heat therapy are greater than heat alone. Thankfully, most sprains and strains can be managed using the treatments listed above. Rarely is surgery a consideration. Typically disorders that may warrant surgery include spinal cord impingement and structural deformity.