Low
back and neck pain may be caused by trauma or continual
strain. The body responds to such pain with muscle guarding,
an attempt to immobilize the painful site by tightening
the muscles. Muscle guarding impairs circulation in the
affected area. The decrease in blood supply leads to a
decrease in metabolism with an accumulation of waste products.
TENS Units (transcutaneous electric nerve
stimulator) and moist heat modalities can help break this
pain cycle and aid in the normal healing process.
What
is Moist Heat?
Medical
professionals explain that when heat is applied to the
body it causes dilation of the blood vessels in the area
being treated. This increase in blood flow brings freash
blood to the area and takes waste away from it. The result
is that heat eases pain and speeds healing. Moist heat
treatments are more effective than dry heat treatments
because moisture transmits heat better than air. For centuries,
people have known that heat can relieve pain. We soak
in hot tubs or apply electric heating pads because we
know instinctively that heat will help us feel better.
What
does heat do?
Heat
improves circulation
Heat
improves cell function (metabolism)
Heat
decreases stiffness in tendons and ligaments
Heat
relaxes the muscles and decreases muscle spasm
