First Aid to new Injuries

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 First Aid for New Injuries

.I.C.E. and First Aid for New Injuries 

As always, should pain persist, seek professional attention. 

Most back, neck and joint pain & injuries fall into 2 broad general categories: 

     1. Injuries that get better by themselves. Usually these problems get better within 2-3 weeks. 

     2. Injuries that don't get better by themselves. Problems lasting over 3 weeks frequently become        chronic and recur periodically. Symptoms occur intermittently over time, sometimes better and  sometimes worse, and commonly worsen with age. 

this starts the cycle of pain  

There are new and old problems, but many new problems are merely the latest flare-up of an old injury or condition. 

First Aid For Neck/ Back /Joint Injuries & Flare-ups Of Old Problems (first 48-72 hours) 

The damage caused by uncontrolled swelling is often greater than the initial injury. Healing time increases in direct proportion to the amount of swelling, so it is very important to use ice immediately. 

First: 

If there is no bleeding, dislocation, or fracture: 

R.I.C.E. 

Rest the injury 

Ice the injury 

Compress with an ace bandage 

Elevate the injury above your heart. 

Then: 

After the first 48-72 hours of a new injury, or with old conditions: 

Exercise with ice. 

Once numbed, carefully exercise the area in the pain-free range of motion.

Emphasize circular, spiral and diagonal motions. 

Continue until the numbness wears off, then stop. 

Repeat as frequently as three times a day. 

Gently stretch in ways that do not increase the pain. 

For Back Problems: 

Walking is great therapy as long as the pain is not aggravated. 

How Ice Therapy Works 

Ice initially constricts local blood vessels and decreases tissue temperature. It then dilates deep tissue vessels and increases tissue temperature. These two responses alternate, which act to: 

Decrease pain 

Speed nutrients to the area 

Speed debris removal 

Increase strength 

Promote healing 

Decrease swelling 

Decrease tissue damage 

Decrease blood clot formation 

Decrease inflammation 

Decrease muscle spasm. 

Remember these important points: 

To prevent cold damage, stop as soon as numbness is achieved. Apply ice only 15-20 minutes per treatment. 

Inexpensive ice packs can be made by freezing water in a zip-lock storage bag. (Fill the bag only about 3/4-full.) 

Ice should never be place directly on the skin. A thin towel is good for keeping ice from direct contact with skin. 

Caution: Ice causes changes in the collagen of tissue. Strenuous exercise while the area is numb can result in further damage. 

As always, should pain persist, seek medical attention.