Ice?

[jotabravo]

I have been dealing with a lumbar back problem for about 2 years.  I am 2 1/2 months out of a L5/S1 fusion.  I am wondering why I have never been told to ice my back.  When I had my ACL reconstructed from a soccer injury, the rule of thumb was "ice, ice and more ice."  As long as you kept with 20 minutes on 20 minutes off, you could not ice too much.  I have NEVER been told to ice my back.  

The spine is a complex joint that is affected by inflammation and post surgery scarring.  Ice helps significantly with both of these.  

Anyone else been told to do this?  Or not too?  Please post...

[MKappelmann]

Yes, ever since I started having back problems, I was told to ice. It is amazing how common sense is not always present even w/surgeons. Good luck

[jotabravo]

This does not make sense to me.  The healing properties that ice has by reducing inflammation is incredible.  Ask any orthepedic doctor.  Any type of joint surgery you are told you ice the **** out of it.  I have just begun doing this to my back where I had my fusion done and I immediately can tell I am getting results.  20 minutes on 20 minutes off.  Too much can actually cause more swelling but 20 on 20 off all day long is good for as long as you can handle doing it.  It wont be a cureall but it sure helps!

I take a ziplock bag of ice when I drive to be able to ice.

Does anyone have any feedback regarding this?

[jotabravo]

Noone?