Ice or Heat?

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

Do I use heat or ice, Doc? This seems to be the most commonly asked question in my office. People find it difficult to remember when to use which one.

Applying ice or heat can provide relief from injuries, aches and pains, but they cannot be used interchangeably. In a general sense, ice works best for sudden injury, while heat is best to soothe longer term aches and pains.

Sleep Well?

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

Do you sleep well? Do you wake up often throughout the night? Do you just toss and turn all night? Has your doctor or some professional told you to sleep on your sides as the best option?

If you sleep poorly, I’d bet you are a stomach or side sleeper. If you are waking up in the morning with shoulder, neck, hip, leg, or back pain, it could be from your sleeping positons.

The biomechanics of pressure points on the body show that if you are side-lying, there is much less surface area over which to spread weight bearing than there is when lying on your back. Try watching a long movie by just laying on your side. You can’t do it, something hurts or goes numb and you must change position.