Spinecare Topics

  • By: ISA Content Team
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Superficial Heat

Superficial heat can be applied in the form of hot packs, moist warm towels, heating pads, water bottles, and infrared lamps.  Heat is applied to help raise the temperature of soft tissues directly below the surface of the skin.  The application of heat to the surface of the skin improves blood flow to the underlying region.  Heat stimulates the dilation of blood vessels in the skin and below the surface of the skin.  It helps relax tissues and can be used to help temporarily reduce pain.  The application of heat may be used with other forms of therapy such as chiropractic treatment, spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, or other treatments.  The use of heat is usually recommended to help relax tissues, which are in spasm and to provide temporary relief of the symptoms associated with chronic pain and muscle tightness.  In summary, the use of heat helps to calm tissues, to increase flexibility, improve range of motion, and to promote increased circulation to help speed the healing process.


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To learn more about your spine. spinehealth, and available spinecare go to the International Spine Assocition (ISA) at www.spineinformation.org. The primary mission of the ISA is to improve spinehealth and spinecare through education. The ISA is committed to disseminating need-to-know information throught the World Wide Web in numerous languages covering many topics related to the spine, including information about spine disorders, spine heath, advances in technology and available spinecare



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All health information posted on the site is based on the latest research and national treatment standards, and have been written or reviewed and appoved by the American Acedemy of Spine Physicians and/or International Spine Association physicians or health professionals unless otherwise specified.



The information provided on this site is designed to support. not replace,
the relationship that exists between patient/site visitor and his/her physician.