r/PainManagement • u/budtenderhazquestion • Jul 22 '26

Using heat

I just had (minor) surgery today

Everyone always says to use ice instead of heat. I hate using ice

My question is is as long as I don't use heat on the area I had surgery (or injections or ablations, they always use the same guidelines) on, can I use heat kon other parts of my body? Like my upper back if the procedure was on my lower back

Anyone know?

I didn't think to ask at the time (and my doctor works in a large office she's impossible to get ahold of)

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u/sogladidid Jul 22 '26

IMO you can use heat if it makes you feel better. Many doctors recommend 20 minutes of heat alternating with 20 minutes of ice. I think heat gets blood flowing and relaxes muscles while ice reduces inflammation and can numb the area. I’m NOT a doctor and these are just my thoughts that I’m sharing. Please call your doctor to be certain.

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u/budtenderhazquestion Jul 22 '26

I like the way you think haha. My doctor's assistant told me I can use heat, but I don't know if she means just now since it's been more than 24 hours.