Nothing to do with food

[Luv to Cook]

Since everyone is so helpful I thought I would ask a quick question. My DH threw his back out tonite and we do not have a hot water bottle or a heating pad. I remember reading something about putting uncooked rice into a sock and warming it up in the microwave as a heating pad. Has anyone tried this? Is it safe?

Thanks!

[sneezles]

Well, I've not done it on my own but a few years ago I bought a thingy that was like a tube sock with raw rice in it. Granted a whole box of rice but you just heated it for about 2 minutes in the micro and what a lovely feeling...even for monthly cramps!

[Laura]

I feel your husband's pain...literally. I threw mine out Tues. night trying to go standby and improperly lifting a suitcase. Here is my advice. Do not use heat. Right now you need to ice the area to stop the inflammation. I would ice for 20 minutes then take it off. I did that all day Wednesday and I am remarkably better today. Once the pain has eased some then you can add heat to warm the muscles and stretch. Heat feels better initially but really, in the begining it does more harm than good.

[MrsReber]

I have to agree with Laura. The only other thing I've heard of is to alternate ice with moist heat (a towel placed in hot water and then wrung out). However, the rule of thumb is to use ice for the first 24-48 hours to stop the swelling, then use heat (preferably moist heat). How do I know this? Years and years of dislocated, swollen knees. Ouch!! If you alternate with hot and cold, it makes the muscles expand and contract and "pumps" out any fluid that may build up. At least, where knees are concerned. Hope hubby is feeling better!!

[Vanessa]

Hi. Well for sprains and strains the procedure is RIC which stands for rest/ice/compression.
When my DH injured his back I kept putting ice on the site. He said it help a lot since it "numbs" the pain. If his back is not better after a few days he should have it checked. He might be sent to a physical therapy session. My dad suffers from his back and every yr 3 times or so it flares up. He puts ice, a muscle relaxant and rest.

[Kristilyn1]

I love the rice in the sock thing. My sister learned this trick from the nurse's that she worked with. Literally, fill a sock with uncooked white rice and tie off the end. Pop in micro and heat (not superheat though!!!) feels awesome.

Kristi

[Luv to Cook]

Thanks everyone...all the advice seems to be working. He is resting and not complaining!!! But a stupid question about the rice in sock...how long can u keep it...does it ever go bad?

Thanks so much!!

[schuh]

If you want to do a heat compress to a smallish area, last week I soaked a wash cloth with hot water, wrung out the water and put it in a zip lock bag (quart size). It worked fine but didn't last long. You could use a larger towel and put it in the gallon size. Just something else to try.