Being a truck driver can certainly be hard on your body. Hours of sitting and lumping freight can create multiple discomforts that can be difficult to treat, especially if you don’t know what to do. Appling ice or heat can help you combat and ease many of the aches and pains you develop. Here is a quick list of the most common aches that truckers suffer from and if it’s better to apply ice or heat.
Using an Ice Pack
Here are some basics of using an ice pack:
- For the first 72 hours of pain, swelling, and inflammation, apply ice for 10 minutes at a time, once an hour.
- After 72 hours, use ice for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.
- Always keep a cloth between your skin and the ice pack and press firmly against the affected area.
- Do not apply ice for longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Applying Heat
- Always start with the lowest setting and turn up the heat if needed.
- Apply a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes per hour.
- Place a towel between the heating pad and your skin if necessary.
- Remember that heating pads can burn your skin, so heed the time suggestions and be careful that you don’t fall asleep while using a heating pad.
If your injury is prolonged or chronic and doesn’t show any signs of improvement, you are going to want to take a trip to the doctor’s office to have it properly diagnosed and treated.
