Will heat help sore back and shoulders?

[Prudent]

I have two seperate injuries that are uncomfortable even with pain killers. One is pain in the upper spine (result of being punched by a pupil at school today) the other is muscle pain in neck, shoulder and upper arm (a more long standing problem). I have been signed off work and referred to physio.

Can I relieve the pain at all with a heat source like a wheatbag, or will this make it worse? Also are the gels and sprays for muscle pain effective?

[AnnieH]

I'm not giving medical advice, but...in my experience
wheat bags and heat pads are very good at relieving muscular pain and period-type pains. Very moneysaving too;) The sore bit on your spine sounds like it may be bruised, so I don't know about heat on that one...maybe cold compress to stem the bruising? I suppose it depends on how long it has been since it happened. Poor you BTW. That's awful being punched by a pupil. :( Hope it feels better soon :)

[Fizog]

There is a product called biofreeze a pain relieving gel with ilex which you should be able to pick up at a chemists. You could massage that in for a bit of relief but a physio or chiropractor may benefit you by finding the real reason for the ongoing injury.
You may have damaged a muscle elsewhere and that has made you twist your back and the knock on effect is the tension in the shoulder and neck.
Hope it eases off soon. I work in a 'lively' school too so sympathise....

[pavlovs_dog]

or even a soak in a hot deep bath, and a hot water bottle perhaps?

[nappentass]

FWIW I hope you have sought appropriate medical advice - I've had shoulder/neck/back injuries and I'm also intolerant to NSAID painkillers so I can sympathise with you.

To treat myself I use Arnica Gel applied topically - I find it great for relieveing aches, muscle soreness and pain and will always use it for bringing out bruises.
Great thing is you can use it as often as required so can get maximum relief without worrying about it.

The cheapest source I've found is on QVCUK.com - search for arnica gel - but I think you'll be able to find it in health type stores too.

HTH
Jill