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Relieve pain with hot or cold

Published Feb 26, 2019

Relieve pain with hot or cold

Thanks to its relaxing effect, heat is very useful against muscle contractures or cramps. Cold is beneficial on a sprain or strain to control swelling.

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Have you ever heard of thermotherapy? It is the act of applying hot and cold to treat the ailments of the patient. Far from being grandmother's remedy, their effects on pain are well documented. Their effectiveness, although moderate and transitory, can provide many services.

Cold, an ally against pain?

Cold is an ally against pain. Its anti-inflammatory action relieves acute pain in the event of trauma or osteoarthritis outbreaks, for example. Scientific studies show that it causes a decrease in the body's production of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines or prostaglandins. It also slows down the conduction rate of nerve fibres, and therefore also has an anaesthetic action. In fact, who has not applied ice cubes after a violent impact, a sprain, a sprain, a bruise?

"In case of acute pain, packs left in the freezer or ice cubes in a cloth provide relief. Even a bag of frozen peas will do," explains Professor Didier Bouhassira, from the pain assessment and treatment centre at Ambroise-Paré Hospital. Doctors also use it. After a knee replacement, they recommend applying cold every day. In sports, cold is often used to treat injuries. But all this is very empirical, and the relief is often modest and short-lived.

The promise of extreme cold

Perhaps that's why some people rely on the extreme cold. For about fifteen years, cryotherapy cabins have appeared in France. They consist in immersing oneself, whole body and practically naked, in an environment at - 148, - 166 °F for two to three minutes. Thermal shock is said to help with physical recovery, especially for athletes. But others try to relieve pain such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar pain or fibromyalgia. "Here again, it's very empirical", admits Didier Bouhassira. "Thermal shock would slow down the nervous system and pain transmission, but the benefit is not proven, and the centers that offer this therapy are a little esoteric!"

Heat to ease tensions

In contrast to cold, heat has a relaxing effect that induces muscle relaxation and promotes tissue elasticity. This effect is related to vasodilation, which improves blood circulation. The heat, the second ally against pain, is used in cases of soft tissue contractures and tensions (stiff neck, aches, menstrual pain, etc.). Heat can be in the forms of hot showers, hot-water bottles (applied on the sking), or a heat compress pack. Physical Therapists use infrared lamps to apply heat and adjust its intensity according to the pain.

Beware of adverse reactions

"Thermotherapy can reduce the use of painkillers and provide some benefit. But it is not without side effects with the risk of burns, from either the hot or the cold. Never apply ice directly to the skin, and be careful when handling hot water," warns Professor Serge Perrot, President of the Society of France Pain Treatment. The application of heat is also not recommended in cases of venous insufficiency and skin disorders.

 

And what are your remedies for pain?


Le Figaro Santé

1

Le Figaro Santé

2 comments


Lee__R • Community manager
on 2/28/19

Hello members, many of you may already be aware of the benefits of hot and cold in relation to injuries. I wanted to bring to your attention this article, as well as encourage you to share your experiences and opinions using heat and cold for your painful conditions.

Feel free to share information on your condition and how heat and cold has been used to control the pain.

Also, if you are dealing with chronic pain, do not forget to join the Chronic Pain Group so you can participate in the discussions and connect with other dealing with chronic pain.

@Marglen‍ @Rebelcwgrl‍ @Punkin‍ @Grasshopper77‍ @Constance56‍ @jasmine1092‍ @GaryFinlayson‍ @BeachLife18‍ @Heavenbound813‍ @karm!nR‍ @nomorenomore‍ @Jennycake‍ @Twoodby370‍ @klosslau‍ @bworrles57‍ @kkane410‍ @Follytee‍ @Greatestnana1‍ @painman‍ @Cdh1455‍ @falcons200‍ @misscynthia‍ @mvmentme‍ @tbintliff‍ @Krean2783‍ @Simona‍ @Marlaj‍ @marlajf‍ @GLENDA‍ @Shaken’Baker‍ @Mbuletza‍ @Danak17‍ @Shedevil68‍ @missfixit79‍ @Nancy1‍ @Melissamason07‍ @EileenB‍ @DaisyNana‍ @Cemax12000‍ @Momharris14‍ @Jvends247‍ @autumnjewel‍ @Godwinikpeme‍ 


Cdh1455
on 3/4/19

Thank you all. I am on a quest. I am not finding much relief. I have some severe sciatica. I have for lack of a better term a badly slipped disc and exposed nerve. I have had one cortisone treatment that proved moderately effective. Another is in the works from a different angle and we will see how effective this is. The pain is pretty much intolerable without a combination of medications for inflammation, naproxen, Tylenol, tumeric, b vitamins, euflexxa for arthritis of the knee, hot and cold exercise and any natural remedies I can seek out. Seems like surgery is the end of the road discussion. Have to wait and see if this next treatment is effective. Am hoping and praying. Without meds the pain is debilitating. I am trying to cope while waiting for the procedure. Keeping positive thoughts. 

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