NonDrug Pain Management Ideas: Cold Applications

Cold therapy has been around since the age of Hippocrates. You might think of applying an ice pack as first aid for sprains, black eyes, and such, but it also plays a role in some forms of chronic pain.

The application of cold packs to arthritic joints,or pinched nerves for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can provide dramatic relief from those pesky aches. The cold sensation has a numbing effect, so pain in the immediate area of cold application is usually relieved for a time.

The cold temperature also causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict, resulting in decreased blood flow. The decrease in blood flow tends to decrease the inflammatory response in the affected area.

It might be useful to try this the next time you feel that unpleasant ache!

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