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Relieve pain with hot or cold

Published 26 Feb 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 avoid swelling of the joint.

Soulager la douleur

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, for example, 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 - 100, - 110 °C 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 centres 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 case of tissue contractures and tensions (stiff neck, aches, menstrual pain, etc.) in the form of a hot shower, hot-water bottle or compress saturatedwith hot water. Physiotherapists use infrared lamps to apply a hot spring 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, either from the hot or the cold. Never apply ice cubes directly to the skin, and be careful when handling hot water," warns Professor Serge Perrot, President of the Société française d'étude et de traitement de la douleur. 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

19 comments


nineteen_gale
on 31/03/2019

I did use Tiger Balm once after my spinal surgery Applied it before bed time and slept overnight. The next morning my bed sheet was turmeric yellow and I couldn't get the stains off. So never used it again. perhaps I should heve covered the bed sheet with something. 


JosephineO • Community manager
on 04/04/2019

@nineteen_gale Less is learned for next time :)


nineteen_gale
on 05/04/2019

I find relaxing in very hot bath with Magnisium sulphate crystals vey helpful in relaxing muscles and joints


GloriaG
on 13/05/2019

@nineteen_gale   Hi, I wish I could relax in my very big corner bath with hot water and essential oils in the water......but....I can't get in it...or out of it....Hate to think of being stuck there all night until the fire brigade rescue me...lol...ha..ha...


nineteen_gale
on 13/05/2019

Oh, so sorry to hear that. You can still soak your feet or legs up to your knees in a bucket of hot water with Mag sulf and your hands too if they are affected.

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