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  • Relieve pain with hot or cold
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Treatments for chronic pain

Relieve pain with hot or cold

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avatar JosephineO

JosephineO

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26/02/2019 at 12:15

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avatar JosephineO

JosephineO

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Last activity on 15/07/2024 at 09:21

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989 comments posted | 31 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

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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?


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avatar Eddyyy

Eddyyy

26/02/2019 at 17:44

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avatar Eddyyy

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Last activity on 19/10/2021 at 10:44

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73 comments posted | 7 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

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When I used to play rugby I regularly use ice on my knees after a rough game. It helps a lot.

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Eddyyy


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-02-26 17:44:25

avatar JosephineO

JosephineO

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05/03/2019 at 17:40

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avatar JosephineO

JosephineO

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Last activity on 15/07/2024 at 09:21

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989 comments posted | 31 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

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Do any other members use hot or cold to treat pain? 

@Suzieb0408‍ @Tinky13‍ @VonnyM‍ @Bluebear50‍ @agusia34‍ @silentjourney‍ @jplenty‍ @fadgie‍ @LyKon82‍ @scotland‍ @fern67‍ @Pixierose ‍ @Erika1‍ @IsItAllWorthIt‍ @annie53‍ @heart1‍ @Suzhannah‍ @Bevyanne‍ @Eileen Byrne‍ @dod1888‍ @emmajaneleese‍ @Kirsty78‍ @BasilsMum‍ @tiggermurphy ‍ @wintersice‍ @Hileena‍ @Ozzette76‍ @laney365‍ @Yank34‍ @Millie839‍ @Shumm72‍ @Littlehedge‍ @Hamiltìon‍ @Jeannette‍ 

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Josephine, Community Manager


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-05 17:40:36

avatar fern67

fern67

05/03/2019 at 17:53

avatar fern67

fern67

Last activity on 16/04/2019 at 13:45

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3 comments posted | 2 in the Treatments for chronic pain group


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I use the cold gel, have tried the hot and it was no good

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Fern67


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-05 17:53:47

avatar Suzhannah

Suzhannah

05/03/2019 at 22:23

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avatar Suzhannah

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56 comments posted | 2 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

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Cold is only usually needed after an initial injury so I use heat every time Heat pads Hot water bottles Microwave cushions etc 

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Suzanne


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-05 22:23:35

avatar JosephineO

JosephineO

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06/03/2019 at 12:03

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avatar JosephineO

JosephineO

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989 comments posted | 31 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

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@fern67 @Suzhannah Thank you for sharing :) Have any members tried "Tiger balm"? It is used a lot in Asian countries and has a heating effect that is supposed to work very well.

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Josephine, Community Manager


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-06 12:03:11

avatar Suzhannah

Suzhannah

06/03/2019 at 13:00

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avatar Suzhannah

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@JosephineO Yes tiger balm Also here in Ireland my doctor prescribed a capsum or capsicum cream that is very warm Probably made from chili's as instructions to avoid eyes n mouth n fully wash hands 

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Suzanne


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-06 13:00:52
avatar exit

Unregistered member

09/03/2019 at 11:22

I used ice packs on my knee when i had my knee replacment.  heaven oh the relief


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-09 11:22:21

avatar lesmal

lesmal

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09/03/2019 at 16:31

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avatar lesmal

lesmal

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Last activity on 29/06/2025 at 11:24

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1,488 comments posted | 12 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

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I was diagnosed with Osteopenia of the hip and Osteoporosis of the spine in November, 2018... No pain killers help at this stage. I've found using a hot water bottle relieves the pain in my lower back at times, but again mainly at night whilst relaxing. The doctor won't prescribe pain killers; only paracetamol which doesn't help.  

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Les


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-09 16:31:53

avatar Eddyyy

Eddyyy

11/03/2019 at 09:45

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avatar Eddyyy

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Last activity on 19/10/2021 at 10:44

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73 comments posted | 7 in the Treatments for chronic pain group

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I also got my widsdom teeth removed before and I practically had a bag of peas strapped to my face for days! It really helps.

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Eddyyy


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-11 09:45:43
avatar exit

Unregistered member

31/03/2019 at 21:33

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. 


Relieve pain with hot or cold https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/treatments-for-chronic-pain/relieve-pain-with-hot-or-cold-2745 2019-03-31 21:33:28
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