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Cold or heat to relieve pain: Which is the best option?
The application of two natural elements such as cold and heat, are very useful to relieve pain. But which is more effective, and what kind of pain to use it for?
We have all been victims of a fall, sprain, or one of those annoying pains that overwhelm us for days. And while painkillers help, a warm compress or ice pack has a more direct effect on the spot.
Do not abuse painkillers, and learn how to treat pain in a practical and natural way, implementing a little cold or heat as needed. And to alleviate your doubts, here we show you how.
Benefits of Cold: How to apply to relieve pain?
If you see, or are recommended to relieve pain with ice, don't worry, it is to activate vasoconstriction. This is the name given to the process by which blood vessels contract due to cold.
This results in a reduction in blood flow, which reduces inflammation, thereby gradually easing the pain.
In general terms, it manages to regulate the intensity of circulation, but also numbs the skin and helps reduce the impact on the tissue. That is why it is not surprising that athletes apply it very frequently.
Cold methods to relieve pain
There are different ways to take advantage of the benefits of cold, however, these are the most effective methods that will help you.
Cold pack:
This is the name given to the bags that contain a special gel, which is cooled in the freezer and used directly for this type of therapy.
Buy one and keep it in the refrigerator, as it is a very practical way to be prepared for any accident.
Ice Cube:
If the injury is in a direct area, and you don't have a lot of ice, take a small ice cube and use it to massage the area. Go through the entire affected area with it, until you feel the pain decrease.
Ice bath: When we play sports, micro tears occur, where the blood accelerates and there is muscle pain. To deal with this, soaking for a few minutes in a tub of ice water will help dissipate the pressure.
This technique is the most appropriate for sports such as rugby, boxing, soccer and any other discipline that involves intense wear.
Cold compress:
This is applied as a quick and practical solution. To do this, wrap some pieces of ice in a piece of cloth, or dip a cloth in water, which is cold enough, and then apply it to the affected area.
When to apply cold?
The implementation of cold is applicable during the first 48 hours in which the injury occurs, since the inflammation and accelerated flow is what causes the pain.
Cold should be used sparingly, just for a few minutes every hour.
This therapy is recommended for injuries such as blows, sprains, strains, and in some cases fractures.
It is a quick attention, but in the event of any accident, first consult a doctor to avoid that it is not something more serious.
The benefits of heat and its application methods
Contrary to cold, heat does not help to regulate, but to dilate blood vessels, making blood circulate faster. This contributes to the increase in oxygen, and to other elements that make the pain decrease.
The blood obstruction produces pain, evident in cases of headaches or varicose veins, however, the heat manages to relieve it.
By applying heat, the muscles are also decompressed, stiffness is eliminated and muscle flexibility is restored.
Techniques for applying heat
When the pain is frequent in a specific area, a heat therapy, like the one we will show you below, will be your best ally.
Thermal bag:
A simple and effective tool that is obtained in various presentations, consists of a small bag that is filled with hot water and placed on the affected area. These types of bags can also be filled with gel that can be heated.
Warm compress: When you are hot, ideally you should use a cloth that is thick enough to properly absorb water.
Although care must be taken to avoid burns, we cannot deny that compresses are very useful for headaches.
Electric blankets:
They are greatly useful to treat pain in areas such as the neck or legs.
You can surround the affected part with the blanket, placing it for a few minutes, and then removing it. This repeated process, every so often, will help you get your circulation flowing.
Hot massage:
When massaging an area of our body that feels pain, heat is automatically being generated by rubbing and friction. If this massage is accompanied by a medicinal oil that increases the sensation of heat, it will be much more effective.
When is heat required?
Heat therapy is applied when the pain appears after 48 hours of applying cold , and it does not have to be associated with a direct or recent injury.
Blood accumulation can be caused by several factors, and this is the main cause that generates pain, and therefore, heat counteracts.
Whichever method is used, it should be applied for a few minutes and then removed. The correct standard of heat to be applied is between 34 to 36 degrees, and the sensitivity of the skin to which it is applied must always be taken into account.
Cold and heat are two very simple natural elements that have become great allies for health. Take care of yourself, be prudent and do not hesitate to use them to deal with day-to-day pain.
