Ice vs. Heat

Normally when you hurt and feel bad you might think to reach for the heating pad. However, although both heat and ice can have a pain relieving effect, ice, in many instances, is better for you.  When you have an injury or arthritic flare up there is a local temporary inflammation in the tissues.  Think of this like a local fever. if you had a child with a fever you would never give them a hot drink, a hot bath and put them into a hot bed, instead, you would try to cool them down. In the same way, when you have irritated your tissues it is better to cool them down by applying ice. Apply an ice pack for five to seven minutes before taking a two minute break. Repeat  four to five times in one treatment session. Heat  feels good (at least when it's not 97 degrees outside) but is more beneficial for a tense neck or a general joint achiness. (Not associated with a trauma , accident or repetitive strain.)