Some of the simplest pain relief strategies can involve different temperature applications. The use of heat and cold can be effective for reducing issues that are associated with chronic pain, and it is something that you can do on your own.

Using an ice pack can be a great way to deal with an injury. The ice has a numbing effect on the region to which it is applied and it can also help to combat the effects of inflammation. On the other side, heat can be used to provide relief for muscle pain and spasms. The heat has a soothing effect and it can promote better blood flow to the area.

Heat and cold can also be used to complement different pain management strategies. If you are using exercise or physical therapy, you can use ice to control inflammation or heat to help the muscles relax after activity. For some pain issues, it can even be effective to alternate between heat and cold therapy.