Research suggests that between one-third and half of all UK adults are affected by chronic pain. Whether caused by lower back pain or conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or inflammatory bowel disease IBD , chronic pain can be debilitating and significantly impact quality of life.
Because of its various causes, chronic pain can also be difficult to treat. Luckily, experts have highlighted some effective methods for managing chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain experienced for a minimum of three months. Several health conditions can cause chronic pain, including arthritis, migraines, back pain, fibromyalgia, and ulcerative colitis.
Research suggests that pain and diseases related to pain are the leading cause of disability worldwide β and the number of people living with chronic pain is increasing. Research has highlighted several techniques that may help manage chronic pain. The right one for you will depend on several factors β including the cause of your pain.
There are several services available that can help. Head over to the NHS website to find out more. Generally speaking, cold therapy is recommended for acute pain or injuries, as well as swelling and inflammation; while heat therapy tends to be more effective for muscle pain or stiffness. That said, it all comes down to personal experience. In this survey , You might like to try both to see which works best for you.
Research suggests that heat therapy can effectively relieve stiff, arthritic joints by increasing the size of blood vessels β improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the area and promoting relaxation.
