Health News
Pain Relief
July 6, 2007
Ever wonder why that heating pad can bring so much relief when suffering from internal pain? It is true that a heat source can help relieve internal pain, and now scientists are able to explain why.
A hot compress physically shuts down the normal pain response and instead switches on heat receptors. The result is the same relief that one could get from a pain killer. Specifically the hot compress has been found to be effective for menstrual cramps, stomach aches and colic.
The research was spurred on by a chance conversation Dr King had several years ago with colleagues about why hot water bottles seem to relieve pain. Dr King hopes his discovery will lead to new pain-relief drugs that could reduce the need for opiates such as morphine.