Efficacy of cold for pain: fact or fallacy?

Abstract

A simple and inexpensive therapy, cold application has been accepted for decades as an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for pain management. The purpose of this research synthesis is to explore the literature regarding the physiologic effects of cold, the effectiveness of cold, different modalities used for cold application, and the potential complications associated with the use of cold application. Several studies have shown ice to be effective in pain management associated with orthopedic procedures while other studies have shown contrary evidence. Studies have shown ice to be ineffective in pain associated with abdominal procedures. Studies involving pain associated with injections revealed significant positive findings with adults but not with children. Of the studies reviewed by this author, scientific rigor is often lacking which leaves the validity of the findings in question indicating a need for further investigation into the use of cold for relief of pain. As responsible caregivers, nurses must take the initiative to validate such interventions with a variety of pain experiences with controlled scientific investigations.