Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Cryotherarhy

Hi John,
Thank you. When I googled, it appears some scientific study has been carried out on this treatment.

Jay

Jay, this is interesting. I'll be interested to see if they do more in depth studies with larger groups of patients.

Here's one from Poland: Cryotherapy and Histamine Levels

Here's one from Finland: Effectiveness of Different Cryotherapies

This one out of Munich included AS patients: Serial Whole-Body Cryotherapy

And another: Whole-Body Cryotherapy

The earliest date on these studies is 2006; the most recent 2010. It appears that there is some interest in this and there may be (MAY be) good reason for it. No pharmaceuticals involved, which is a good thing.

As with any treatment, however, it's up to the patient and whether or not he or she can afford it.

Hugs,

Jay,
through the years, I have used extremem heat / cold to get some relief. very hot spa, then icy water. VEry cold river water, then a hot tent in the mountains.

I think it makes the nerves do something very exstream. like vibrating to rapid...

but anyone thing for too long, will send me to the funny farm...
Jay, it is always nice to see you posting.

It is hot and mostly dry here...how is it with you?

Hi Inanna,

I have seen a couple of web sites. It appears this theraphy is followed in several places including UK. The charges are about 50 UKP. About 20 sittings are suggested for AS patients. But no more details on long term benefits.

Jay

Hi Lon,
Thank you. It is not new to use cold (ice) for AS. But this one is extreme cold.
It is humid as usual here in our place. The hot spell has just passed away.

Jay

Hi all,
Today I read a news from a local newspaper about "Now, a 'ballpoint pen' to beat arthritis pain". The link is
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/now-a-ballpoint-pen-to-beat-arthritis-pain/994806/1
The same is reproduced here.
Researchers have developed a new 'pen' which they claim can shock nerves into blocking pain signals and can be used to treat millions crippled by arthritis and those suffering from headaches and facial pain.

The gadget has a tip ¿ like a ballpoint pen cooled to -20C using liquid nitrogen. The small, hand-held device is inserted a few millimeters under the patient's skin against a nerve, causing it to "hibernate" and block pain signals, the Daily Express reported.

Early tests show that the pen, which has been approved for use in Britain, gives instant relief with each treatment session taking just 30 to 45 minutes.

The device which works using cryotherapy has been developed by American company called MyoScience.

They claim it could be used to treat a host of pain-related conditions from arthritis to headaches and even facial pain.

Cryotherapy is used to treat many diseases and disorders from freezing off warts to helping athletes' muscles recover after competition and training.

Exposure to extreme cold is thought to boost the immune system, relieve muscle pain and even depression.

It is believed it can work on pain by slowing and even stopping the signals traveling along our nerves.

The MyoScience 'pen' works by putting cold liquid inside the device under high pressure when turned on transforming it into an extremely cold gas which cools its metal tip.

The tip, which is the same thickness as a needle, is then inserted into the skin by a doctor which takes just seconds to cool the tissue.
Sensors within the device monitor the temperature of the skin throughout the treatment.

This ensures the tip stays cold enough to 'hibernate' the nerves, but not so cold that it causes damage.

At present, there is no cure for arthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help slow down the progress of the condition.

Regards.
JAY

that pen thing sounds interesting. wonder if it would help settle down the cervical nerves that get compressed by the C-spine facet joints?

Hi Sue,
Yesterday I have viewed a site wherein it is informed that FDA has approved this pen. I am unable to get the site name again.
This site gives some more information.
http://www.arthritissupermarket.co.uk/default.aspx
Regards

Jay

Hi cemc,

I was searching some details on cryotherphy. One instance was from http://forums.spondylitis.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=245840 by a member named cemc. The post is given below.



Incidentally is this yourself?. Interested to know. If it is, share your experience with us.

Regards.

Jay

Yes, Jay, I did do that boxing day dip in the sea. It was icy cold, and I got in to just above my waist. Not sure if it was a coincidence or not, but I didn't hurt anywhere near as much the rest of that day, and I seemed to have slightly lower than usual pain levels for a while after. Don't think I'd want to do it regularly though. It was as much about doing it as a group for charity as anything. Am seriously considering doing it again this year though.