All right, stop. Collaborate and listen, Doc is back with an icy edition. When a muscle spasm grabs a hold of you tightly, put an ice pack on both daily and nightly.

Yes, the previous text was a silly appropriation of an already silly '80's one-hit wonder song.

Have you ever had an ache or a twinge from working in the yard, gym, house etc.? As a kid my mom would put a heat pack on it. Of course she had the best intentions for her only son. Mom is smart too (veterinarian plus PhD) but didn't know any better, as many of us don't. This column will address the proper use of ice for pain management.

There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain is abrupt in onset and goes away after the injury has healed. Examples of acute pain include that from broken bones, surgery, cuts, burns, sprains, strains, childbirth etc. Chronic pain is that which persists over a long period of time. Examples are pain from arthritis, persistent low back pain, regular headaches, cancer pain and that from nerve damage.

It is unlikely you will make your condition worse or injure yourself by icing. However there are exceptions. Do not use if you suffer from: Raynauds' syndrome, impaired sensation, circulation problems, blisters, open wounds and others. Do your research, as this column is not a substitute for a face-to-face with a health care professional.

Ice is to be used within 48 hours of an injury or where swelling, heat and redness are present.

Pain from overuse or injury comes, in varying degrees from the normal swelling that is the healing process in action. Apply to the area for 15-20 minutes every two hours.

There are four stages of sensation from application of ice: cold, burning, aching and numbness. These are normal. Stop ice therapy once numbness has been reached, as tissue damage can occur. It should be noted that ice may be used very beneficially to control chronic pain as well, although it must be used after activities that produce pain.

When is it OK to use ice vs. heat? Heat may be applied before activities to loosen areas of chronic injury. Ice is appropriate for after that 18 holes of golf to decrease inflammation.

How do they work differently? Ice decreases circulation and swelling, as well as producing a numbing effect. Heat can open the vessels, increase swelling and actually increase pain if used improperly. Rule of thumb: heat before activities, ice after. This is in reference to management of chronic conditions. Never sleep on a heat source, as it could burn you.

Don't take my word for it. Be a diligent, skeptical consumer who makes decisions based on research and judgment. "Good health is our major source of wealth. Without it happiness is virtually impossible."

Dr. Nick Smith is a chiropractor at Active Life Chiropractic Center in Helena and is Montana's only certified Biomechanics of Posture practitioner. Reach him at 443-3965 or www.activelifemt.com.