Unlikely intervention instantly ends man's agony
BMJ case report speculates on reasons for his relief
13th February 2018
A quick plunge in freezing cold water may be a good alternative to strong painkillers, say researchers.
A team from Cambridge University report on the case of a 28-year-old man who did just that to combat postoperative neuropathic pain and immobility.
The man had undergone endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy to curb his excessive facial flushing. While the procedure was successful, the man suffered chronic pain afterwards.
Writing in BMJ Case Reports, the researchers note that before his surgery, the man had been a keen triathlete.
He suggested to his doctors