 [ Symptoms ] i have a small herniated disk c5c6 does not touch the main nerve but the pain is incredible i can not work i can not practice sport anymore i can not even walk [ Disease ] heat or cold therapy works by stimulating your body is own healing force for instance heat dilates the blood vessels stimulates blood circulation and reduces muscle spasms in addition heat alters the sensation of pain you can use either dry heat    such as heating pads or heat lamps    or moist heat    such as warm baths or heated wash cloths conversely cold compresses reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels while cold packs may be uncomfortable at first they can numb deep pain