Cold can help block pain.  There are many ways to use cold to help your pain.  For instance, a bag of frozen peas from the grocery store makes a great cold pack.  Also, a plastic bag full of ice cubes and wrapped in a towel is another method.  Whatever you use, here are some rules:

• Put the cold pack over the part that hurts...
• Never use a cold or hot pack over a numb area or any part of your body that doesn't have good feeling without asking your doctor.
• Leave the cold pack on until the skin begins to go numb, then take it off and let the feeling return, then repeat...
• 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day is good enough for most problems