I was diagnosed with pituitary adenoma and successfully had a large tumor surgically removed almost 15 years ago. For years before my surgery, and years after my surgery, I also suffered from joint and muscle pain. It got so bad I could hardly bend over to tie my own shoes. I was suffering and in constant pain. As a young athletic person, I just couldn't understand where this pain was coming from. I then discovered cold water therapy (ice baths) and infrared saunas! (Also referred to as fire and ice therapy) I found that the combination of doing 20 minutes in my infrared Sauna and then plunging into an ice bath (40 to 55 degrees depending on what you can handle for 5 to 10 minutes) turned out to be an absolute miracle! After so many medications, physical therapy, special diets...I tried it all and spent a ton of money on my quest to find pain relief ( I even got myself addicted to pain killers and ended up in drug rehab) After all those nightmares and searching I still can't believe that something so basic and so simple as cold water therapy has literally changed my life! I can truthfully say that over 80% of my pain is gone! If you want more info you can youtube the iceman also known as Wim Hof. Wim Hof explains the benefits of ice in a much more detailed way, but get this, the rush of adrenalin from the cold also regulates hormones and is said to trigger the same opioid receptors in our brains to act as a natural pain killer! It also enhanced my overall mood and I feel much happier after an ice bath! It is such a miracle! I never have ever posted a reply on a message board like this before, but after reading your post I just had to spread the good news! Take the plunge it will change your life!