Is one better than the other?
or do they both have their place?
some people say ice is bad for you but it does have a way of nipping pain signals.
heat relaxes things, however....

I have always used ice and have never tried heat only bc figure with the burning and pain the heat would be worse :(

I have been told explicitly by two CRS and one general to never use ice (I was using it constantly). The idea being, ice causes things to contract... contraction intensifies spasms. I have found that sitting in a firm, but not hard chair, with a heating pad on low, seems to give relief.
I bought one of these years ago, and by accident (sitting around a fire), found it to be just right. Now, I live in the thing. I set my heating pad on it, and if I lean forward slightly (my fissure is at the 12 o'clock), it seems to relieve the pressure and lessen the spasms. http://www.walmart.com/ip/COLEMAN-DECK-CHAIR-W-TABLE/13848603

thanks! i only use ice in an emergency and have switched to heat for the reasons you mention.

What about if you're a girl and find you have not only rectal pain but perinium pain .
It sorta looks like a vericose vein perpendicular to the rectum!
What is going on here!!!
Ice or heat?