There are many pain or swelling conditions that may run their course or not need medicinal approaches.  This is in large part due to the fact that the same system producing the inflammation has systems in place to remove it.  Some people improve with the administration of cold therapies.  Cold or ice packs decrease molecular interactions in a way that reduces inflammation expansion or acceleration. It is only when inflammation is either too broad or of such rapid onset that cold therapies aren’t effective enough and NSAIDs become necessary to initiate.