Some people are unable to take oral pain medications for a variety of reasons. Oral NSAIDs can irritate some people’s stomachs and narcotic pain medications can interfere with a person’s ability to concentrate at work. People with chronic pain problems may need to take pain medication for long periods of time so finding methods that offer pain relief with the least amount of side effects is a worthy quest. There are a number of topical pain medications available--but do they work?
How they are thought to work?
Topical pain medications come in various forms of sprays, ointments and creams. Our skin absorbs the medication and capillaries carry it towards the site of pain but it is unclear how much medication actually reaches the area. There is no consensus as to whether or not topical pain medication will work for a particular pain problem and like oral medications, some work better for different people.
Pain relief may depend on whether the location is muscle or is joint related. According to mayoclinic.com, topical medication used for osteoarthritis tends to work better on joints that are close to the skin surface such as the hands or knees. In addition, it is felt that topical medications may also partially work by a placebo effect derived from the action of rubbing it in.
Types of non-prescription topical pain medication:
• Salicylates such as Aspercreme or Bengay:
These creams use the same pain-relieving substance found in aspirin. According to drugs.com, there is little likelihood that one will absorb enough salicylate to cause a combined interaction with oral aspirin products. Still, make sure you check with your doctor before starting, especially if you are on blood thinners, and do not use them if pregnant or breastfeeding or have an allergy to salicyates. Salicylates are used for both muscle and joint pain.
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/aspercreme-cream.html
• Capsaicin is made from chili peppers and acts to reduce the amount of substance P, a messenger of pain impulses to the brain. Capsaicin causes a burning sensation when applied that should lessen with more use but care must be taken to not get it near your eyes, nose, mouth or any sensitive part of the body. Do not use if you are allergic to chili peppers. In addition to being used for muscle or joint pain, is thought to help with nerve related pain.
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/capsaicin-topical.html
•Biofreeze and similar products are made with menthol. These types of topical medications work by providing a counter irritant effect that overrides the pain impulses going to the brain. Biofreeze creates a cold sensation on the skin without using ice. Like other topicals, avoid use on sensitive or broken skin. Biofreeze can be used for muscle or joint pain before or after exercise.
http://www.drugs.com/drp/biofreeze-pain-relieving-gel.html
http://biofreeze.com/page/en/faqs-consumer.aspx#faq_6
• Traumeel is a homeopathetic medication that is “an anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, anti-exudative combination formulation of 12 botanical substances and 1 mineral substance” according to drugs.com. It comes in various forms and can be found as a cream or gel. Traumeel is used for both muscle and joint pain. There are studies showing effectiveness of Traumeel which is encouraging but there are also studies where it was not found to better than placebo. Side effects are reported to be minimal.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16781589
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20380750
www.drugs.com/drp/traumeel-injection-solution.html
Precautions when using topical pain medication:
Check with your doctor before starting any topical pain medication. There may be side effects that occur from their use, especially if you are taking other oral medications. Make sure to read the labels and stop using them if you have any negative reaction or known allergies to the ingredients. Do not use topical pain medication on irritated or broken skin.
Many people do have a positive response to topical pain medications but you may have to try a few to see if one works for you.
Sources:
Arthritis pain: Creams and gels for aching joints
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pain-medications/PN00041
Rubbing it in
http://harvardpartnersinternational.staywellsolutionsonline.com/HealthNewsLetters/69,L1108c
Does Traumeel Work?
http://saveyourself.ca/articles/reality-checks/traumeel.php
Edited by Alison Stanton
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s health care and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles