Topical Creams: Just How Effective Are They For Pain Relief?

Today's helpful post from painpathways.org (see link below) takes a look at the effectiveness of topical creams and salves for pain of varying sorts and while it concludes that the jury is still out regarding effectiveness, it's clear that for many people, these creams can really help. Neuropathy patients may already have heard of capsaicin based creams for nerve pain but may not be aware that it takes some time (and patience) for the effects to come through and capsaicin creams are notoriously difficult to apply and carry burning side-effects if you're not careful. However, there are other creams available and these may be helpful for nerve pain too. The article is unbiased and the information is really helpful - definitely worth a read. The fact that most of these creams are available over the counter (and certainly via internet) makes them easy to obtain but watch out for counter-indications with other medications and it may be wise to mention it to your doctor if you're considering trying them out.

Do Pain Creams Really Work? 
by Pain Pathways Magazine | Jul 12, 2018


Topical applications for pain have been around for a long time – both with and without a prescription. Topical pain relief creams can be a nice option if you want to avoid oral medication or struggle taking pills. They are absorbed faster than pills, and provide localized relief….but how well do they work?

Before we address that question, here’s a primer on some of the topical pain products currently available.
Categories of topicals

Topical pain relief products use different active ingredients to block or reduce pain signals. They come in cream, rub and spray form. While formulation for each product varies, most topicals can be placed into five, main categories:

Counter-irritants –called such because they cause a burning or cooling sensation that can distract you from your pain. Active ingredients include menthol, eucalyptus oil, oil of evergreen and camphor. Effects are immediate but may not last too long.

Examples: BioFreeze, Icy Hot, Tiger Balm


Salicylates– include the same ingredients and pain-relieving quality as in aspirin and are especially helpful with pain in the joints close to the skin (fingers, knees, elbows, feet). Salicylates work by blocking the nerve impulse transmissions. They can reduce joint inflammation so as to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness. These are often referred to as topical NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or topical analgesics.

Examples: Penetrex, Voltaren, Indomethacin


RELATED: OTC Pain Relievers

Capsaicins– coming from chili pepper seeds, these are especially effective for joint pain and diabetic nerve pain. Capsaicins create a warm, tingling sensation that improves over time. Creams with capsaicin require multiple applications before you notice relief…so they are not a quick-fix for occasional pain.

Examples: Capzacin, Zostrix


Cannabis-infused creams– infused with the cannabidiol (CBD) from marijuana, these types of topicals are still fairly new. While research has shown CBD to be beneficial in reducing pain when ingested orally, there is no data on how well it works when absorbed through the skin. This article provides a pretty in depth analysis on some of the product claims and science behind this approach.

Examples: Doc Green’s, Releaf Balm


Homeopathic creams– containing diluted substances believed to be more medicinally effective because the solution contains am “echo” of sorts of the active ingredients. Many are also herbal, with most featuring Arnica montana, a flowering plant in the sunflower family. Arnica creams are thought to be good for inflammation. There is little research on the effectiveness of natural or herbal creams, although many users swear by them.

Examples: T-Relief, arnica gels

Aside from what’s available over the counter and through standard prescriptions, some compounding pharmacies can take oral medications and alter them into topically applied medications.


Side effects of topical pain creams

The good news for topicals is that the side effects are minimal. With that said, some users may experience:
Minor skin irritation
Strong odors
Burning sensation
Interactions with other medications

Particularly if you take other medications, check with your physician before using any type of topical pain cream.


Ok but do they work?

That’s the million dollar question. The answer is not straightforward.

For certain conditions, users say that pain creams work well for pain flair ups. Arthritis, gout, muscle pain, bursitis, tendonitis are a few common conditions that respond well to various topical pain relievers.

In general, topicals are perceived to be the best when it comes to relieving pain on a consistent basis (versus an acute, non-achy type of pain).

When the source of pain is close to the surface, applying a topical that contains a pain reliever exactly where it hurts can ease pain and avoid the side effects that may accompany oral pain relievers. They may not be the best choice when pain covers an extended area, like the lower back, or affects multiple parts of body.

Topicals of the counter-irritant variety really do little except take your mind off the pain temporarily. This may be why many of the products marketed for athletes who need temporary pain relief in order to exercise are counter-irritants.

Finally, topicals from capsaicin do produce results and relieve pain but only after repeated use (days or even weeks). So for users looking for faster relief, they won’t be the best option.

The bottom line is that research is mixed on how effective the creams are at relieving pain. A scientific review by the Cochrane Collaboration, found that some prescription topical NSAIDs can offer the same pain relief as oral medications for specific types of pain. Other studies have not proven that topicals are very beneficial for pain relief.

Within the pain community, however, you’ll find many pain sufferers who swear by a specific pain relief cream, gel or spray to help manage their discomfort. Here’s what some of our Facebook fans had to say:





https://www.painpathways.org/do-pain-creams-really-work/