Topical Pain Relief

Topical Pain Relief

Topical pain relief is an efficient and secure way to provide temporary comfort for many painful conditions.

Topical pain relievers differ from oral medications in that they do not need to be digested or circulated; rather, they are absorbed through the skin for faster absorption into internal organs, helping minimize gastric upset and cardiovascular risks associated with long-term use of oral pain medications.

Topical pain relievers contain active ingredients that target various types of discomfort, from arthritis-induced joint pain and backache, to nerve impulse blocks caused by topical anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or salicylates. Topical medications work by blocking nerve impulse transmissions that cause pain signals from reaching the brain.

Others contain either a counterirritant or anesthetic, which can temporarily alter your perception of pain. Examples include menthol or camphor while anesthetics include lidocaine.

Capsaicin and menthol are powerful pain relievers, working by depleting the chemicals that stimulate nerve cells to send pain signals. They’re commonly used for arthritis, back pain and sports injuries.

Prescription-strength topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and ketoprofen can reduce pain and inflammation in certain musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. They’re applied directly onto the affected area and take effect faster than oral NSAID pills do; however they have potential side effects like stomach ulcers.

Some topical NSAIDs are combined with a counterirritant to increase their effectiveness. For instance, Tiger Balm contains both ibuprofen and menthol. These specialized formulations may offer additional advantages over NSAIDs alone, such as increased blood circulation and reduced swelling in the treated area.