Many different kinds of pain relief can be used to alleviate aches and pains. Topical sports medicine is one such option. While there are risks involved, it can provide excellent relief for those suffering from pain from various ailments.
Topical NSAIDs are a safe and effective way to relieve pain and inflammation in acute musculoskeletal pain. However, they can also cause serious adverse effects. The side effects can become more severe as the person takes medicine longer. Therefore, it is essential to seek the advice of a doctor before using any medication.
Topical NSAIDs are rubbed on the skin over sore joints. They work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which helps control swelling and inflammation. In addition, topical NSAIDs have a lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects.
A previous systematic review found topical NSAIDs effective in relieving pain in acute conditions. However, further studies are needed to determine which method is most effective. Until that time, topical ibuprofen may be a better choice.
A recent study searched electronic databases to evaluate topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain. It found 63 randomized, double-blind trials examining 21 different NSAIDs. Each trial compared a topical NSAID to a placebo. As a class, topical NSAIDs provided greater efficacy than placebo.
There were no differences in the number of withdrawals caused by adverse events in the two groups. However, the rate of systemic adverse events was lower in the topical group than in the oral group. Moreover, local adverse events were rare.
Back or Neck Pain
It is no secret that many of us suffer from back and neck pain. The good news is that plenty of pain management solutions can help relieve discomfort. Many of these solutions utilize topical medicines such as ointments, gels and patches you can get at All Pro Sports Medicine. These topical products are absorbed through the skin, and the best locations for application are the areas of the body most likely to be affected by the pain.
The first thing that should come to mind regarding back and neck pain management is using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Although NSAIDs are effective for relieving back and neck discomfort, they are not well tolerated by many patients.
As an alternative, some topical products and methods are touted as more effective than narcotics, such as capsaicin creams, which deplete nerve cells of the chemical that sends pain messages. Lidocaine is another ingredient found in topical treatments that have been shown to relieve the pain of various ailments, including low back pain.
In particular, the DDEA 1.16% ointment is a laudable contender for its ability to deliver several benefits for neck and back pain patients. One study showed that this gel is relatively well tolerated by patients and is also an effective treatment for acute neck pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting many joints throughout the body, particularly the hips, knees, spine and fingers. It causes pain, deformity, and swelling. A person may also develop bony changes and bone spurs.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder that causes cartilage to wear away. This breakdown and deterioration lead to a loss of joint function and flexibility. Various factors contribute to osteoarthritis, including genetic disorders and previous injuries. Exercise and strength training can reduce the symptoms and improve the functionality of the joint.
Several topical medications can be applied to the skin for short-term pain relief. Some of these products are narcotics, while others use corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. There are alternative therapies, such as acupressure, meditation, and acupuncture. These techniques are considered safe, but they can have side effects.
The most commonly prescribed medication for mild to moderate osteoarthritis is acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a potent anti-inflammatory that temporarily relieves muscle and joint pain. However, it can be hard on the kidneys.
Another form of treatment is a topical NSAID, such as diclofenac. This medicine is available over-the-counter (OTC) in the form of gel, cream or patch. Topical NSAIDs can be used to treat arthritis pain and are considered a good choice for people who have difficulty tolerating oral NSAIDs.
