Do Topical Pain Relievers Really work?

Topical pain relievers are medications that are applied directly to the skin to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation in a specific area of the body. Unlike oral pain relievers that are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body, topical pain relievers only affect the area where they are applied.

One of the most common areas of the body that are helped by topical pain relievers are joints. Joint pain can be caused by a variety of conditions such as arthritis, gout, or an injury. Topical pain relievers that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, can help reduce swelling and pain in the affected joint. BCB's Pain Relieving Body Butter includes dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for topical pain relief which is absorbed directly into the blood stream.  Some topical pain relievers also contain a numbing agent, such as menthol, that can provide fast and temporary relief of joint pain.

Another area of the body that can benefit from topical pain relievers are muscles. Muscle pain can be caused by overuse, injury, or strain. Topical pain relievers that contain menthol, camphor, or capsaicin can help relieve muscle pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area and reducing pain signals from the nerves.

In addition to joint, muscle, and headache pain, topical pain relievers can also help relieve pain in other areas of the body such as the back, neck, and feet. Back pain is a common complaint and can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor posture, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Topical pain relievers that contain menthol or capsaicin can help reduce back pain by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle tension. Neck pain can be caused by poor posture, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Topical pain relievers that contain menthol or capsaicin can help reduce neck pain by reducing muscle tension and decreasing the release of pain-causing chemicals in the brain. Foot pain can be caused by overuse, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Topical pain relievers that contain menthol or capsaicin can help relieve foot pain by reducing swelling and increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Topical pain relievers have a number of advantages over oral pain relievers. One of the biggest advantages is that they are applied directly to the area of pain, so they work faster and more effectively than oral pain relievers that must be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Topical pain relievers are also less likely to cause side effects such as stomach upset, drowsiness, or dizziness that are commonly associated with oral pain relievers.

Topical pain relievers can be a safe and effective way to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation in a specific area of the body. Whether you are dealing with joint pain, muscle pain, headache pain, back pain, neck pain, or foot pain, topical pain relievers can help provide fast and temporary relief. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before using any type of pain reliever, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any other medications.