Pain relief creams are topical medications that can provide fast and effective relief for muscle aches, joint pain, arthritis, backaches, and other types of pain. When rubbed into the skin over the area of pain or inflammation, these creams work by reducing swelling and inflammation while also blocking pain signals to the brain. Unlike oral pain medications that must travel through the digestive system, topical creams are absorbed directly through the skin so relief can start working in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.
- There are many advantages to using a pain relief cream rather than oral medications:
Faster Acting:
Creams start working almost immediately once massaged into the skin near the source of pain, while oral medications can take 30 minutes or more to take effect. This makes creams ideal for sudden onset muscle strains or arthritis flare ups.
Fewer Side Effects:
Topical creams have less systemic absorption, meaning less medication enters the bloodstream and travels throughout the body. This results in fewer potential side effects compared to oral pain relievers which can sometimes cause drowsiness, stomach upset, or discomfort.
Ease of Use:
Pain relief creams are applied right where they are needed, without having to swallow a pill. The dosage is pre-measured and mess free. This makes them ideal for those who have trouble swallowing pills.
Convenience:
Creams can be carried in a purse or bag and used as needed for pain throughout the day. There is no need to take scheduled doses – just apply when and where pain strikes.
Natural Ingredients:
Many pain relief creams utilize natural ingredients like menthol, camphor, turmeric, Arnica, and capsaicin rather than harsh synthetic chemicals. This can be appealing for those looking to avoid pharmaceuticals.
- Types of Pain Creams
There are four main types of pain relieving creams, each with slightly different mechanisms of action:
Counterirritants – These creams contain ingredients like menthol or camphor which cause a mild irritation or cooling sensation that distracts the brain from registering the underlying pain. The distraction blocks pain signals.
Analgesics – These creams work by reducing inflammation and swelling around injured tissues which can cause throbbing pain. Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and NSAIDs reduce inflammation.
Anesthetics – Creams like lidocaine numb the skin and the underlying nerves which prevents pain signals from even reaching the brain. Numbing creams are especially effective for nerve related pain.
Warming Creams – Capsaicin from hot peppers is the active ingredient in warming creams. When applied topically, it causes a mild heating sensation which increases circulation and provides temporary pain relief.
- Choosing the Right Pain Relief Cream
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to select the right pain relief cream for your needs. Here are some tips:
Choose an analgesic or anti-inflammatory cream for sore muscles and arthritis. Look for ingredients like diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin.
Select a numbing cream with lidocaine or prilocaine if you have nerve pain, sciatica or postoperative pain.
Try a counterirritant like Icy Hot or Tiger Balm for stiff necks, back aches, and osteoarthritis. Menthol and camphor creams temporarily relieve pain by overwhelming nerve endings.
Opt for warming creams containing capsaicin derived from hot peppers to increase circulation and ease sore joints for several hours at a time.
Look for creams containing natural plant-based ingredients if you want to avoid synthetic chemicals. Arnica, turmeric, and peppermint oil are good natural options.
Test a small dab of any new cream on your skin before widespread use to check for irritation or allergic reactions. Discontinue use if any develop.
Follow all usage instructions on the label and do not exceed recommended doses.
Using a quality pain relief cream as directed can safely provide targeted immediate relief right at the source of pain. When applied topically to inflamed muscles, aching joints, arthritis pain points or injured nerves, creams offer an easy and fast way to reduce or eliminate discomfort.
