Can Topical Creams and Gels Really Work for Pain?

When most people think of pain medication they think of pills or tablets taken orally, and for the majority of cases, the majority of time, these drugs do a great job at providing pain relief when it’s needed. There are however a number of very good health reasons why swallowing pain killers, for some people, may not be advisable.

When to use creams or gels for pain relief

With some pain medications, absorption through the body’s digestive system and blood stream can cause liver complications, stomach complications and bowel complications as well as sleep problems, blood clotting, internal bleeding and mental health issues. And for these reasons health care practitioners may, based on the individual’s previous medical history, advise the use of a topical pain cream or transdermal gel compounded by a reputable compounding pharmacy.

Topical creams and gels have the following key benefits:

• They work fast – Topical application means that the medicinal active ingredients are absorbed into the pain-affected area fast, unlike oral medication which has to be processed by the digestive system first before it gets to work.
  
  
• Kinder on the body – As outlined earlier people with liver and kidney conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach and digestive conditions may find some pain medications too harsh on their systems. Topical creams and gels avoids the problem entirely.
  
  
• Kinder on mental health – Some strong pain medications absorbed through the digestive system can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions including depression, suicidal thoughts and addiction. These medications, absorbed through the skin by-pass the digestive system and reduce the risk of mental health side effects.
  
  
• Less risk of misuse – It’s easy to forget to take oral medications, or to take them at the wrong time of day. The use of topical creams and gels avoid the risk of underdose as well as overdose.
  

What kinds of pain can be effectively treated with creams and gels?

Topical pain-relieving creams and gels work best in managing the following kinds of pain:

• Back and Spinal Pain including:
  
  • Bulging discs
  • Herniated discs
  •  Pain caused by injury, accident or bad posture
  • Scoliosis
  • Compressed spinal chord.

• Peripheral Pain (pain caused by nerve damage) including:
  
  • Headaches caused by muscular tension
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Degenerative joint diseases
  • Some chronic forms of pain experienced after surgery.
    
    
• Neuropathic Pain (pain caused by damage to nerves between the spinal chord and brain)
  
• Acute Pain including:
  
  • Deep cuts
  • Broken bones or sprains
  • Muscle tears
  • Fever
  • Infections
  • Cramps.

National Custom Compounding can make up a wide range of pain medication as topical creams and transdermal gels in varying strengths and formulations to assist with the management of a range of pain issues.

We will work with your medical practitioner to develop the best kind of pain relief conduit for your particular health needs.

Contact us on 1300 731 755 or drop a line to [email protected] for more information on your topical pain relief options.