| Product Model | Brand | View Best Price |
| #1: Biofreeze Analgesic Gel | North Coast | View Price |
| #2: Sub Zero with Cats Claw Pain Relieving Gel | Fabrication Enterprises | View Price |
| #3: Sombra Natural Analgesic Gel | North Coast | View Price |
| #3: Sombra Natural Analgesic Gel | North Coast | View Price |
| #3: Sombra Natural Analgesic Gel | North Coast | View Price |
Pain is necessary for our survival. It tells us when something is wrong with our body so we can take the appropriate action to correct it. Without this signal, we could incur serious damage to ourselves, or never be alerted to internal imbalances or disease until it’s too late to treat.
However, there are certain chronic conditions which may cause ongoing and/or sudden sensations of pain, such as Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Lupus, and many more. And, although the initial alert to something not being right in the body is both helpful and necessary for us to manage our own care, the pain caused by these conditions or those originating from acute injuries, overexertion, or surgical procedures can interfere with our ability to perform daily activities and function normally.
Products, therapies, and devices for relieving pain come in a plethora of choices because pain can originate from a range of sources. While solutions range from simple ice applications to professional sports medicine and chiropractic equipment, some of the most popular pain relief comes in topical form.
Available in a range of formulations, today’s topical applications for pain are more effective than ever, drawing on scientific research to determine what works and what doesn’t. They employ different ingredients and technologies for effective delivery to the affected areas, resulting in reduced pain and inflammation.
As a wonderful alternative to using either prescription or over-the-counter oral medications, topical pain relief products provide powerful pain alleviation. Absorbed faster than pills, this relief can come in spray, cream, lotion, gel, ointment, or patch form, and provides localized amelioration of pain, inflammation, and irritation.
For those who live with chronic pain stemming from a variety of inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and more, topical products may help with better management of the pain, and facilitate immediate relief. They’re easy to apply, relatively inexpensive, and the right combination of ingredients can make a world of difference in daily living for users suffering from chronic pain.
Topical pain relief products are also ideal for first aid and continuing care following most types of injuries, including sprains, strains, overexertion, and contusions. If the skin is not broken, they can safely be applied to mitigate pain, swelling, and inflammation, and often aid in faster healing, as well.
Topical pain relievers contain analgesics, antipruritics, and anesthetics, and are rubbed, sprayed, or patched onto the skin over painful muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. All are designed to relieve pain, and use different ingredients to achieve that goal. Here are some of the most effective ingredients found in non-prescription products:
The products created for ameliorating pain can be selected in a variety of formats. You can choose topical relief in a spray, a lotion or cream, a thicker ointment, a lighter gel, or as a patch you apply and leave on your skin.
While all of the formats are designed to provide powerful pain relief, determining which one is best for you is often based on personal preference, unique requirements, and trial-and-error.
Lotions, creams, and especially ointments offer a thicker consistency, and will need to be applied through a moderate amount of massage or rubbing. Gels are lighter and easier to apply for those with manual disabilities. Sprays are the easiest form to apply, but only if the affected area is within the user’s reach. Patches offer consistent therapy, and only need to be applied once or twice a day.
Aside from the pain patches, all topical pain relievers will need to be used several times a day to achieve the utmost relief. Products that contain counterirritants tend to work the fastest, but may need to be reapplied more often than other topical products containing salicylates. Topicals containing capsaicin will generally start to kick in with better overall relief after a couple weeks of daily use, and are well-suited for long-term, chronic pain, and inflammation.
Topical pain relief products can make a dramatic difference in the lives of those suffering both acute and chronic pain. These relievers are used to mitigate pain and inflammation from injuries, headaches, surgical procedures, and chronic diseases and conditions. While they are quite safe for most people, there are certain contraindications and safety precautions to be aware of when choosing and using them.
Anyone on anticoagulation therapy should not use topical pain relievers with salicylates, as a prolonged prothrombin time has been associated with this concomitant use.
OTC topical pain relievers should only be applied to clean, intact skin.
Some people may not like the camphor or menthol odors inherent in various topical pain relievers, and should choose products that do not contain these ingredients. They also may not like either the cooling or slight burning sensations that some of these counterirritant ingredients cause.
Do not use conventional heating pads with areas you’re treating with topical pain relievers, and do not use tight bandages or occlusive dressings over the treated area.
Discontinue use if uncomfortable rashes, extreme redness, blistering, or irritation arise and persist.
Consult with your doctor before using any topical pain relievers if you are taking any medication.
Never use these products on anyone with desensitized skin, or with those who have trouble perceiving temperature.
If you have allergies, be sure to check the ingredients of the pain reliever before using to ensure it is free of those substances.
