Pain Relief Cream

A convenient and effective way to manage ailments such as joint pain, stiff and sore muscles, back pain and arthritis is by using a pain relief cream. There are many different types of topical pain creams that claim to work for many different ailments. This article will take a look at some of the main ingredients that you will find in the most popular pain relief creams and go over which ones are the safest and most effective.

Salycilate Pain Relief Cream

Some of the more well known and popular over the counter pain creams contain salycilates such as "Methyl Salycilate". These creams include Ben Gay and the Icy Hot Patch. Most people do not know this, but this ingredient can be toxic and can cause an overdose if used in excess. There was recently a reported case of a teenage track star who died of a methyl salycilate overdose due to overuse of Ben Gay.

Most of these type of pain creams also have a high dosage of menthol which can be effective for short term pain relief as it provides an immediate shock to the tissues it is applied to. However, the downside is the overwhelming smell and the fact that it does not provide long lasting relief of pain.

Pain Cream Containing Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers and can also be found in certain topical pain creams. Zostrix is an example of an over the counter pain cream that uses capsaicin. This type of cream can be effective for fibromyalgia, joint and muscle pain as well as back aches. Pain cream containing capsaicin works by depleting the body of substance P (a chemical that transmits pain). This helps to provide short term pain relief. The only downside is that it may not be as convenient for long-term relief of conditions such as arthritis and chronic back pain as it needs to be applied continuously for relief of pain. Some side-effects may include an uncomfortable burning or itching.

Pain Relief Cream Containing Celaplex

Celaplex is a combination of several anti-inflammatory ingredients that when combined work to relieve pain and rebuild damaged tissue and cells. Celeplex uses a nano-delivery system to deliver these natural compounds such as Cetylated Fatty Acids and Deodorized Garlic Oil deep into damaged tissue and cells. This provides not only immediate relief of pain, but helps to rebuild tissue and damaged cells for long term relief. Celaplex works on most types of pain caused by inflammation and is ideal for use as a pain relief cream for arthritis, joint pain, back pain and most common sports injuries such as tendonitis, sprains and strains and sore muscles from exercise.

MYO-MED is an example of a pain cream that uses Celaplex. The advantages of using this type of pain relief cream are that it provides both long term and immediate pain relief and because the ingredients are natural and free of salycilates, it is safe to use as often as needed and there are no side effects.