Posted by ed_uk on March 22, 2005, at 10:07:07
In reply to Re: pain again » ed_uk, posted by cubbybear on March 22, 2005, at 9:19:55
Hi!
>What seems to be pretty good in the anti-pain regimen is actually a topical liquid preparation that I obtained at the pharmacy at the Chinese (acupuncture) hospital.
That's interesting, what are the ingredients? (not that I'll have heard of them!) It sounds like it's helping :-)
Btw, have you ever tried capsaicin (not capsaicum) cream? Capsaicin comes from the chile. It's occasionally used here (on prescription) to treat the pain of rheumatic diseases or neuropathic pain. It causes a powerful burning sensation at first, you can use a local anesthetic cream to numb the skin though. After regular use, the burning sensation goes away and it helps to relieve the pain.
'Capsaicin is an alkaloid derived from chillies. It first entered European knowledge after Columbus' second voyage to the New World in 1494. There is evidence that capsaicin can deplete substance P in local nerve sensory terminals. Substance P is thought to be associated with initiation and transmission of painful stimuli.'
I thought you would be interested in capsaicin because it's a topical treatment which doesn't appear to have any serious side effects. Without a local anesthetic cream, the initial burning can be severe, you should be able to get a local anesthetic though. After a couple of days, you won't need the anesthetic anymore. Capsaicin cream must be applied at least three times a day- if you use it less frequently the burning sensation may come back! Capsaicin is best used four times a day- leave at least four hours between applications. Don't forget to wash your hands immediately afterwards!!! The cream is applied sparingly- but not just before or just after a bath/shower, this would be uncomfortable :-(
With capsaicin 'pain relief usually begins within the first week of treatment and increases with continuing regular application for the next two to eight weeks.'
Ed.
PS. I take it you've tried the OTC NSAID creams and counter-irritants. Were they any good?
poster:ed_uk
thread:470781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050322/msgs/473960.html