The most common causes of back pain include muscle or ligament strains, herniated/bulging discs, scoliosis, or arthritis. According to aafp.org, “Most primary care physicians can expect to see at least one patient with low back pain per week … Patients with persistent or fluctuating pain that lasts longer than three months are defined as having chronic low back pain.”
If you are suffering from chronic back pain, you’re probably tired of constant icing and heating or taking ibuprofen frequently. Fortunately, topical back pain creams have become a popular and readily available choice. Most over-the-counter creams, ointments, and gels are safer for frequent use than medications. Plus, they’re effective and easy to administer.
An especially effective option is Capsadyn®, a non-burning capsaicin cream that works by blocking pain transmitters. Due to its proprietary non-burning formulation, Capsadyn® can include the maximum amount of capsaicin allowed by the FDA.
This article explores a full breakdown of back pain creams available to help you select the right option, recommending Capsadyn® as the safest and most effective treatment.
How do back pain relief creams work?
The way pain relief creams treat discomfort varies by the active ingredients. They may work by distracting from the site of pain, blocking pain signals through the nerves, numbing, or reducing inflammation and swelling.
Let’s review the common topical pain agents, how they work, and their side effects.
Capsaicin creams for back pain
Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers that gives them their characteristic burning taste. Topical creams with capsaicin are commonly used as an external topical analgesic to relieve pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, muscle strains, and post-surgical pain. Here’s how capsaicin cream works to relieve pain:
- Desensitization of pain receptors: Capsaicin works by binding to a receptor called the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which is found on nerve endings that transmit pain signals.
- Modulation of pain perception: Capsaicin cream can also affect the perception of pain in the brain. The initial burning or warming sensation produced by capsaicin activates nerve fibers that transmit non-painful sensations such as warmth or touch. This activation can temporarily override the sensation of pain, providing relief to individuals experiencing discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Capsaicin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area. By decreasing inflammation, capsaicin may indirectly alleviate pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis.
While several brands contain capsaicin cream, only Capsadyn® offers a non-burning formulation with the maximum concentration of capsaicin allowed by the FDA without a prescription. Therefore, it’s the topical pain relief solution with the least side effects, and clinically proven to work.
Typical side effects of other capsaicin creams include skin irritation, burning and stinging, eye irritation, and increased sensitivity to heat.
Lidocaine creams for back pain
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic medication that works by blocking nerve signals in the body. It belongs to the class of drugs known as amide local anesthetics. Lidocaine works by inhibiting the voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, which are responsible for the initiation and propagation of nerve impulses.
When lidocaine is applied to the skin or injected into the tissues, it temporarily numbs the area by preventing nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. This numbing effect helps to alleviate pain and discomfort in the affected area.
You can find lidocaine creams in the drug store, sometimes used as an added ingredient to creams like Icy Hot.
Side effects of lidocaine creams include skin irritation, burning, and stinging. In rare cases, such as overuse or applying tight dressings to the area, lidocaine can absorb into the bloodstream and cause more serious side effects like dizziness, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.
Methyl salicylate creams for back pain
Methyl salicylate is a compound derived from salicylic acid, which is found naturally in plants such as wintergreen, birch, and sweet birch. It is commonly used as a topical analgesic to relieve pain and discomfort associated with muscle aches, joint pain, and minor injuries. Methyl salicylate works through several mechanisms to provide pain relief: anti-inflammatory properties, vasodilation, and analgesic effects.
This active ingredient is easy to find–methyl salicylate is present in creams like Bengay, Biofreeze, and Icy Hot.
Methyl salicylate has the same risks as lidocaine creams, including skin irritation, burning, stinging, and systemic absorption. Some individuals may be especially sensitive to salicylates, which are compounds related to aspirin. If you have a known sensitivity to aspirin or other salicylates, you may be more likely to experience side effects from topical methyl salicylate.
Camphor creams for back pain
Camphor is a natural substance derived from the wood of camphor trees or synthesized from turpentine oil. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. As a cream or ointment, it relieves pain with counter irritant effects, vasodilation, muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory effects, and mild analgesic effects.
As camphor is less established than other pain relief medications, creams can be difficult to find.
In addition to the typical pain relief cream side effects (skin irritation, stinging, and burning), camphor creams can cause respiratory distress when inhaled. They are also considered to be toxic and especially dangerous if ingested.
Menthol creams for back pain
Menthol is a compound derived from mint oils, such as peppermint or eucalyptus oil. It is commonly used in topical pain relief products, such as creams, gels, and ointments, due to its ability to produce a cooling sensation on the skin. It relieves pain through desensitization of pain receptors, anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced blood flow, and muscle relaxation.
Like methyl salicylate, menthol is commonly found in products like Biofreeze and Icy Hot.
Menthol creams have the longest list of side effects including:
- Skin irritation, stinging, or burning
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory irritation (if inhaled)
- Allergic reactions
- Increases sensitivity to sunlight
- Interaction with other medications
How much do topical back pain creams cost?
As a singular purchase, creams, ointments, and gels for back pain cost anywhere between $3 and $50 per container. However, you can typically save money with a bulk purchase.
Regardless, the aforementioned over-the-counter solutions are a much safer and less expensive option than prescription medication. Be sure to also check the concentration of active ingredients when considering price (which may correlate with effectiveness).
How to choose the best back pain treatment
Topical capsaicin, menthyl salicylate, lidocaine, camphor, and menthol are available over the counter and generally safe for use. However, it’s always best to consult with your doctor to ensure any conditions and medications are safe to combine with these treatments.
Review the safety guidelines for Capsadyn® and talk to your doctor about trying it for safe and effective back pain relief.
