Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Chronic Pain Support Group

Good rub for pain

jpf777777
jpf777777
I suffer from chronic neck, back and shoulder pain due to three life altering injuries. I go to the VA and they hooked me up with Capsaicin cream.

The first time I put in on I soon found out that it is like Icy Hot on steroids.

Needless to say once I washed my hands really well I rubbed my eyes due to an itch. Bad idea! Now I put it on with latex gloves and avoid touching the area for several hours.

One other suggestion, DO NOT take a hot bath/shower soon after the application. I did (once) and will never repeat that again.

I noticed that when I looked at the area where I applied it you would have thought I had a sunburn. I understand that Cayenne pepper is used in the formulation of the cream.

All that being said, for me it does help and no pain medication necessary. For me, this is another tool in my pain management package. This will not help if you are in a crises situation..

Hang in there!

JP (Doc)
billwfriend
billwfriend
I have used cream like that and want to tell ya not to touch yourself going to bathroom after applying either....ouchie! not fun....
jpf777777
jpf777777
LOL!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am glad that you are having some relief with the lotion. I have tried just about every cream, gel, lotion, patch, you name it on the market and have not found one that helps me, but of course, that's me and my condition.

I am really happy for you. I was wondering though, if you put cayene pepper in regular lotion would it be as effective? Just a thought cuz those potions are so very expensive. LOL

~ Karen ~
RJRelaxing
RJRelaxing
A couple of years back I could not use my arm because of the pain and I asked the pharmacist for a recommendation because I had a meeting to go to. OMG!!!! I put that on and I thought I would never make it through that meeting. As soon as I put it on I was in tears, it burnt my arm. I tried to wash it off. Nothing helped. My right arm and hand and of course I used my left hand to put it on, so all of that blistered. Took over a week to heal.

I am glad that it helps some people. But if some one tries it, I suggest testing it on a small area of your body first.
Emerald22
Emerald22
The capsaisin is wicked stuff. It burns me too. I prefer Biofreeze. It gets cold & doesn't smell the best but for my migraines using the cold sometimes relaxes my neck/shoulders. It is literally the seeds from peppers ground up and mixed in. The seeds are the hottest part of the pepper. I have enough pain, I really don't want something that physically turns my skin red from contact or even blisters because its so intense. I only ever tried otc never a rx. I would imagine an rx would be even stronger.

But I'm glad it works for you. Rubbing your hands on the side of a metal sink will sometimes help get some of it off. Its strong enough I would recommend using gloves when you put it on. Even that might not work completely but it might help. Its not bengay or icyhot that's for sure.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yeah that stuff can boil your skin off. I use Voltaren Gel, it's RX and an anti-inflammatory based Gel, Diclofenac. I've also used a specific compounded creme that I get from a Compound Pharmacy, it's a anti-inflammatory/muscle relaxer base....I usually only have to use that in winter when the joint pain, swelling and muscle cramps and contractions are worse.

Kat
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