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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LisaLoo2 05/22/2011

So, I'm learning that in addition to not feeling much effect from painkillers, I don't feel anything when topicals such as Biofreeze, Icy Hot, or Capsaizin HP are applied to my skin. Am I a weirdo? I bought Biofreeze (roll-on) after seeing some rave reviews on Amazon and on here. Didn't feel anything, figured I got a bad bottle, bought another bottle...nothing. Not the slightest tingle. Then I tried Icy Hot, then Capsaizin HP, then Therapain Plus spray (from Relax the Back), and still nothing. I did try the Tiger Balm patches and did feel a nice tingly feeling, but it lasted only about 15 minutes.

Is anyone else on here like that, too? And have you found a topical that works for you? I'd like to have one in addition to internal medicine (as soon as I can find one of those that works).

cherrychanga 05/22/2011

They don't do a thing for me, either.

deleted_user 05/22/2011

I have found some that do - some that don't and others that make me break out into a red, blistery and weepy rash.

Took me a while to find ones that my skin would tolerate that worked and I now have a couple. Not sure if you can buy them in America but I know that one can be bought on the internet as friend of mine buys hers that way.

One is PainAway and the other is Emu Spirit, I love them!

deleted_user 05/22/2011

I've been using a topical anti-inflammatory called ketoprofen. Before I put it on, I rub in something call DMSO that helps the medication penetrate deeper. It's one of the few things that really seems to help relieve my pain. I was really surprised because it works sometimes when percocet doesn't help. It's Rx only and a lot of doctors arent familiar with prescribing it, but you may want to look into it. Good luck!

deleted_user 05/22/2011

I have tried all of that you mentioned. The only thing that helps me is
an analgesic spray called Stop pain.
I have only been able to find it at Walmart or Walgreens. It's like $15
a bottle.
I hope it works for you.

deleted_user 05/22/2011

Nothing wrong with you...the primary claimed mechanism of topical analgesics is distraction (some argue gate theory). However, in reality, power of suggestion plays a big role.

LisaLoo2 05/22/2011

Thanks for the suggestions, you guys. I'll have to try all of them. Sunny, good to hear the ketoproprofen works; I had read about it (compounded with lidocaine and ketamine) as a topical treatment for nerve pain, so was considering trying that. I'll have to ask my doctor.

CC, that's interesting about it maybe being a placebo-type, suggestive effect, but I think there's more to that, since Biofreeze literally feels like nothing more than water to me, and others describe the same strong, cool, tingly feeling. And some people describe the Capsaizin cream as too hot to bear, while I feel absolutely nothing at all. And I was expecting them to work. I'm thinking it's either nerve sensitivity or chemistry. Or I'm really an alien :)

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