Rub It In – How to Find the Right Topical Solution for Your Pain

By Debra Mills

During the long, cold days of winter, we find ourselves staying home more and overdoing ourselves with shoveling. This doesn’t mean you have to deal with pain. Topical pain management is convenient and can be just what you need.

But what type of product should you use? While there is no “one size fits” all miracle potion, there are many options, each with its own benefits due to the key ingredients.

Staring at the wall of pain options can be overwhelming. Do you choose Biofreeze, Voltaren, Lakota or the store brand? You are already in pain, don’t give yourself a headache too.

Do you need a prescription?

That’s the benefit of over-the-counter products: find some quick pain relief without needing a prescription or to bridge the gap between your chiropractic appointments.

What’s the difference between retail and professional products?

Brands, like Biofreeze, have different concentrations of the active ingredients, in formulations they only sell to professional clinics. Some products such as Medistik are not sold at retail level in Canada. The BioFreeze we use in our office is much stronger than the one sold at the big-box stores. And the great part is that no prescription is needed!

A little bit about common medicinal ingredients

Menthol & Camphor- These products are considered counterirritants, which means you are going to get that burning/cooling feeling. Biofreeze and CryoDerm are common brands that use these ingredients to cool the area.

Arnica- A well-known homeopathic medicine to help reduce swelling, decrease pain, and function as antibiotics. Just be sure to use it topically. Biofreeze and Orange Naturals Pain Relief and Joint Pain creams include Arnica. One major benefit of arnica is that there is no odour, for those who are fragrant sensitive, unlike menthol.

Salicylates- These give the same pain relief as you would get from Aspirin, without the potential stomach irritations. You might recognize them in products sold at large stores like A5-35, Icy Hot or Voltaren. Be careful though, you shouldn’t use when using other similar ingredients or taking anti-coagulants.

All of the above- This gives a broader pain management but could be more than you need.

Creams, rubs and sprays… oh my!

Is one application method better than the other? Thankfully, no. It depends on your preference.

Creams – Just like a typical lotion, apply it to the problem area and massage in. It may take a couple minutes to absorb, so be patient. They come in handy tubes; you can take it with you for on-the-go pain relief. We carry Orange Naturals for joint pain and pain relief.

Gels – Similar to cream but a more light-weight texture due to increased water content. They often come in pots or tubs which means taking with you is less convenient. We carry Biofreeze gel in a handy squeeze tube.

Sprays – By far the quickest to dry and less likely to need rubbing into your skin. Since you don’t have to massage into your skin, you can avoid touching the area in pain. We carry CryoDerm, Medistik and Biofreeze, a client favourite.

Roll-ons – Applied using a rollerball, like those in deodorants, its consistency is between a cream and gel. Pinpoint application while keeping your hands clear. BioFreeze is the product we carry for those who cannot spray their own backs.

How often to use a topical?

Just because you don’t need a prescription, doesn’t mean you can use topicals as often as you want. Most brands can be applied, on adults, up to four times a day. Always be sure to read the label! Each person is different so start off small and work up. A little can go a long way.

If the pain doesn’t getter better within 48 hours or is getting worse, it’s time to contact us and have the chiropractors look into the underlying cause.

Key takeaways

Being applied to your skin, the relief is felt faster as your body doesn’t have to break down a pill. You are less likely to experience stomach issues like ulcers. Who doesn’t want immediate relief?

Whichever ingredient or method of application you decide, the biggest benefit topical treatments bring is helping to relieve acute, and localized pain felt due to soft tissue trauma, sprains, arthritis, and general aches when you need it. Rub it in, and don’t forget to consult with the chiropractor to ensure we get to the bottom of your problem.