Capsaicin

You may have noticed more capsaicin products being advertised on television. This is because there have been many studies done on the effectiveness of capsaicin on chronic pain in recent years. The studies have been very encouraging and doctors are starting to recommend capsaicin creams to some patients in place of pain medications as capsaicin does not have the same dangers as systemic side effects or addiction; although no studies have been done to evaluate the effect of capsaicin on pregnant or nursing women. If you are pregnant or nursing you should check with your doctor before using a capsaicin product. Some conditions capsaicin has been used for include:

Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers. When it is applied to the skin it has been found to deplete substance P. Nerve cells communicate with each other through neurotransmitters. Substance P is one such neurotransmitter. It is a protein found in the brain and spinal cord, and is associated with some inflammatory processes in the joints. When substance P is depleted a person is desensitized to pain in that area.

Thirteen out of sixteen randomized controlled studies involving a total of 1535 people found capsaicin was more effective than a placebo.

Arthritis - Researchers with Case Western Reserve University examined the use of capsaicin cream in 70 patients with osteoarthritis and 31 with rheumatoid arthritis. After 4 weeks of applying a capsaicin cream or placebo to painful knees, the capsaicin patients had significantly more pain relief. Rheumatoid arthritis patients had a 57% pain reduction and osteoarthritis patients had a 33% pain reduction. Both were considered more effective than placebo. A European Journal of Pain study found that osteoarthritis pain was reduced after 6 weeks of using a capsaicin cream.

Back Pain - A German study compared a capsaicin plaster with a placebo for 3 weeks in 154 patients with chronic back pain. After 3 weeks, 60.8% of patients in the capsaicin group experienced at least a 30% reduction in pain, compared to 42.1% in the placebo group.

Diabetic Neuropathy - At least 5 randomized controlled trials have found that capsaicin cream is more effective than a placebo in relieving pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Nerve pain - A study by researchers with the Geislinger Clinical Oncology Program found that cancer patients with post surgical nerve pain had substantially more pain relief after using capsaicin cream, with an average pain reduction of 53% versus 17% for the placebo.

Radiance is a topically applied capsaicin cream used to alleviate occasional muscle aches and pains, but it is particularly effective for chronic pain conditions.

A recommended starting dose is to apply capsaicin cream two to four times a day directly over areas of pain. Do not apply around the face or broken skin. * It may help to wear plastic gloves when applying capsaicin cream so you won’t inadvertently rub your face or eyes after use and have the cream on your hands. * Do not apply it immediately after or before a hot bath or shower or use it with a heating pad. * Avoid getting capsaicin in the eyes and other mucus membranes or broken skin. * The safety of capsaicin cream in pregnant or nursing women has not been established, so pregnant or nursing women should speak with their health care provider before using a capsaicin cream. * The Radiance is very potent. DO NOT USE RADIANCE ON CHILDREN UNDER 12.

The main side effect of capsaicin cream is that it can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the area. This dissipates with use. If too much capsaicin is applied do not try to wash it off - water will make it worse. Instead apply an ice pack or cool cloth to the area. I have also heard of individuals pouring milk on the burning area and it takes the sting out.

Capsaicin provides a temporary reduction in pain, so it must be applied regularly to provide prolonged relief for chronic pain. It usually takes 2-4 weeks of continual use when using for chronic pain. For occasional aches and pains you can just apply it twice daily to the painful area until the pain subsides.