| Health Tip: Topical Pain Relief |
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There is increasing evidence that topical analgesics are effective for treating a variety of pain disorders. Topical analgesics can provide pain relief similar to oral formulations without the associated systemic side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, and are convenient and painless to use, which improves patient compliance. Lower systemic drug levels may lower the risk of toxicity and drug interactions. When oral dosing is not feasible due to risks of side effects or because the patient is nauseated or unconscious, topical therapy should be considered. |
| Nutritional Support: Low Vitamin D Levels May Aggravate Chronic Pain |
| A Mayo Clinic study showed that vitamin D deficiency may aggravate chronic pain. Pain specialists found that about one-quarter of patients who take opioids ("narcotics") for chronic pain were vitamin D deficient, and that vitamin D deficiency was significantly linked to higher dosage and longer use of opioids. |
| Customized Medication: Topical and Transdermal Medications |
 To reduce the incidence of side effects from oral medications or when patients are unable to take medication orally, drugs can be compounded into gels, creams, or drops that can be applied topically to the skin. The manner in which the medication is compounded will determine whether the medication will provide its benefit near the site of application, or if the drug will be absorbed systemically to provide an effect throughout the body. We welcome your questions.
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