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Treating Chronic Pain with Fibromyalgia Pain Cream and Gel

Treating Chronic Pain with Fibromyalgia Pain Cream and Gel

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain throughout the body. The severity of the disorder can vary between individuals, but most experience pain in their muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The pain is a deep muscular pain that is sometimes described as “throbbing” or “pounding.”  Many people with this condition also suffer from fatigue, poor sleep patterns, or other symptoms that can vary between individuals. Women are more likely to have fibromyalgia than men and although it can happen at any age, it’s most common in older adults.

Why Fibromyalgia Pain is Different

The pain that comes from fibromyalgia is not like the pain that comes from a fall or cut. A pain that comes from an injury is the result of a response from healthy nerves. Chronic fibromyalgia pain is neuropathic and involves damaged nerves.  Medications that might work for pain from an injury will not work the same for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Oral medications that work on nerve signals and make it easier to sleep are usually tried first. Many of the medications that are usually taken orally can also be made into topical medications at a compounding pharmacy. A fibromyalgia pain cream or gel is used alone or in combination with oral medication to effectively reduce chronic pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. The use of a cream or gel to administer medication for pain has multiple benefits, and often patients prefer using medication this way.

Benefits of Using a Fibromyalgia Pain Cream or Gel

  • Less systemic effects. Medicated creams and gels can be effective at managing pain locally.
  • Can be useful for specific areas of particularly strong pain.
  • Fewer side effects than medications taken orally.
  • Interactions with other drugs are reduced.
  • Good for patients who have difficulty swallowing a pill.
  • Topical treatment is often especially useful for older patients who may already be taking multiple oral medications.

Examples of Topical Medications for Fibromyalgia

Gabapentin (Anticonvulsant/Analgesic): Gabapentin was originally developed to treat epilepsy and works by limiting pain communication signals by nerves.

Cyclobenzoprine (Muscle Relaxant): Cyclobenzoprine is a muscle relaxant that works by stopping pain signals sent by muscles to the brain.

Ketoprofen (NSAIDs): Ketoprofen and other NSAIDs decrease pain receptor sensitivity.

A fibromyalgia pain cream or gel can be a great way to get relief from chronic pain. At a compounding pharmacy they can be made in multiple strengths based on each patient’s unique needs.  These medications are part of a comprehensive plan for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.  In addition to medications it is usually suggested that patients include exercise, a nutritional plan, and stress relief as part of managing their condition.

9 thoughts on “Treating Chronic Pain with Fibromyalgia Pain Cream and Gel

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  2. Susan Horwedel

    What if you have burning pain in the back of your head. How would you apply a cream in this area? I have so, so many areas of burning pain on my body. I feel like I’d use up a topical cream so quickly.

    Reply
    1. woodlandhills pharmacy Post author

      Your doctor may recommend a systemic oral therapy instead of a topical one then. However a pharmacy only provides medications that a doctor prescribes. It is best to speak with your doctor about the treatment that would work best for you.

      Reply
  3. Jessica LaFlare

    Have you heard of anyone using Absorbine Jr for their back pain and discomfort? I am about to start on the product but now I see this article and the other options out there for coping. I won’t say my back is in severe pain but it does hurt a bit and I learned about the product why reading a few articles online. It’s working so far but I know I need more time to make a real conclusion. I was using a CBD cream before but I don’t think it was strong enough.

    Reply
    1. woodlandhills pharmacy Post author

      That company makes a few different products. The active ingredients matter in determining whether it will be effective for you. The creams we make are prescription-strength and often contain multiple active ingredients. It is best to discuss your pain and the medications you might use with your doctor. You can also call our pharmacy to speak with a pharmacist about the pain creams that may be available for you.

      Reply
    1. woodlandhills pharmacy Post author

      We do not currently offer any CBD-containing products so we are not familiar with that application.

      Reply

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