Sometimes our “healthy lifestyle” of exercising, activities and sports can cause us muscle strain and discomfort and pain. Sore and achy muscles and joints may be caused by arthritis, backaches, sprains, strains and bruises. Many athletes even use over-the-counter topical pain relievers to treat muscle aches and pains. If you are suffering from muscle and lower back pain, even arthritis pain, there are pill-free options for you to consider.

More than fifty percent of Americans live with chronic or recurrent pain, with large numbers saying it interferes with their activities, quality and enjoyment of life – instigating a search for relief in the form of either medication, bed rest, yoga or over the counter alternatives.

Back and knee pain are most common forms of recurrent pain. Pain is much more frequent among older adults.

Question:

What's the Best Pain Reliever for You?

Answer:

• Pills

• Prescription for example Fioricet, Tramadol, Ultram, Soma and Imitrex
• Over the counter

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT).
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol and Panadol).

• Topical pain medications

• Topical pain medications are those that are applied directly to the skin. These topical remedies come as creams, gels lotions and patches.

Question:

What safe and effective topical ingredients help combat muscle aches and pains?

Answer:

Lidocaine – is a local anesthetic, that when applied to the skin produces pain relief by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin.

Glucosamine - a compound that is found naturally in the body, and made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Because the body's natural glucosamine is used to make and repair joint cartilage, is thought that taking glucosamine will help repair damaged cartilage.

Capsaicin - An ingredient in topical skin preparations is used to relieve pain. Capsaicin works by decreasing substance P in your body, that helps pass pain signals to the brain.

Question:

Is there a Topical pain medication that has generated consumer confidence?

Answer:

Blue Chill is created with 4% Lidocaine which blocks pain signals from the skin to the brain while Glucosamine helps strengthen muscle cartilage to reduce aching pain from occurring. The ingredient Capsaicin also helps to relieve pain and reduce swelling in a number of conditions affecting the joints and muscles due to trauma, osteoarthritis and bursitis.

Jennifer Hughs is the pen name for the health and lifestyles writer who is compensated by Value Marketing, Inc. d/b/a Lab88. The author has 20+ years in the cosmetic and health industries and has worked with leading beauty and health publications.