Capsaicin No-Fuss Applicator Topical Analgesic Liquid Review

1

I had read on this site that some have tried/use the OTC topical solution Capsaicin for pain relief. So, I decided I would give it a shot. I've tried almost everything else, short of surgery (which I am also ready to try when as soon as given the chance).

Liberally applied to the right side of my face, including my temple, cheek, mandibular and maxillary area.

It it a stick with a blue pad this applies the liquid medicine onto the skin when pressure is applied to the pad. I am experiencing moderate to severe burning on the skin of the affected area. I will have to admit that the burning was so intense, at one point, that I felt a bit nauseated.

I will have to say, though, that I believe that it has eased my pain, somewhat, which was, for the most part on the right (the side of onset in 2003) this evening. The usual nagging, burning, crushing and throbbing, but definitely not at the severe level to which my pain can present. I am always spinning theories, as this condition is quite vexing, as all of you well know. I have chronic Type2 pain, which I am starting to speculate, from my readings, may be aggravated by severe Bruxism and moderate Scoliosis of the cervical spine. (My pain often reaches levels for which I fight the urge to go to the ER, although I am already being treated at a pain clinic, being seen by a neurologist from which I await the results of an MRI in a few days.) I digress, as that is a different story. My point of this post is to convey my experience with Capsaicin, for the most part.

Approximately three hours after application of the above mentioned product, I am experiencing somewhat reduced pain. I wonder, however, what effects this topical solution has on one's skin with repeated use. I do intend to possibly proceed experimenting with using the product.

I would like to hear of other's experiences with the use of this readily available med.

This year, I am optimistic, will be the one when I finally find the source, solution and relief, the year when I can begin living more normally again.

It is my profound wish, that in this 2011, you find compassionate care, the moral support you deserve, and the path a miracle which would free you from the bonds of chronic facial pain.

Come talk to me in this fine New Year!

All the best, as always,

Stef

P.S. Just heard on T.V. that there are already millions in Times Square, and it's only 3:30 a.m. ish!

2

Stef,

I’m glad the cream seems to be working. Keep trying it until you are sure. I tried it but it burned my skin (very sensitive skin). But I was interested in your comment about moderate scoliosis. I have both moderate scoliosis and kyphosis and something else (can’t recall but ends in sis also in addition to 3 cervical vertebrae issues). I have always felt that my spine has contributed to all my conditions. But that is only my opinion. The pain center doctor wanted to give me an injection in my neck for the TN but I didn’t try it. He mentioned the sympathetic nervous system may contribute to the TN pain.

Please let us know the results of your MRI. And my advice to everyone is to see a surgeon regardless of the results of the MRI. I really believe that if I had had surgery early in the course of my TN that I would not have the pain I have today although the pain is much better than before my surgery. My MRI was negative but a major compression was found during surgery. I believe my nerve suffered irreparable damage. And I’ve read MVDs are more successful when performed earlier in the course of the condition. At least if you see a surgeon you will know your options should the pain get worse.

Happy New Year

Liz

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To resolve my original post, I have discontinued my use of Capsacin. Over time, it started to burn my skin. I was genuinely hoping anything but painkillers would bring relief.

Happy New Year to all. I will remember to pray that this is the year that each of you find your miracle that sets you free of facial pain and allows you to live the life you want.

Stef

4

Hi Stef,

I use capsaicin every once in a while, I should probably think about using it more often, as it has had provided some relief for my pain. I do it a little differently, though, and it still seems to work. I will get a q-tip, and put a glob of the cream for of it right onto one of those tiny round/square bandaids. I then put those bandaids only at the places where the trigeminal nerve comes through the skull and into the face. You can find these spots by looking thru basic anatomy books, or the miriad websites related to TN. I have found that this works just as well, without the severe burning all over, which I just can't tolerate. When I am done, I very carefully remove the capsaicin with rubbing alcohol, so that it doesn't burn my eyes in the shower.

I hope that this method might work for you and others wishing to try this method. I will pick up supplies, come to think of it, when I venture out into the cold to the store this morning. There is a storm coming through, and I am getting that awful stabbing in the hole in my head. Will wear my infinity scarf. Google these, by the way, they are a godsend to TN suffers. I got mine from the site posted at a Group here on the site, but they are available at Overstock.com and other places.

Best wishes to you all, it's cold everywhere, I hear.

Lily

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It is always good to hear from you, Lily.

I am definitely going to try this technique with the Capsaicin, as it is of some benefit. I can tell. I will try it this . How clever . . .leave it to Lily!

Oh, the cold. Yuk! A lot of times, I will get shooting pains in my jaw, etc., in cold winds. I will definitely be checking the infinity scarf out. I think that probably, the cold does not hit me quite as hard as some of my Type 1 counterparts, who my heart goes out too especially, as it does to you, in this brutal, winter weather.

Take care. Thanks for the advice, again.

Hugs,

Stef


Lily said:

Hi Stef,

I use capsaicin every once in a while, I should probably think about using it more often, as it has had provided some relief for my pain. I do it a little differently, though, and it still seems to work. I will get a q-tip, and put a glob of the cream for of it right onto one of those tiny round/square bandaids. I then put those bandaids only at the places where the trigeminal nerve comes through the skull and into the face. You can find these spots by looking thru basic anatomy books, or the miriad websites related to TN. I have found that this works just as well, without the severe burning all over, which I just can't tolerate. When I am done, I very carefully remove the capsaicin with rubbing alcohol, so that it doesn't burn my eyes in the shower.

I hope that this method might work for you and others wishing to try this method. I will pick up supplies, come to think of it, when I venture out into the cold to the store this morning. There is a storm coming through, and I am getting that awful stabbing in the hole in my head. Will wear my infinity scarf. Google these, by the way, they are a godsend to TN suffers. I got mine from the site posted at a Group here on the site, but they are available at Overstock.com and other places.

Best wishes to you all, it's cold everywhere, I hear.

Lily

6

Matthew,

I don't think that is exactly what the author of "Striking Back" meant by the title of the book I am reading (which thus far has not revealed much that I did not know yet due to online research, but seems to be a terrific laymans guide on the subject), and completely discredits/dismisses the only things which I have found useful in finding any type of relief. However, I can relate with the sentiment!

I believe you are writing about therapy using a TENS unit. They would hook me up to electrodes during my sessions with the Chiropractor whom I used to see, whom had me pegged as a TMJ patient, due to cervical spine Scoliosis. I, also, found that this found no long term relief. However, I found it relaxing. Perhaps, it was the placement of the electrodes.

Take care. Hang in there.

Stef

Matthew Tabb said:

Yeah, no luck here with the creams. They just make it burn and hurt worse. There have only been 2 times when I felt like striking out at a doctor. The first was with that and the second is when they hooked my face up to some electrodes to supposedly strengthen the nerve. Let me tell you it did not. The second they turned that thing on all I saw was red. Ripped those things off and didn't return for some time. Ah, the fun we put ourselves through.