By: HIKARU ATREIDES

When we think of a chili pepper, we imagine it in adding its distinctive spiciness to food. But how about in a pain relief cream? Strange as it may sound, chili peppers have traditionally been used as a topical painkiller, usually made by crushing the fruit and mixing it with a neutral base or applying the pulp directly to the skin. A modern version of this is the capsaicin pain relief cream available in tubes or jars or as the active ingredient in heating pads for sale at most drugstores. Among the conditions it is used for are back pain, bursitis, fibromyalgia, joint pain, muscle pain, nerve pain, osteoarthritis, pain due to diabetes, neuropathy, phantom pain after amputation, post-herpetic neuralgia, post-surgical neuropathic pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also relieve itching (pruritis).

But what is it about capsaicin that makes it so effective in relieving pain? The answer lies in its distinctive mouth-burning, eye-watering, and sweat-breaking spiciness. Capsaicin or 8-methyl N-vanillyl 6nonamide is one of the six capsaicinoid compounds in chili peppers. It works by activating the chemical terminals of sensory neurons called transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), which increases membrane permeability to elements like calcium and sodium. This triggers the release of substance P, which is primarily responsible for the sensations of pain we experience inside our mouths when eating a habanero chili pepper. When these chemical terminals are flooded with capsaicin, they open and allow the latter to enter specific pain fibers, letting extra calcium inside the cells until the nerves become overloaded and shut down. When these cells shut down, it temporarily numbs the feeling in that specific area where it was applied.

The brain responds to the burning sensation by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.

Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters produced by the body to respond to any kind of pain, and bonds to some of the same receptors in the brain as the opioid morphine. The term itself is a blend of two words coined by American scientists Rabi Simantov and Solomon H. Snyder, “endogenous” and “morphine” and literally means “morphine produced naturally in the body.” Endorphins are also known to cause a sense of well-being, and is the attributed cause of a phenomenon called “runner’s high.” This is largely because its release is triggered by exercise, which puts a great deal of wear and tear on the body and causing muscle pain. The muscle pain in turn becomes the signal for the body to release endorphins. Similarly, capsaicin has also been known to trigger the release of endorphins.

While some studies suggest that it is only effective in a percentage of actual users, capsaicin pain relief creams give patients an alternative to taking oral medications to manage their pain. Although it is associated with certain side effects, specifically a mild to moderate stinging or burning sensation, these diminish with frequent use. However, this treatment option is worth a try.

With her articles, Hikaru Atreides combines her passion for research, writing and health. She is very interested in the role complimentary and alternative medicine plays in the modern healthcare setting. Choose Variety of High Quality Medicines at Online Medicines Enjoyed Reading this article? More here: www.americapharmacyworld.com/articles.html “>Pharmacy Articles

===========================================

By: Rcon Franchesca

One of the most complex forms of illnesses is the headache pain. In fact, this condition is very common as it does not only triggers adults, but teenagers and children as well. Although unpleasant, headache pain is basically regarded as a normal part of a person’s daily life. Since headache pain is among the top reasons for medical appointments to doctors and physicians today, it only proves that there is really nothing more typical on this type of illness.

The major causes of headache pain vary from the different cases of headache. Among the top factors that trigger headache pain are viruses, bio-chemicals, hormones, and bacteria. Genetics also has something to do with a person’s susceptibility to headache pains. People with low levels of serotonin are more likely to suffer from headache. Serotonin is the neuro-chemical that protects an individual from pain.

Determining different types of headache pain

While irritating and unpleasant pain is inevitable in all types of headache, it actually comes in different forms. It is really important for one to know the various types of headache pain in order to have proper diagnosis and application of headache pain relief treatments.

1. Migraine headache pain

This type of pain occurs on the one side of the head. The pain can become severe to the point that it can interfere with a person’s daily productivity.

2. Cluster headache pain

This type of headache pain is severe and sudden. Although a cluster headache has a shorter duration compared to other types of headache, it can trigger up to six times in one day.

3. Sinus headache pain

An infection, swelling, and irritation of the sinuses can spark a sinus headache pain. This type of headache pain is oftentimes mistaken with tension and migraine pains.

4. Rebound headache pain

A rebound headache pain is oftentimes caused by over-consumption of headache medications. Instead of diminishing the pain, pain reliever drugs can ultimately cause headache pains when abused.

Headache pain relief medications: Guidelines and precautions

Once headache pain is diagnosed, the doctor will then prescribed proper medications to alleviate and relieve pain. Apart from prescribed drugs, there are also non-prescription pain relievers that are regarded as safe when taken properly. However, it is still best to know and consider the following guidelines and precautions when taking in non-prescription headache pain reliever drugs:

1. Make sure to know all the ingredients contained in each product. Always read the labels of every medications before considering to buy or take them.

2. Only take the advised dosage of the drug. Never exceed the recommended amount of medication for this will most likely worsen the pain.

3. If there are more than one drugs to take, it is best to carefully plan the intake of each medication. This way, over-medication would be avoided.

4. For those with liver or kidney complication, it is recommended to consult a doctor first before taking headache pain relief medications containing acetaminophen ingredient.

5. People with asthma, bleeding problems, as well as those who have recently underwent any surgical procedure are advised to take medications like naproxen and ibuprofen.

Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. DrugstoreTM.com is a reputable online drug store. From sexual health to a woman’s health, sleeping aids to weight loss pills, our online pharmacy offers convenient customer access to various health medicines, including an array of health product and medicare prescription drug. www.drugstoretm.com/soma.php“>Buy Soma | Buy Tramadol

========================================