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Topical capsaicin for chronic neck pain. A pilot study
B J Mathias1, T R Dillingham, D N Zeigler
1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Topical capsaicin cream may reduce chronic neck pain by depleting substance P in sensory neurons. Further research is needed to confirm these findings for pain management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Dermatology
Background:
- Substance P is a key neurotransmitter in nociceptive signaling via C-fibers.
- Repeated capsaicin application can deplete substance P from sensory nerve fibers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical capsaicin cream in patients with chronic neck pain.
- To assess the impact of capsaicin on pain perception and relief.
Main Methods:
- An open-labeled prospective pilot study involving 23 patients with chronic neck pain (>3 months).
- Participants applied 0.025% capsaicin cream four times daily for 5 weeks.
- Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Pain Scale, Pain Relief Scale, and McGill Pain Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in the Visual Analog Pain Scale (P=0.00013) and Pain Relief Scale (P=0.002).
- No significant improvement was noted in the McGill Pain Questionnaire scores.
- One patient withdrew due to intolerable burning side effects.
Conclusions:
- Topically applied capsaicin cream shows potential for reducing subjective chronic neck pain.
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is recommended to validate these preliminary findings.