Abstract |
Substance P is thought to be the principle neurotransmitter of nociceptive impulses in type C sensory neurons. Prolonged repeated applications of capsaicin cream depletes the sensory C-fibers of substance P. In an open-labeled prospective pilot study, 23 patients with chronic neck pain (greater than 3 mo) completed the study. Patients applied topical capsaicin (0.025%) cream four times a day to painful areas in the neck and shoulder girdle for a 5-wk treatment period. One patient dropped out because of intolerable burning. Statistically significant improvement was obtained in two primary outcome variables, the visual analog pain scale (P = 0.00013) and the pain relief scale (P = 0.002). Paired t tests failed to show a significant improvement in the McGill Pain Questionnaire. This study demonstrated that topically applied capsaicin cream may decrease subjective neck pain. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is needed to confirm this treatment effect.
|
Authors | B J Mathias, T R Dillingham, D N Zeigler, A S Chang, P V Belandres |
Journal | American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
(Am J Phys Med Rehabil)
1995 Jan-Feb
Vol. 74
Issue 1
Pg. 39-44
ISSN: 0894-9115 [Print] United States |
PMID | 7532951
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
|
Topics |
- Administration, Topical
- Analysis of Variance
- Capsaicin
(administration & dosage)
- Chronic Disease
- Female
- Fibromyalgia
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Myofascial Pain Syndromes
(drug therapy)
- Neck
- Nociceptors
(physiology)
- Pain
(drug therapy)
- Pain Measurement
- Pilot Projects
- Prospective Studies
- Substance P
(metabolism)
|