What Is Voltaren Gel Otc Used For
Previously available only as an oral medication, diclofenac is now available in topical gel form under the brand name Voltaren gel OTC. As with NSAIDs you take by mouth, Voltaren gel treats the , stiffness and swelling caused by . It reduces inflammation and pain. Voltaren gel is approved for use on arm and leg joints only. It has not been studied for use in the hips or spine. You should not use Voltaren gel to treat in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.
When Surgery Is Necessary
When conservative treatment for low back pain does not provide relief or neurologic symptoms are worsening or severe, surgery may be needed. Candidates for surgery present any of the following:
- Reasonably good health
- Back and leg pain limits normal activity or impairs quality of life
- Progressive neurologic deficits develop, such as leg weakness, numbness or both
- Loss of normal bowel and bladder functions
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Medication and physical therapy are ineffective
If surgery is recommended, neurosurgeons have a variety of options available to help relieve pressure on the nerve roots. If several nerve roots and discs are causing the pain or if degeneration and instability exist in the spinal column, the neurosurgeon may choose: a minimally invasive approach a more open decompression or fusing the vertebrae together with bone grafts and stabilizing them with instrumentation, including metal plates, screws, rods and cages, depending on the extent of disease. After such surgery, patients may gain restored mobility in the back, including the ability to bend over. In addition, patients may require postoperative physical therapy.
The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against the risks. Although a large percentage of patients with low back pain report significant pain relief after surgery, it is not guaranteed that surgery will help.
Effective Relief Of Pain And Reduction Of Inflammation13
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with acute neck pain, Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief Gel delivered significantly greater reduction in pain-on-movement and pain-at-rest over three times that of placebo. Additionally, recovery time* was about twice as fast as placebo.1
*Recovery time was defined as a clinically relevant decrease in pain plus an increase in neck function.72 patients with acute neck pain received 2 g Voltarol Back and Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel four times daily or placebo for 5 days.
Product Information can be found at the bottom of the page
Donât Miss: Advil Or Aleve For Back Pain
Also Check: How Should I Sit With Lower Back Pain
To Use Topical Diclofenac Gel Follow These Steps:
More Conditions Voltaren Might Be Good For
There are probably some good uses for Voltaren® Gel above and beyond what its already been specifically approved for . Here are some of the common conditions that, in my opinion, are also likely to be good targets for this drug.
But I am not a doctor, and safety first: please check with your doctor before you start spreading topical diclofenac on painful problems it isnt made for!
Don’t Miss: Is Acupuncture Effective For Lower Back Pain
Voltaren Gel Review Final Verdict
The product seems to be one which is well-made. It is brought by a company with a proper reputation which does add some credibility. The product contains natural ingredients which are well-known and are said to deliver quite a lot of benefits. Of course, as it is with every product, there are certain drawbacks that have to be accounted for. For instance, there are no studies which approve or validate the actual effects of the product.
Yet, wed suggest that you discuss the matter with your personal physicist. It is important to get a professional opinion. Also, there are best joint pain relief product on the market that could be taken advantage of. The category is quite broad.
Bones are connected by joints, which allow us to move with ease. Joint damage can cause pain preventing you from doing the things you once loved. Topical joint relief products tend to work more quickly, helping to relieve pain directly in the affected area compared to products taken orally. A topical joint pain relief product should be evaluated on its: potential to block the transportation of pain signals, potential to act as a counterirritant to reduce soreness and Quality of Ingredients* backed by clinical research.
Below youll find some of the most effective topical joint pain products on the market today, in our opinion.
Dont Miss: Does Aleve Help Back Pain
Why Do We Experience Back Pain
Back pain has numerous causes. These can include injury, joint problems and muscles strains. The location of back pain can help to identify the causes.
What causes back pain?
Lower back pain is commonly caused by:
- Muscle spasms, or a strain or tear in the muscles and ligaments. This can happen after:
– Bending, lifting or carrying heavy objects – Sitting or driving in a hunched position
Upper back pain is commonly caused by:
- Muscular irritation caused by weak muscles
- Accidents and overuse or sports injuries
Causes of back pain at work
If your job involves the following tasks and they are not performed properly, this can lead to back pain:
- Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
- Sitting or driving for long periods without taking a break
- Standing or bending for long periods
Everyday activities that can cause back pain
Back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home including:
- Bending awkwardly
- Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
- Slouching in chairs
- Standing or bending for long periods
- Sitting or driving for long periods without taking a break
Also Check: How To Get Out Of Bed With Lower Back Pain
Can A Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Cause Long
While its very rare, receiving a lumbar epidural steroid injection can lead to some long-term complications, including:
- Permanent neurologic deficit due to spinal cord or nerve root damage from the epidural injection.
- Chronic pain due to spinal cord or nerve root damage from the epidural injection.
- Permanent paralysis from a hematoma that occurs when theres a buildup of blood between the dura mater and your spinal cord.
Certain People Should Avoid Using Diclofenac Gel
Women who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not use Voltaren, Pennsaid or Solaraze. These medications can delay ovulation, cause fetal heart defect, and harm a nursing infant.
Patients who develop asthma, hives or other allergic reactions when taking aspirin or NSAIDs should not use diclofenac gel.
People with hypersensitivity to diclofenac should not use Voltaren gel.
Read Also: How Do You Cure Back Pain
What Is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Diclofenac works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel may not be effective in treating arthritis pain elsewhere in the body.
Topical Diclofenac Is A Completely Different Animal Than Oral
The difference between oral and topical is extremely important. Spreading a medication on your skin is not the same thing as swallowing it.
Because Voltaren Gel is applied to the skin, dramatically less medication reaches the bloodstream only a tiny fraction of what you would get from oral usage. It is safe to assume that cardiovascular risks of moderate topical use are negligible compared to oral diclofenac, because so much less medication is actually getting into general circulation, and that is what the evidence now shows. Multiple studies have concluded that topical NSAIDs are both effective and safe.
At correct dosages for limited time periods, I think Voltaren Gel is probably almost completely safe: the worst side effect is probably the chance of irritated skin. ScienceBasedMedicine.org agrees:
The main advantage of topical NSAIDs is the reduced exposure of the rest of the body to the product, which reduces the side effect profile. Given the toxicity of NSAIDs is related in part to the dose, it follows that topical treatments should have a better toxicity profile. Consequently, the cardiovascular risks of topical diclofenac, even in those with a high baseline risk of disease, should be negligible with the topical forms.
Recommended Reading: Which Massage Is Best For Back Pain
Help Ive Got Back Pain
Back pain is a problem we need to solve. Treatment costs are almost A$5 billion every year in Australia, and it is the main health condition forcing older people to retire prematurely. In the United States, loss of workdays due to back pain cost US$100 billion annually.
So, if the most commonly used medications and interventions for managing back pain do not work, what should people do instead?
First, there needs to be a stronger focus on preventing back pain. We know education and exercise programs can substantially reduce the risk of developing a new episode of back pain. In addition, we also know what can trigger back pain, such as manual tasks involving heavy loads, awkward postures and being fatigued or tired during an activity.
Second, once people have back pain, they should be given tailored advice and information to help them self-manage their condition. Patients should be reminded of the benign nature of back pain. Most of us will have some pain in our lower back but very rare cases will be associated with more serious causes . Reminding people of the importance of keeping active within their own limitations is also crucial. This includes going for a short walk or avoiding prolonged sitting.
Back pain has many causes and presentation scenarios, and a quick fix is not the answer. Although we would all like back pain to be resolved with painkillers, evidence points us to a different direction.
Is Voltaren Gel Available Otc In Canada
You can also find Voltaren pain relief gel in pharmacies and drugstores in Canada under the same name and another version called Voltaren Emugel that has slightly different doses of diclofenac sodium and other ingredients.
In some provinces, it may be behind the counter, and you will have to ask a pharmacist for it, even though you do not need a prescription to purchase.
Recommended Reading: How Does Yoga Help With Back Pain
Factors Influencing The Effectiveness Of Anti
- Concentration The concentration of anti-inflammatory medication in the gel/cream obviously has a strong bearing on how much is absorbed by the tissues. Voltaren has recently released their voltaren gel osteo 12 hourly product, which has twice the concentration of diclofenec compared to their standard product.
- Formula The formulation is crucial for skin penetration. Without getting into too much detail, gel is more effective than cream.
- Blood Flow If blood flow to the area is increased due to exercise, a heat pack, a hot shower, massage, etc there is a better chance of the medication being absorbed.
- Wraps Sports Doctors often recommend wrapping the affected area in glad wrap after applying the anti inflammatory gel to increase the time the gel has to penetrate the skin before being rubbed off or evaporating.
- Massage Dont forget about the beneficial effects of massage including pain relief and increased blood flow. Some believe that the beneficial effects of anti-inflammatory creams can be attributed in full to the massage and not the actual cream/gel. However research has proven that anti-inflammatory gels and creams provide significantly more pain relief than placebo gels and creams when massaged into the affected area.
Donât Miss: Advil Or Tylenol For Back Pain
When Should I See A Neurosurgeon For Back Pain
A neurosurgeon is a physician most qualified to perform nonsurgical and surgical treatments on the central and peripheral nervous system, which includes the brain, spine, and nerves. Oftentimes, back pain is caused by problems with the spine and nerves, and a neurosurgeons training makes them the best specialist for the job.
There was a time when only neurosurgeons could operate on the spine, but now, orthopedic surgeons can subspecialize in spine care. However, neurosurgeons remain the best specialists for patients with spine conditions. Due to their extensive training and experience, they can treat even the rarest and complex spine disorders.
You May Like: How To Help My Lower Back Pain
The Science Behind Voltaren
The active ingredient in most Voltaren products is diclofenac. This is a powerful nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory which inhibits pain-signaling chemicals. The Voltaren range includes oral and topical treatments. The diclofenac in topical Voltaren products such as gels or medicated patches, works by penetrating deep through the skin, relieving pain and reducing inflammation directly at the source.
Read Also: Aleve Good For Back Pain
Topical Diclofenac May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:
- dryness, redness, itching, swelling, pain, hardness, irritation, swelling, scaling, or numbness at application site
- excessive tiredness
Topical diclofenac may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
You May Like: How To Relieve Back Pain While Sleeping
How Is The Topical Form Different Than Taking An Nsaid Pill Like Ibuprofen
When you swallow a pill, it must travel through your digestive tract and through your bloodstream before it can reach the intended target, such as a painful joint. A topical treatment, such as Voltaren gel, is applied to the skin near the area thats causing arthritis symptoms like pain and stiffness.
Voltaren gel works locally, as opposed to systemically, which helps reduce the sometimes problematic side effects associated with oral NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal and/or kidney problems, saysRachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic sports medicine physician with UCHealth and director of the Joint Preservation Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Donât Miss: Mayo Clinic Low Back Pain Exercises
What Causes Lower Back Pain
This can vary. More often than not, you pull your back from something like lifting furniture or twisting awkwardly the pain isnt from any underlying disease, but risk factors like obesity and physical inactivity also play a key role. The medical term for this is non-specific back pain.² If you injure your back in this way, the soft tissues become inflamed. This inflammation causes pain, and you might get muscle spasms. This explains why anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren, can be effective at reducing back pain. See the article All about back pain for more details on pain relief for back pain.
Less often, back pain is caused by something specific, such as a problem with a vertebrae or a problem with a nerve around your spine.²
Some things can increase your risk of getting lower back pain. These include:²
- Obesity.² The extra weight can put a strain on your back.
- A sedentary lifestyle where you dont do any or much physical activity.² This can make your abdominal muscles weak, and your spine less stable.
- Your job if it involves heavy lifting, for example. Stress can also cause muscle tension.²,
- Uncomfortable shoes. Its possible that your shoes might change the affect the way you stand and walk and contribute to back pain.¹
*Haleon Global Pain Index Report 2018. p.39
You May Like: Why Do We Get Back Pain
Readers Share The Serious Side Effects Of Voltaren Gel:
Brenn had side effects from Voltaren Gel just like she experienced with oral NSAIDs:
I tried the Voltaren gel because NSAIDs cause extreme stomach distress, acid reflux, and most frightening, atrial fibrillation. My cardiologist said it was an inflammation in the lining of my heart. However, using the gel caused the same problems in both me and my neighbor. If I only use a small amount, occasionally, the symptoms are mild, but it really doesnt do much for relief.
Carol reports a different kind of reaction:
I used oral NSAIDs for several years before giving in to arthritic pain and having hip replacements. This was after 40 years of running. The oral NSAIDs took quite a toll on my digestive system so when my knee began to trouble me, I opted for Voltaren Gel which I applied on a few occasions in a three-week period.
It didnt really relieve the knee pain and I stopped using it. However, during that timeframe, the notable result was acid indigestion so severe with intense chest pain that I never recognized it as indigestion but rather thought it was a cardiac event. A cardiac CT scan found no evidence of heart issues. I never used Voltaren Gel again and had no further chest pain.
Rosanna also experiences gastrointestinal side effects from Voltaren Gel:
Eric shares a similar reaction:
Also Check: Is Aleve Good For Back Pain
