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Cited by 149Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitationInflammatory mediators and NSAID effectsPain Mechanisms and Treatments

Topical NSAID Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain

Haroutiunian, Simon, Drennan, Daniel A, Lipman, Arthur G.·2010·Pain Medicine
DOI 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00809.x
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Systematic reviews previously reported in the literature document that topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in relieving pain in acute and chronic painful musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and muscle strains. Because several topical NSAIDs are available, with important differences among the formulations, there is a need to address and summarize the evidence of their effectiveness and safety. DESIGN: We searched Medline and Cochrane CENTRAL databases for clinical trials and systematic reviews of topical NSAIDs in musculoskeletal pain, using the following keywords: "NSAID,""nonsteroidal,""antiinflammatory,""topical,""cream,""gel,""solution,""lotion,""patch,"plaster,""musculoskeletal,""tendonitis,""strain,""sprain,""trauma," and word roots "pain" and "arthritis." CONCLUSIONS: Topical NSAIDs may vary significantly in their absorption kinetics and pharmacodynamic effects, based on NSAID molecule and the formulation chosen. Some topical NSAID formulations have been shown to be more effective than placebo in multiple studies, or to have comparable efficacy and a better safety profile than oral NSAIDs for single joint osteoarthritis and acute muscle injuries. In acute and chronic low back pain, widespread musculoskeletal pain, and in peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes, the current evidence does not support the use of topical NSAIDs.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00809.x

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80 of 80 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Topical NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen gel, can be used effectively in many causes of chronic pain and have better safety than oral NSAIDs and comparable efficacy.

    “Topical NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen gel, can be used effectively in many causes of chronic pain and have better safety than oral NSAIDs and comparable efficacy; however, current evidence does not support their use in back pain [46].”

    From Identification and Management of Chronic Pain in Primary Care: a Review (2016) · cites this paper as [46]

  • Current evidence does not support the use of topical NSAIDs in back pain.

    “Topical NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen gel, can be used effectively in many causes of chronic pain and have better safety than oral NSAIDs and comparable efficacy; however, current evidence does not support their use in back pain [46].”

    From Identification and Management of Chronic Pain in Primary Care: a Review (2016) · cites this paper as [46]

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Authors
Haroutiunian, S., Drennan, D. A., & Lipman, A. G.
Affiliations
University of Utah (US)
Venue
Pain Medicine
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
2010-04
Volume
11
Issue
4
Pages
535-549
ISSN
  • 1526-2375 (ISSN-L)
  • 1526-4637
DOI
10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00809.x
OpenAlex
W2034700849
Cited by
149
References
80
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 11
FWCI
1.40
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
doi.wiley.com/10.1002/tdm_license_1 (tdm, 1979 d)
Locations
  • Pain Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Inflammatory mediators and NSAID effects
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Pain Mechanisms and Treatments
Keywords
topical NSAIDs, musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, muscle strain, acute muscle injury, topical formulation, drug absorption, efficacy, safety, low back pain, peripheral neuropathic pain
MeSH terms
Administration, Topical, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal, Clinical Trials as Topic, Humans, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Pain, Skin, Databases, Factual

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