While muscle creams (like Tiger Balm, Biofreeze, and Aspercreme) don't do much against FMS pain, they can provide relief from muscles aches that can contribute to your overall pain level and make it hard to get comfortable or fall asleep.
Some of the best pain relief creams for fibromyalgia include over-the-counter topical creams containing menthol, capsaicin, and salicylates, as well as prescription topical medications such as gabapentin and lidocaine. These creams can provide relief from muscle aches, joint pains, and headaches caused by fibromyalgia.
Regular physical activity can often improve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Although exercise may increase pain at first, it may help prevent pain over time. Activities that may help people with fibromyalgia include walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics.
It is said to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, the processes of which are yet to be fully understood. Variations of the product suit different ailments, which can be found below. Red Tiger Balm: Typically helps relieve inflammation and muscular pains, and insect bite itch relief.
Tiger Balm has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 32 ratings on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 14% reported a negative effect. Voltaren has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 166 ratings on Drugs.com.
Uses. This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Menthol and methyl salicylate are known as counterirritants. They work by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm.
The most helpful treatment approach for fibromyalgia is a combination of self-care, physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy. But medication may also be needed.
Although large-scale studies are still needed to confirm their effectiveness, the newest FDA-approved treatments for fibromyalgia include Quell and milnacipran. Quell is an over-the-counter transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator intended to be used for pain relief.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. Apply a Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub skin patch to clean, dry skin. Press the patch firmly into place and wear it for up to 8 hours.
Test the product on a small area of skin to make sure it doesn't cause irritation before you apply it widely. Skin irritation can cause pain, redness, or, rarely, bleeding of the affected area. Tiger balm may also cause an allergic reaction with a skin rash, swelling of the skin or throat, or breathing difficulties.
Treating muscle soreness is the most popular use of Tiger Balm. Research has shown the combination of menthol and methyl salicylate in patch form helped lower mild to moderate muscle pain. Research has also shown that the warming and cooling sensations of Tiger Balm ointment temporarily alleviate muscle pain.
Prescription NSAIDs like Celebrex (celecoxib) or Voltaren (diclofenac) also carry the same risks as their OTC counterparts, but may be appropriate for short-term relief if kept at the lowest possible effective dose. Opioid medications are generally not recommended for fibromyalgia treatment, except in severe cases.
Abnormal pain messages
The central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) transmits information all over your body through a network of specialised cells. Changes in the way this system works may explain why fibromyalgia results in constant feelings of, and extreme sensitivity to, pain.
Exercise Regularly
Regular, low-intensity exercise, such as walking or warm-water exercise, is one of the best treatments for fibromyalgia. It helps decrease pain and stiffness, reduce stress, and may increase your sense of control over fibromyalgia. You may also sleep better.
Fibromyalgia tends to run in families, so genetic factors are likely to contribute to the disorder, but little is known for sure about the specific genes involved. Researchers believe that environmental (nongenetic) factors also play a role in a person's risk of developing the disorder.
Poor sleep quality
Fibromyalgia can affect your sleep. You may often wake up tired, even when you have had plenty of sleep. This is because the condition can sometimes prevent you sleeping deeply enough to refresh you properly. You may hear this described as non-restorative sleep.
Magnesium
Not only is it credited with keeping the heart, kidneys and bones strong, it also helps us avoid muscle spasms, weakness and back pain, Dr. Teitelbaum says. Women with fibromyalgia may be deficient in magnesium, studies suggest. And magnesium may help relieve fibro pain and other symptoms.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend a multivitamin that includes antioxidant vitamins A, C, D, E, and the B vitamins, as well as calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc to ease symptoms. Coenzyme Q10. This antioxidant, used to convert food into energy, has shown some promise in treating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Nature of the pain: Words commonly used to describe fibromyalgia pain include aching, dull, numbing, burning, tingling, pins-and-needles, throbbing, pounding, shooting, sharp, stabbing, blinding, knife-like, needle-like, and others.
Serious side effects of Tiger Balm
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Its active ingredients, camphor and menthol, provide soothing relief for sore muscles, stiff joints, and other minor aches and pains. To use Tiger Balm, apply the ointment generously to the affected area, then rub it in until it's absorbed completely.