Why can't I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for shoulders, hips, etc.? Voltaren has not been studied for the relief of arthritis pain in the shoulders, hips, and back.
Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as back pain. Back pain, especially lower back pain, is one of the most common causes of body pain.
It's a potent medication that is very effective for many people and is often used for arthritis pain. For superficial joints – like hands, wrists and even knees – it can be very effective. However, the joints of the cervical spine in the neck, and most of the shoulder joint, are deeper than the Voltaren can penetrate.
Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as neck pain. Neck pain can be the result of stress, tension and poor posture and tends to affect us more as we age.
Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
As a topical gel, a smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel reaches the bloodstream compared with the oral form of diclofenac. In a clinical study, the systemic exposure with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel was 6%, or 94% less than the systemic exposure with the oral NSAID diclofenac.
Doctors frequently recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) as a first attempt to relieve back arthritis pain. Common examples of NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil). Analgesic medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), is available over the counter.
Symptoms of overdose/swallowing may include: severe stomach pain, change in the amount of urine, slow/shallow breathing. Do not share this medication with others. Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, complete blood count, liver/kidney function) should be done while you are using this medication.
When you use topical medication, apply the cream/gel or lidocaine patch to your rear pelvis—where your sciatic nerve roots are located. Treating this area, rather than your thigh or calf where the pain may be more, will help control and numb the pain at its origin and also calm the nearby nerves.
An aqueous solution of diclofenac has been shown to penetrate to a depth of around 3–4 mm into the underlying dermis and subcutaneous tissue56. Skin permeability and local tissue concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after topical application.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can relieve shoulder pain by reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint. Ibuprofen and naproxen are two NSAIDs doctors commonly recommend.
Upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
“'High-quality' evidence shows that paracetamol is ineffective for low back pain ... We also found 'high-quality' evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of having an abnormal result on liver function tests by nearly four-fold, although the impact of this on clinically relevant patients is unclear,” they say.
Treating Burning Back Pain
Applying heat to the affected area can help relax the muscles and improve circulation, which may provide relief from a burning sensation. Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and numb the area, providing relief from pain, per the Desert Institute for Spine Care.
Voltaren has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 9 reviews for the treatment of Sciatica. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 0% reported a negative experience.
Heat can help to increase blood flow around the area of discomfort causing the muscles to loosen, therefore relieving the pressure on the sciatic nerve. A hot bath may provide temporary relief as it relaxes your muscles. Ice helps to temporarily turn off nerve receptors which can help with pain and discomfort.
Muscle relaxers: When the underlying cause of your sciatica is muscle spasms, muscle relaxers such as carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine can provide relief.
Long-term treatment with Voltaren can change your liver enzymes. On a blood test, your levels might be higher than normal even before you have symptoms. This can be a sign of serious liver problems that could lead to the need for a liver transplant or even be fatal if not treated.
You should not use Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel if you are allergic to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.
Voltaren pain relief gels
They work to relieve pain and reduce inflammation or swelling in the muscle and joints, freeing you to do the things you love. Can be applied for up to: 2 weeks for soft tissue injuries (e.g. sprains, strains, bruises) or soft tissue rheumatism.
People with osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine may want to avoid deep bending at the waist or deep twisting. People with cervical spine osteoarthritis should avoid putting extra pressure on the head and neck, such as doing as headstands in yoga classes.
It usually affects the lower back and develops through wear and tear. As the cartilage between the joints slowly breaks down, it leads to inflammation and pain. Because the pain is from mechanical damage, it is typically more noticeable when you bend or twist your back.
Walking is recommended for people with arthritis as it's low impact, helps to keep the joints flexible, helps bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If you do experience pain or you're very stiff afterwards try doing a bit less, factor in more rest and check in with your GP, if you need to.