The Utilization of Topical NSAIDs for Pain Management

Authors

James P. McGraw III, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Integrative Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Bernard Toney

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This article aims to review the utilization of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management and examine their uses to help decrease the need for narcotic pain management.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with the terms topical NSAIDs, pain management, opiates, the opioid epidemic, utilization of topical NSAIDs, osteoarthritis therapy, acute pain treatments, chronic pain treatments, and Diclofenac. Twenty-three pertinent articles were identified and used as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: The articles support topical NSAIDs for pain management in several aspects of treatment. Several articles endorsed the use of topical NSAIDs to decrease the need for opiates and control localized pain for use in other therapies. Several reports discussed other benefits of topical NSAIDs. Several articles related to the function of how transdermal NSAIDs work. Other papers discussed the safety of topical NSAIDs over oral NSAIDs to prevent gastrointestinal issues and renal impairment.

Conclusion: The utilization of topical NSAIDs has been growing over the last several years to help with pain management for various issues. Their ability to better help localized pain control has made advancements, and the understanding of their use has been increasing.¹ They have demonstrated they can decrease potential adverse events affecting the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Continuing research and studies should correlate with a decrease in opiate usage.

Recommended Citation

McGraw JP. The Utilization of Topical NSAIDs for Pain Management. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).