Back pain, knee pain, ankle pain, etc. are all common injuries affecting many of us in our day-to-day lives. Unless mild, these can significantly hamper our daily activities, bringing things to a halt. Thankfully, medications such as pain relief sprays can come to our rescue and get things back on track. These formulations have become quite popular lately and are frequently used for pain relief.
In this blog post, we will take you through what pain relief sprays are, how they work, their benefits, and how to use them effectively.
What is a Pain Relief Spray?
A pain relief spray is a convenient way to treat minor aches and pains on your own. You can use it to treat sprains and strains, knee pain, calf muscle pain, neck pain, back pain, and other muscle-related pains in the body.
Unlike pain relief cream or ointment that comes in a jar or tube, a pain relief spray comes in a bottle. It is meant for topical application, so you can apply it externally on the affected area where it provides targeted relief.
How Does a Pain Relief Spray Work?
Pain relief sprays are made up of a combination of ingredients, and their mechanism of action depends on the type of ingredients included in them. Sprays containing menthol or camphor work by producing a cooling sensation at the application site, distracting the mind from the pain. Similarly, sprays with capsaicin create a heating sensation to soothe sore muscles and ease pain.
We also have pain relief sprays containing NSAIDs like diclofenac to aid in pain relief and reduce inflammation. Lidocaine is another topical anaesthetic often included in pain relief sprays, which works by numbing the area and blocking the pain sensation.
Benefits of Using a Pain Relief Spray
The following are the benefits of using pain relief sprays:
1. Sprays, like Volini Spray, are fast-acting, allowing active ingredients to get absorbed in the affected area quickly after application.
2. Sprays are great for targeted pain relief, and one can apply them only to the specific area where the pain resides.
3. These usually have a non-greasy formula, allowing mess-free application.
4. Allow easy application in difficult-to-reach areas of the body.
5. Spray bottles are convenient to carry along, especially during travel.
6. There is a reduced risk of systemic side effects as pain relief sprays are for external use only.
How to Use a Pain Relief Spray for Maximum Relief
Using a spray for pain relief is quick and easy. Sprays often have instructions given on the label. So, you might want to read it carefully before spraying the product on your body. Common steps for using a pain relief spray effectively include:
1. Prep the area: Before using the spray on your skin, remove any clothing or jewellery from the site of pain.
2. Shake the bottle: Now shake the bottle well so that the medication gets evenly distributed within the container and you receive a uniform dose of the medication.
3. Spray the medication: Hold the bottle firmly and press the nozzle to spray the medication on the affected area. Keep the nozzle at least 6-8 inches away from your skin to avoid skin irritation and facilitate even application.
4. Let it air dry: Allow the spray to dry for a few minutes. Sprays often dry up quickly, so you won’t have to wait too long. Massage the area gently if the label says so.
5. Do not wash the area: Once you have applied the spray, do not wash or wipe the pain site, as it may remove the medication and hinder the pain-relieving process.
6. Repeat application when required: Follow the label’s recommendation on how often you can reapply the spray for pain relief or ask your doctor for advice.
Is it Safe to Use a Pain Relief Spray?
Pain relief sprays are usually safe when used short term and in accordance with the instructions given on the label. However, these must not be used in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or older adults unless suggested by a doctor.
Always disclose your medical history and medications you are currently taking to your doctor so they can determine if a particular pain relief spray will be suitable for you or not. And while using, be on the lookout for side effects or worsening of your condition. If you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor immediately.
Follow These Precautions When Using a Pain Relief Spray
It is best to follow the given precautions for the safe use of any pain relief spray:
- Never use a pain relief spray on open wounds or damaged skin.
- Never spray near an open flame.
- Keep your eyes and mouth protected when using a pain relief spray so these sensitive parts do not come into contact with the contents inside the bottle.
- Always consult a doctor before using a pain relief spray on children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on how often you should use the spray for pain relief.
- Keep the spray nozzle at least 6 cm away from the affected area during application.
- Do not use the spray for children under 5 years of age.
Choosing the Best Pain Relief Spray for Yourself
If you are looking for a fast relief spray to relieve your aches and pains, here are a few things you should consider:
Identify the Pain
Identify the type of pain you are dealing with. For muscle pain, sprays with menthol or camphor can be helpful. If you have joint pain like arthritis, you may benefit more from sprays containing diclofenac. Or, if your pain is chronic in nature, sprays with capsaicin or lidocaine could make a better choice. In case of any confusion, talk to your doctor to identify the type of pain and treatment options.
Active Ingredients
Check the active ingredients of the product and the type of relief you are looking forward to. For cooling relief, try sprays with menthol or camphor. For targeting pain as well as inflammation, check for ingredients like diclofenac, and for a soothing and warming effect, pick a product with capsaicin as an ingredient.
Ease of Use
Consider factors like portability, ease of application, non-greasy formulas, and fragrance-free formulations to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Effectiveness
Pain relief sprays can vary in effectiveness. Some provide pain relief for just a couple of hours, while others provide relief for longer durations. So, determine your requirements and choose a spray accordingly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you wish to learn about the effectiveness of a particular product.
Price
Pain relief sprays can vary in price too, depending on the brand, quantity, and effectiveness. You might want to consider your budget before making a purchase to suit your pocket.
Final Word
A pain relief spray can be a perfect addition to your first aid kit to manage muscle aches, sprains, and strains at home. It is also a great product to carry in the bags of athletes and sportspersons who are more prone to developing aches and pains while training.
To use any pain relief spray effectively, read the product label to understand the instructions and follow them correctly. When used as per the guidelines, sprays can provide you with quick relief and allow you to carry on with your daily activities with ease and confidence.
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