Livestrong discusses different types of natural pain-relief creams and includes guidance from Harmandeep Singh, MD, interventional pain medicine physician at HSS.

According to Dr. Singh, products in the natural pain relief category typically contain active ingredients such as menthol, camphor, capsaicin and salicylates. These all work in different ways to quell discomfort but generally desensitize nerves, warm or cool the area, or improve blood flow.

He explained, “These work well for localized, superficial pains, such as inflammation, neuropathic pain, burning pain, sensitivity and muscle spasms.”

“Of the natural topical therapies, capsaicin and salicylates have the best evidence for effectiveness,” Dr. Singh cited.

He underscored the importance of speaking with a doctor to determine the best treatment plan. “A physician can assess a patient to determine the cause of the pain and recommend therapies to treat the underlying pathology,” he noted.

Read the full article at Livestrong.com.