Use of capsaicin in the treatment of radicular pain in spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2000;23(4):238-43
Date
06/01/2007Pubmed ID
17536293DOI
10.1080/10790268.2000.11753532Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0003202727 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 13 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common problem and can interfere with functional recovery. Radicular pain (pain at the level of injury) is one type of SCI pain. Traditional analgesic agents are sometimes ineffective and can have significant systemic side effects.
METHODS: A retrospective review of 8 patients with radicular pain secondary to SCI who responded to topical capsaicin therapy.
FINDINGS: Improvement was noted in 1-2 weeks, including 1 patient with a 12-year history of intractable pain. Long-term efficacy was seen in 2 patients treated for >2 years.
CONCLUSION: Based on these favorable results and minimal side effects, topical capsaicin should be considered in the treatment of localized radicular pain secondary to SCI.
Author List
Sandford PR, Benes PSAuthor
Paula Sue Benes MD SCI Staff Physician in the Physical Medical and Rehabilitation department at Zablocki VA Medical CenterMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Aged
Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
Capsaicin
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neuralgia
Pain Measurement
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Cord Injuries
Treatment Outcome
