Using Capsaicin to Manage Post-Surgery Pain
Capsaicin, a substance found in chili peppers, is not only used to alleviate pain caused by existing conditions but also to treat post-surgery pain. However, it is important to note that this treatment should only be administered by healthcare professionals and not attempted at home.
During the procedure, doctors utilize an ultra-purified form of capsaicin and directly apply it to open wounds. Since patients are under anesthesia, they do not feel the initial burning sensation. The purpose is to introduce capsaicin to surgically exposed nerves, resulting in weeks of numbness. By doing so, the reliance on prescription painkillers can be significantly reduced.
Excitingly, researchers at Harvard University are currently working on a new method that combines capsaicin with another anesthetic to create an epidural. If successful, this approach would eliminate the need for women to be confined to bed during childbirth, offering a much-needed alternative for pain management.
Relieving Nervous System Disorders
When you suffer from headaches and neck pain, it could be a sign of a nervous system problem. One such condition is trigeminal neuralgia, which causes intense facial pain as it affects the trigeminal nerve responsible for transmitting sensations to the brain. Even simple tasks like brushing teeth or applying makeup can trigger excruciating pain for individuals with trigeminal neuralgia. Fortunately, there are various treatments available to alleviate the pain associated with this and other nervous system disorders. Capsaicin cream, medications, and surgical procedures have proven effective in reducing pain levels. According to research, up to 31.6 percent of patients achieved complete remission by using topical capsaicin, while another 31.6 percent experienced partial remission.