How Effective Are Topical Pain-Relievers?

Its easy to assume that at-home pain relief comes only from a bottle of pills. Truth is, you can get plenty of help from a variety of medicinal creams and gels. Choosing the right treatment for your particular pain, however, isnt always easy. One product promises help for lower back pain, but it might only work for mild muscle pain. Another reduces joint inflammation but contains salicylates that could interfere with blood thinners. A third guarantees pain relief, but its really designed for skin irritations, not joint discomfort.