Capsaicin
What is it?
Capsicum has a long tradition as a powerful, active ingredient in medicine. It is cultivated and harvested in warmer regions of the world. The fruits containing the highest amount of specific hard substances are used for medical purposes. The dried capsicum fruit is a powerful local stimulant and when used externally, it stimulates the blood flow and directly affects pain receptors and pain perception. Today, treatment with hot peppers or its active compound capsaicin is widely used in medicine.
How does it work?
The active ingredient Capsicum in the Elastoplast Capsaicin Heat Patch relaxes the muscles by increasing the blood flow, the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and accelerating removal of metabolic by-products. It acts as a pain blocker as it depletes and prevents the re-accumulation of the neurotransmitter Substance P which transmits pain signals to the brain. Clinical studies and scientific publications prove the efficacy of Capsaicin in the treatment of muscle and back pain.
Causes for pain
Muscle strain and tension causing neck and shoulder pain or lower back pain are the most common causes of pain. This pain is often referred to as musculoskeletal disorders. The modern way of life such as monotonous office working posture, little or no regular exercise and obesity lead to the increasing incidence of muscle and back pain.
How is it perceived?
Decreased blood flow in tight muscle tissue leads to decreased supply with oxygen and nutrients and to an increase in metabolic by-products. This stimulates the nerve cells to send messages to the spinal cord and subsequently to the brain. Once perceived in the brain, pain leads to various physical reactions such as muscle contraction, which worsens the pain.