Acute Effect of Topical Menthol on Neck Pain

National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark20 enrolled

Overview

Topical menthol gels are classified 'topical analgesics' and are used to relieve aching and tenderness of muscles and joints. However, double-blind randomized controlled trials are lacking. Here the investigators examine - in a double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial - the acute effect of topical menthol (Biofreeze) and placebo (gel with a menthol scent) on neck pain.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Interventions

BiofreezeOTHER

The gel will be applied at 2.5 ml per 500 cm2 to the upper trapezius and neck muscles by a gloved technician

PlaceboOTHER

The gel will be applied at 2.5 ml per 500 cm2 to the upper trapezius and neck muscles by a gloved technician

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 67 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * more than 30 days with neck pain during the last year * frequent pain or discomfort, defined as at least 3 days per week * pain intensity at least 4 on a scale of 0-10 * working at least 30 hours per week Exclusion Criteria: * blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg * pregnancy * life-threatening disease

Locations (1)

National Research Centre for the Working Environment

Copenhagen, Denmark

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Neck pain intensity (scale 0-10)

the participant rates pain intensity on a scale from 0-10 immediately before, and 0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after application of the gel. The primary efficacy endpoint is at 20 min

Time frame: before and 20 min after application

Secondary Outcomes

Pressure pain threshold (PPT)

pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius muscle is measured by a handheld algometer immediately before, and 0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after application of the gel.

Time frame: before and 20 min after application

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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