DON’T LET PAIN RUN YOUR LIFE

If you live with chronic pain, you're not alone. More than 50 million Americans experience chronic pain, making it one of the leading causes of disability and one of the

most common reasons people seek medical care. Whether it's arthritis, nerve pain, back

pain, or lingering pain from an injury, chronic pain can make even simple daily activities

feel overwhelming.

Many people rely on oral pain medications to find relief. While these medications can be

helpful, they may also come with unwanted side effects such as stomach irritation,

drowsiness, constipation, or potential drug interactions. Long-term opioid use also

carries significant risks, which is why both patients and healthcare providers continue to

look for safer, effective alternatives whenever possible.

One option that's gaining increased attention is compounded topical pain therapy.

Unlike pills that circulate throughout the entire body, topical pain creams are applied

directly to the area that hurts. Because the medication is delivered where it's needed

most, many patients experience pain relief while minimizing the systemic side effects

often associated with oral medications.

Research published in the Journal of Pain Research found that patients using

compounded topical pain creams experienced meaningful reductions in pain and, in

many cases, were able to decrease their use of other pain medications—including opioid

medications. Studies have shown that topical therapies can be effective for conditions such as:

• Arthritis

• Joint pain

• Muscle strains and sprains

• Neuropathic (nerve) pain

• Tendon and ligament injuries

• Other musculoskeletal conditions

Every person's pain is different, which is where compounding offers a unique advantage.

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all medication, a compounded pain cream can be customized by your healthcare provider and pharmacist to meet your specific needs. Depending on your prescription, multiple medications may be combined into a single cream, making treatment both convenient and personalized.

At Norland Avenue Pharmacy, our PCAB-accredited compounding lab allows us to

prepare high-quality customized medications using advanced compounding techniques

and rigorous quality standards. Our pharmacists work closely with physicians to help

determine the most appropriate compounded pain therapy for each patient. And, for our

friends at Carl’s, we will deliver your compound to Carl’s for free.

Compounded pain creams do require a prescription, but our team is happy to work with

your provider. We'll also process the prescription through your insurance whenever

possible, and if insurance doesn't cover it, we offer competitive cash pricing.

If chronic pain is limiting your quality of life, don't assume your only options are oral

pain medications. Stop by Norland Avenue Pharmacy to learn more about compounded

topical pain creams or pick up information to share with your healthcare provider. A

personalized solution may be closer than you think.