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what is liniment in pharmacy
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Orthopedic Disorders
Question #25070
46 days ago
73

what is liniment in pharmacy - #25070

Ella

I am really confused about something and hope someone here can help me. A few weeks ago, I strained my back while lifting something heavy. Been dealing with a lot of pain and discomfort since then. I went to the pharmacy to get some relief and the pharmacist recommended this bottle they called "liniment." I was like, what is liniment in pharmacy, really? I mean, I have never heard of it before, and is it supposed to work like a regular painkiller or something? I applied it as directed, and while my back didn’t feel super great, I thought maybe it’s just me not using it right? Or maybe I should've tried something else? My friend said he uses liniment for his sore muscles after workouts, but yeah, not sure if it’s the same for my back. Does it have any side effects or should I be super cautious? Really just looking for some clear advice, cause I can’t keep fumbling around with this pain. What is liniment in pharmacy actually supposed to do? Thanks in advance!

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Doctors’ responses

Liniment in pharmacy refers to a topical preparation, typically composed of a variety of active ingredients like menthol, camphor, or herbal extracts, designed for application on the skin to relieve pain and stiffness, particularly in muscles and joints. It’s not like a regular oral painkiller, as it doesn’t get absorbed into your bloodstream to reduce pain systemically, but rather works locally on the area where it’s applied. It helps to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and provide a warming or cooling sensation that can alleviate discomfort temporarily.

While applying liniment on your strained back, ensure that you’re using it on clean, dry skin, and massage it gently into the affected area, this can improve absorption and enhance its effects. Give it some time and maybe reapply as directed on the label. It’s normal not to feel an instant relief – rather a gradual easing of discomfort.

Your friend’s usage for sore muscles is pretty similar to how you’d treat a strained back with liniment. But if the pain’s persistent without improvement, or getting worse, consider seeking medical attention.

As for side effects, they’re generally rare but may include skin irritation or allergy, particularly if you have sensitive skin. It’s recommed to test a small patch first if you’re worried about sensititivity issues. Be cautious not to apply it on broken skin or wounds, and avoid contact with eyes and mouth.

Additionally, don’t forget to consider your dosha (body constitution) and overall lifestyle when selecting treatments. Pain is often linked with aggravated Vata dosha, so also think about incorporating warming foods, adequate hydration, and gentle restorative exercises into your routine. If you’re doing these things and still not getting relief, seek a health practitioner for a more thorough evaluation.

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