Acute Effect of Topical Menthol on Neck Pain (IRMA04)

National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark

Status: Terminated

Conditions: Musculoskeletal Disorders

Treatments: Other: Placebo; Other: Biofreeze

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01542827

IRMA04

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 67 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Quadruple Blind

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20 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Topical gel containing a menthol scent, but no active menthol

Treatment:

Other: Placebo

Biofreeze

Experimental group

Description:

Biofreeze topical gel containing 3.5% menthol

Treatment:

Other: Biofreeze