DMSO Can Treat Your Pain Naturally

What does the data show?

According to CDC data, the prevalence of chronic pain has been rising and now significantly impacts millions in North America. In the U.S., more than 51.6 million adults (approximately 21% of the population) live with chronic pain, which persists for at least three months and can range from mild to severe. Of this group, about 17.1 million people experience “high-impact” chronic pain, severely limiting their daily activities and work capacity. Chronic pain is now the top cause of disability in the U.S. and accounts for healthcare costs and lost productivity estimated at $635 billion annually.[1] Also, an estimated 11% to 38% of children under 18 experience chronic pain, according to U.S. Pain Foundation.[2] Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that one in four relied on medication alone when it comes to symptom management. This is a major health concern that continues to grow from disease states that cause inflammation and are associated with chronic pain; the treatment of choice is addictive opioid medication. Symptomatic treatment is covered by the medical system, and most treatments cause side effects.

What is DMSO and how does it help?

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is anti-inflammatory, and a powerful transporter it can bypass the dermal barrier and deeply enter bone tissue and surrounding soft tissues. It does not damage tissues and it is used in cryogenic to prevent tissue damage to organs. DMSO has been proven to be useful in cases of bursitis, gouty arthritis, burns or frostbites.

DMSO is readily absorbed through skin, and relieves musculoskeletal pain when applied topically to painful areas. Studies have shown the effects of DMSO on C-type nerve fibers which mediate pain sensation. In low concentrations C fiber conduction velocity was slowed by DMSO, while higher concentrations completely blocked C fiber conduction which suggested that C fiber blockade may account for analgesia with DMSO.

A 1994 study[3] examined the effects of a 10% DMSO gel on 157 patients suffering from acute tendinopathies, such as tennis elbow, within three days of symptom onset. Participants applied either DMSO gel or a placebo three times daily for 14 days. Results showed that patients treated with DMSO experienced significant improvements in pain reduction under movement load and joint mobility, beginning as early as 3 and 7 days, respectively. After the full two-week treatment period, 44% of those using DMSO reported being pain-free, compared to only 9% in the placebo group, demonstrating DMSO’s effectiveness in accelerating recovery.

DMSO’s benefits extend beyond tendinopathies, offering relief for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand-related issues such as trigger fingers. Its ability to address both micro-injuries and traumatic injuries has made it particularly popular among professional athletes, who often deal with cumulative sports injuries that worsen over time. DMSO’s tissue-healing properties and rapid pain-relief capabilities have helped athletes return to peak performance, minimizing the impact of injury-related downtime on their careers.

The therapeutic effect of DMSO can also be seen in pain control of diabetic neuropathy and associated ulcers for which no specific therapy is available. In a clinical trial “twenty patients with chronic, resistant mal perforant were treated by local application of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. Complete healing of the ulcers was achieved in 14 patients following 4-15 weeks of daily treatment. Partial resolution was observed in another four patients, and in the remaining two there was no effect. A control group, equal in number, was treated conventionally. Complete healing of the ulcers took place in only two patients.”[4]

Life Choice DMSO is 100% pure pharmaceutical grade, not the industrial solvent grade. The worry with solvent grade is the level of purity. Since DMSO is a deep penetrating transporter, any toxic residue can easily be absorbed into the lower dermis.

In addition, those who are allergic to sulfa drugs may have problems with solvent grade DMSO. Sulfur is not present as an isolated element in the body, but in combination with other elements and, most often, in complex molecules. This is where the problem raises, with the mixture of other elements: most people are not allergic to sulfur-containing amino acids e.g. methionine, cysteine, homocysteine or taurine and will not be allergic to medicinal grade DMSO but they might be to solvent grade DMSO.

The Life Choice DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide 99.9%) gel is 90% DMSO and 10% organic aloe vera leaf, while the liquid contains 90% DMSO and 10% purified water. It contains no wheat, corn, yeast, dairy, or any other filler.

Things to know about DMSO:

  • DMSO is a very temperature sensitive product.
  • When using DMSO, always make sure to have clean hands and skin. DMSO is a powerful pain reliever and transporter. If you have dirt or toxins on your hands and /or skin, DMSO will take it down to your deep tissue, as far as to the seventh layer of the dermis, and it can cause irritation or discomfort.
  • If using DMSO after a shower, it is recommended to wait 30 minutes to an hour, as the pores in the body are wide open and too much DMSO can be absorbed by the body, causing irritation or discomfort. Also, do not cover areas where DMSO is applied; it should be allowed to air dry.
  • When starting a DMSO regimen, we recommend starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the dosage, as the product is very potent. If the DMSO is still too strong, we recommend mixing it with other topical products at a 50:50 ratio to reduce the product’s strength. Be sure to only use natural products such as real organic aloe, or any cream free from harsh chemicals, preservatives and questionable ingredients.
  • DMSO has a strong sulphur and garlic odour. When applied, you may experience a garlic taste in your mouth. This is a normal occurrence.
  • For continued DMSO topical use, and to lessen any possible body odor,  when applying DMSO on the skin, liquid chlorophyl is helpful in neutralizing any garlic odour; rule of thumb, mix 1 tsp of liquid chlorophyl in water and take internally on a daily basis when DMSO is applied on the skin.
  • DMSO is a very powerful product that can cause redness and burning sensation. This is a normal occurrence.
  • DMSO products are packaged in glass containers—this eliminates all possibilities of chemical leeching.
  • Great results have been achieved when mixed with Sweet Relief Cream: 2 parts of Sweet Relief (MSM, Capsicum, Eucalyptus) mixed with 1 part of DMSO Gel.

DMSO testimonials:

“Six years ago I developed peripheral neuropathy in my feet bilaterally which had nothing to do with diabetes or blood sugar intolerance. I experienced numbness, and the joints of my feet, lower legs, and ankles became stiff and quite achy. This achiness proceeded up from bones of my feet and toes into my arches and then continued into my ankles and then up into my lower legs.  The character of the discomfort was generalized joint stiffness combined with deep musculoskeletal soft tissue achy pain.

I also have tried lots of anti-inflammatory supplements, medications and creams which gave me an hour of partial relief if that. Then I heard about the quality of Life Choice products from a fellow chiropractor and decided to give DMSO a try. I noticed a significant reduction in the musculoskeletal achiness by 60-70% and in the numbness by 40-50%. The baseline level of pain has dropped when the effect of the DMSO wears off after 3 days. I reapply every 2 days to make sure it has a chance to progress moving closer to eliminating my symptoms all together. The pain, achiness and stiffness have all significantly reduced to the point where I can touch my legs without even finding a painful spot. I also noticed my sinuses clearing up from mild congestion after using the DMSO Gel and 90 % concentrated Liquid on my legs, ankles and feet.” (Dr J, chiropractor)

“I suffer from an auto immune disorder which causes severe joint pain every moment of every day.  I most recently starting take your DLPA and DMSO cream to help alleviate the pain. I have been taking it now for two weeks and I am without pain for the first time in months. I love to walk and play with my dog but until today, I have not been able to full out run with her without the lasting effects of doing so. Today I ran with her and had no pain.  I have been able to hike every weekend and not be in pain the next day and I no longer feel like I am destined to a life of prescription anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.” (Catherine, VP Nutrition House)

References:

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023.

[2] U.S. Pain Foundation. n.a.

[3] Knee, W et al. 1994.

[4] Lishner, M et al. 1985.