University of Maryland School of Medicine logo
Emergency Medicine
All Departments
UMSOM Assistant
UMEM Educational Pearls
  • Home
  • Departments
  • Emergency Medicine
  • CME
  • UMEM Educational Pearls
  • CME
  • Courses and Conferences
  • Free Open Access Medical Education
  • UMEM Educational Pearls

Search

Title: Topical treatment of lower back pain in the ED

Category: Orthopedics

Posted: 3/8/2025 by Brian Corwell, MD (Updated: 7/21/2026)

Lidocaine transdermal patches 

Frequently used for lower back pain.

 A single 5% patch contains 700mg of lidocaine.

There is low systemic absorption. 

Data supporting efficacy for lower back pain are limited. 

Best benefit in other neuropathic conditions such as post herpetic neuralgia.

Topical capsicum 

Underused, safe, non-sedating.

Potential treatment option for acute and subacute back pain (<3 months duration). 

Can be OTC or via prescription.

Available in cream, lotion and patches. 

Best used 3-4 times per day for maximal effectiveness.

Grade A recommendation from North American Spine Society.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14581111

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15563743


University of Maryland School of Medicine logo
  • Departments
  • Programs
  • Research Centers
  • Institutes
  • Graduate Education
  • CIBR Cores
  • Offices of the Dean
    • University of Maryland, Baltimore
    • University of Maryland Medical Center
    • Medical Alumni Association of the University of Maryland
    • Health Sciences and Human Services Library
University of Maryland School of Medicine
655 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Contact Us

© University of Maryland School of Medicine

    • Webmaster
    • Web Accessibility
    • Site Index
    • UMB Hotline
    • Employment
    • Map