Scarred
Susan C.
Transdermal Patient
Many people believe scars are simply a healed abrasion on the surface of the skin; however, some scars go deeper than the surface and cause severe pain. After three surgical fusions on my neck, I was left with a large scar from the base of my skull down the back of my neck. It has caused severe pain for over six years. My scar would cause spasms and pain that would shoot down to my left shoulder blade due to referred pain. Before the scar was healed, it was bright red and extremely noticeable to the point that I felt self-conscious in public.
I began taking Cortisone shots every three months in my spine at a level of C7 to T1 to ease my pain. I used an over-the-counter scar treatment to diminish the redness of the scar and over-the-counter topical pain medication for my pain that was unsuccessful. Finally, after bouncing between a few different doctors, I found one that was able to diagnose the source of my pain which was caused by the scar. I began going to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine for a few years for Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments, which was helping with my pain. About nine months ago my doctor found out about a compounded medication that could be made specifically for a patient and their diagnosis. He prescribed this medication hoping it would soften my scar and reduce the redness while relieving my pain.
The cream reduced my pain because my formulation included an anti-inflammatory and pain medication. I started using it once a day, then went to twice, and sometimes three times when the pain around my scar would increase. I started seeing a change in the appearance of my scar within the first two months of use. After about two months the scar began to soften and was not as tight. The color went from bright red to a softer red that was less noticeable. Because of this huge improvement, I have more confidence and comfort going out in public. My scar is still present, but it does not attract as much attention as before as it is not a burning red color.
Although this medication was prescribed specifically for the reduction of my scar, it reduced my pain too. After my surgical fusions, my pain level was set around 10 for a few years until I began my Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments which decreased the pain. My doctor then added the compounded medication along with the Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatment and it has decreased my pain from a level of 10 to a level around 2. I am incredibly thankful for this cream and the fact it is customized for my diagnosis. I have now been using the cream about nine months and will continue to use it as long as it is needed.
Referred Pain:
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information referred pain describes pain that is felt in a location different from where the pain originates. Please visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/medgen/65869 for more information.
Osteopathic Manual Manipulation Treatment (OMT):
Osteopathic Manual Manipulation Treatment involves hands-on care. Through OMT the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or DO can diagnose, treat, and prevent injury or illness. This form of treatment is most widely known to ease pain and increase mobility. It has helped patients with the following health problems: muscle pain, asthma, sinus disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, and menstrual pain. DOs are specially trained in the musculoskeletal system to effectively treat a wide range of health problems. For more information regarding OMT please visit http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/treatment/Pages/default.aspx.
