Table 3

Comparison of topical analgesics in chronic musculoskeletal pain

Number of

Percent success with

Topical analgesic

Trials

Patients

Treatment

Placebo

NNT (95% CI)

NSAID

14

1502

48

26

4.6 (3.8 to 5.9)

Salicylates

6

429

54

36

5.3 (3.6 to 10)

Capsaicin

3

368

38

25

8.1 (4.6 to 34)

Mason et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2004 5:28   doi:10.1186/1471-2474-5-28