I don't generally take products from publicists who ask me to try one of their products. However, a few weeks ago I was at the computer with my neck and arm aching from clicking the mouse for the hundredth time and I saw an email asking if I would like to try a new pain cream for carpel tunnel, neck and back pain. "Sure," I wrote back and yesterday, a big package of this Topricin Cream arrived in my mailbox.

I read over the literature that accompanied the cream to see what it was made of and checked out the website that stated:

Our patented topical formula aids in the healing process by improving blood flow to the injured tissue and draining toxins and fluids that build up as a result of injury or painful ailments like arthritis. Unlike many other over the counter pain relief creams and medications that just mask symptoms, Topricin® stimulates the body's desire to heal the damage that is causing the pain. Whether for muscle pain, joint pain, soft tissue pain or injury, Topricin® is often the first treatment that doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists recommend.

Okay, it seems safe enough, (I hope!) so I tried some on my neck last night and today and have to say that it does seem to help the pain and I am able to turn my head further than usual. However, I wonder if this is a placebo effect? Does anyone know anything about this stuff or have you tried anything like it? Maybe a better solution would be to stop working on the computer so much and take a walk, of course, but that would make too much sense.