Best Pain Relievers for Crafting or Hobbies 

As adults approach their senior years, and for those already in them, many search to find an enjoyable activity. Perhaps to help relieve tension or pent-up emotions, such as those experienced by people preparing for retirement, or maybe to help fill what used to be time spent on the job. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans typically spend five to six hours per day on leisure activities such as creative hobbies. $1.3 billion was spent in 2013 making the hobby and crafts industry a big business. 

Popular and Growing Trends in Crafts 

Woodcrafts 

Along with a "getting back to nature" theme, wood crafting unfinished or rustic pieces of decor and furniture, may lead to unexpected pain for those approaching their 50s. Carrying heavy wood furniture pieces, shaving wood, sandpapering and then further finishing the furniture are physical activities that may trigger throbbing pain in the arms, hands and back area. 

With an annual $3.32 billion grossed in wood crafting related products, this industry tops the list as being the most expensive of crafts. Plus, it is a fast growing industry as well. 

Sewing, Quilting and Knitting 

Whether it is quilting, knitting or simple basket weaving, the fingers and hands are definitely involved in these relaxing and tranquilizing crafts. For those with arthritis, even pulling a thread through the eye of a needle can become an impossible chore. Moreover, sitting in the same position for an hour, or even just several minutes, can also produce stiffness in the neck and back areas. 

Gardening  

With the increasing trend of "going green," creating curb appeal, organic food supplies and home vegetable gardening, muscles often become strained beyond what a previously inactive person can tolerate. Pulling weeds, tilling the soil and carrying bags of mulch all have a propensity to give a person the proverbial "pain in the neck." 

Unfortunately, many adults soon discover while pursuing an enjoyable craft or activity, pain often appears. Sometimes, when beginning a new craft, dormant or unused tissues, ligaments, tendons and even muscles are strained, bringing on a scenario of hindering pain, or throbbing, that may become unbearable.  

You Have Choices 

There are three major forms of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief solutions. Not all have the same ingredients, as one can see below, nor do they produce the same results. 

• Counter-irritants such as menthol, methylsalicylate and camphor create a warming, or cooling, sensation that can distract you from the pain. 
• Salicylates, may also help relieve certain pain in joint areas close to the skin, but not always. 
• Capsaicin, found in hot chili peppers, is one of the most effective agents for topical pain relief; however, it may leave a slight burn when applied to the skin or the effected area. 

Benefits Of Applying OTC Remedies 

Last year, 62.5 million people, 72 percent of whom were women, participated in one or several crafting activities. Crafters need to be prepared by having an all-natural over-the-counter topical pain relief cream on hand to apply to their painful joints or muscle areas.  

Super Blue Stuff OTC Pain Relief Cream with Emu Oil by BLUESPRING is the natural way to relieve muscle aches and joint pain. The joy of your favorite hobby or craft is diminished if hands, shoulders and neck become sore and aching after beginning or even before working on your favorite project. Super Blue Stuff OTC brings relief, often within the first minutes after applying. It is safe to use before or after the crafting session and has no negative side effects. Choose from the size that’s right for you: 

5 ml Travel Pack – Great for the first time user and it packs easy into a travel bag, briefcase, backpack or to keep at the office or workshop. These single-use packets are also great for sharing with family, friends, co-workers or strangers in pain.

3 oz. Roll-on – The taller bottle makes it easy to reach difficult areas like the back of the neck and lower back. Plus the no-hands application keeps you going with whatever craft you’re working on with no need to wash your hands after application. 

4 oz. Jar – Our most popular size. Perfect to keep on a desk, nightstand, garage or craft desk 

12 oz. Pump Bottle – Our most economical buy plus it’s the perfect solution for multiple users. 

For people with sensitive skin, try BLUESPRING’s Super White Stuff OTC. It’s the same great pain relief formula as the Super Blue but with no added color or scents. Choose from the same sizes. 
 
 
Sources: 

(1) http://www.pmsa.us.com/HMA/Size_Of_Industry_Press_Release_2013.pdf 
(2) http://icraftopia.com/2013/09/2012-state-of-the-craft-industry/ 
(3) http://www.bluespringwellness.com/category-natural-pain-relief/Super-Blue-Stuff-OTC