Exploring the Benefits of DMSO & Musculoskeletal Conditions
This short article explains what DMSO is and how it’s been used to treat musculoskeletal and other conditions. DMSO isn’t a prescription medicine or an officially approved treatment, but some people choose to explore it after doing their own research and speaking with their doctor.
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a fascinating compound I occasionally mention to patients. Usually sold as a clear gel or liquid, it can be applied to the skin. Research shows DMSO has strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-killing), and antioxidant properties. It’s inexpensive, effective, easy to obtain, and far safer than many conventional drugs like NSAIDs, steroids, or gabapentin.
Discovered in 1866, DMSO became a byproduct of the wood pulp industry in the early 1900s. Its medical potential emerged in the 1960s when researchers found that it could:
Rapidly penetrate skin and cell membranes
Act as a cryoprotectant (protecting cells and tissues from freezing)
Reduce pain and inflammation
These properties led to widespread use among U.S. athletes in the 1960s–70s for musculoskeletal injuries. However, for various reasons (explained here), it fell out of mainstream use by the 1980s. Interest has recently revived, largely thanks to research compiled by the Midwestern Doctor website, run by an anonymous but reportedly qualified doctor. The site collates extensive scientific evidence supporting DMSO’s benefits.
Although not officially approved for musculoskeletal use, DMSO remains an FDA-approved treatment for cystitis (in the U.S.) and is still found in veterinary formulations for horses. The Midwestern Doctor article reviews DMSO research in conditions such as:
Tension headaches
Fibromyalgia
Spinal pain
Complex regional pain syndrome
Surgical pain
Wound healing
Bursitis and tendinopathies
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sports injuries
Should you try DMSO?
Because it lacks medical endorsement (unless you’re treating cystitis—or a horse), you should research DMSO carefully and consult your doctor first, especially if you’re on other medications. That said, DMSO is generally considered much safer than many standard pain treatments, such as ibuprofen, which carry serious side effects.
Start by reading this article on DMSO safety, which details potential reactions. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as skin irritation, nausea, or a garlic-like taste as DMSO enters the bloodstream.
The key rule when applying DMSO is to ensure the skin is completely clean—since it carries anything on the surface directly into the body. Wash off sun cream, oils, perfumes, or topical medications before use. While DMSO works well alone, some protocols combine it with other compounds to enhance absorption. To learn more about this approach, read this article.
I’ve personally used DMSO on and off for a number of years without any problems, the only side effect I’ve ever had has been a fleeting garlic-like taste in my mouth. I generally use an inexpensive 70% gel formulation like this one.
Cliff Russell
Registered Osteopath
