Let’s cut through the noise. If you’ve been dealing with persistent pain, inflammation, or nerve irritation, and conventional approaches haven’t delivered, it’s time to look under the hood. One compound that’s been quietly making waves in functional and integrative circles is Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO).
What Is DMSO?
DMSO is a naturally derived sulphur compound with a unique ability: it penetrates skin, fascia, and cell membranes like nothing else. That means it can carry other substances deep into tissues — which is both its superpower and its risk.
It’s FDA-approved for one condition (interstitial cystitis), but its off-label use in pain, inflammation, and neurological dysfunction has been explored for decades. At Sally Morris Osteo-Muscular-Neuro, I have seen patients struggling with server joint pains that prescription pain medications haven’t touched the sides. This is when I started to explore the world of integrative therapies that support healing, reduce inflammation, and empower patients with knowledge.
Here’s what the research and clinical experience suggest:
- Pain relief: DMSO may reduce pain in joints, muscles, and even nerve-related conditions.
- Inflammation modulation: It downregulates cytokines and oxidative stress (key drivers of chronic inflammation).
- Tissue repair: By improving cellular permeability, it may support healing in stubborn injuries.
- Topical delivery: It can enhance absorption of other treatments.
This is especially relevant in osteopathic and neurological integration work, where inflammation and tissue dysfunction are often the root cause, not just the symptom.
⚠️ The Risks You Need to Know
Let’s be clear: DMSO is not a DIY remedy. Industrial-grade products are often contaminated. Even pharmaceutical-grade DMSO can cause:
- Skin irritation or blistering
- Garlic-like body odour (yes, really)
- Headaches, nausea, dizziness
- Drug interactions (especially with blood thinners, steroids, and sedatives)
Because it carries substances straight into your bloodstream, what you mix with it matters. A lot.
What the Evidence Says
An article in ‘What Doctors Don’t Tell You’ Highlights DMSO’s potential, but also its limitations. It’s not a miracle cure. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it needs to be used with clinical insight and respect for the biochemistry involved.
At Sally Morris Osteo-Muscular-Neuro, we don’t chase trends. We look at the evidence, the mechanisms, and most importantly the patient in front of us. DMSO is a fascinating tool, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
One of my patients- Jo had this to say about it: ‘I’ve only been using 50% DMSO gel for a couple of weeks but have already felt the good effects. I have knee arthritis. It offers instant relief to the knee joint and allows me more movement and less pain so I can carry on playing tennis. It’s important to allow the gel to dry thoroughly. The smell of the gel is quite contentious it’s a bit like garlic, but I can hardly smell it, so I guess my body needs it. I don’t notice any smell once its dry. It’s also very important to read the instructions for application.’
During Jo’s session we use Neurological Integration which provides support for her immune system.
