The Medical Advisor

Abstract Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a clear liquid made from wood pulp that has several helpful effects, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and easily passing through body tissues. This review synthesizes evidence on DMSO's applications in chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and neurological disorders. Drawing from clinical trials and systematic reviews, DMSO demonstrates rapid pain relief and reduced inflammation in osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries, although some meta-analyses report limited clinical efficacy compared to placebo. Preliminary data also suggest neuroprotective benefits in conditions such as stroke and spinal cord trauma. Despite a favorable safety profile at therapeutic doses, regulatory constraints limit wider adoption. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to optimize dosing, define indications, and resolve conflicting efficacy evidence. Keywords: Dimethyl sulfoxide; Chronic pain; Musculoskeletal injuries; Neurological condi...