The present invention relates to novel compositions and therapeutic methods for the treatment of pain, in particular neuropathic, ischemic, muscle, arthritic or multiple sclerosis pain. The compositions include a combination of an alpha2-adrenergic agonist or a nitric oxide donor combined with a phosphodiesterase (PDE) or a phosphatidic acid (PA) inhibitor, which have been found to act together synergistically to provide effective treatment for pain, especially when administered topically.