Are you on a quest to find the best creams and gels for back pain?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Benefits Of Using Pain Relief Cream For Back Pain
- Creams and Gels for Back Pain Buyer’s Guide
- Tips for Using Gel and Creams
- …
Without further ado, let’s begin!
As we age, we become all too familiar with aching muscles and joints after we’ve done a hard day’s work. In the wintertime, these aches and pains can become even more pronounced.
So, How Does A Person Stop The Pain?
There are a variety of ways that you can reduce the effects of your hard work on your muscles and joints. One way is to use pain relief cream when you begin to notice the results of your hard work.
The Benefits of Using Pain Relief Cream for Back Pain
Many creams can offer nearly instant relief from your pain. They can block the signal of the pain in the nerves of your body from transmitting them to your brain. They can reduce the incidence of inflammation that will help to reduce the pressure and the pain in your muscles and joints of your back. Additionally, they can offer you more pain relief than if you’d taken a pill. With so many safe alternatives to pain medications, you’ll find more relief and fewer side effects. Oral NSAIDS may also cause stomach irritation and ultimately, ulcers if you’re using it too often. The risk of creams vs NSAIDS is far reduced. Creams offer a quick reduction in pain and you can make it through a tough day. Creams will allow you to remain active, even if you’re muscles are sore.
Creams may offer you a short term relief from lower back pain. However, there’s no concrete evidence to recommend the overall effect of the cream. Pain relief creams and pain relief gels are usually only a short term solution.
Comparison Table – Best Creams and Gels for Back Pain
However, when it comes to these pain relief gels and creams, there are many great gels and creams to choose from. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. It can be challenging at best to know which ones are the best ones to choose for your needs. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 5 creams for helping you reduce pain quickly when you need it. Each specific cream has its own unique pros and cons and we hope that this will help you to choose the right one for your needs.
Best Creams and Gels for Back Pain
- Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy
- Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Sports Rub Oinment
- Counterirritant Cream for Back Pain
- Aspercreme Analgesic Creme Rub with Aloe
- Capzasin Hp Size 1.5z Capzasin High Potency Arthritis Relief
1. Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy – Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- VOTED #1 BEST OVERALL MUSCLE RUB FOR 2019 BY BUSINESS INSIDER –...
- Just 2 or 3 years ago Penetrex was truly The “Best Kept Secret” in...
- 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE – Your Penetrex Purchase & Complete...
- Utilizing a Revolutionary Delivery System, Penetrex delivers...
- WHY TRY PENETREX? – Remarkably, Penetrex does not simply “hide...
Penetrex formulations have received rave reviews on Amazon since they first hit the market in 2009. This is an ideal choice for anyone who is struggling with arthritic pain, fibromyalgia pain, back pain, neck or sciatica pain, carpal tunnel, aching and sore joints as well as tennis or golfer’s elbow. it also works well for neuropathy and sports injuries as well as plantar fasciitis and strains and sprains. It also works well for hip and shoulder pain as well as other conditions that have inflammation. It comes in a variety of sizes and is considered an advanced development pain cream. Penetrex if a favorite of those who struggle with inflammation and any related injuries, because, it works well for those conditions.
An added bonus is that it won’t stain your clothes and it’s a non-greasy formula. With a pleasant fragrance that dissipates after it’s on your skin, it’s also paraben free and never made with any animal product nor tested on animals. Made in the FDA certified labs in California.
It has arnica, which is a fantastic pain reliever that is used by a lot of massage therapists. It also has Vitamin B6 which will improve the production of red blood cells which produce neurotransmitters as well as homocysteine levels and those make the hormones serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Wih pyridoxine and choline bitartrate cetyl myristoleate or MSM, it also helps scars and stretch marks as well as to reduce pain. Glucosamine and Boswellia serrata round out the ingredients.
- Non-greasy so won’t stain your clothes
- Nice fragrance that dissipates
- Made in Certified FDA labs
- No animal products were used in these products
- These products were never tested on animals
- Not exactly budget friendly
2. Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Sports Rub Oinment – One of the Top-Rated Pain Relief Products
- INSTANT RELIEF. TIGER BALM Pain Relieving Ointment, Sports Ultra is...
- WORKS WHERE IT HURTS. For over 100 years, TIGER BALM has been used to...
- INGREDIENTS. This sports rub ointment is made with camphor (11%),...
- FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes....
- HOW TO USE. TIGER BALM Pain Relieving Ointment, Sports Ultra should be...
An all natural pain reliever, Tiger Balm works as a topical ointment for immediate relief for chronic pain conditions. It acts by cooling and soothing the muscles and it will last for many hours after it’s been applied. Made from a variety of herbal ingredients found in Asia, it’s readily available in most pharmacies and grocery stores. Producers state that the product was kept secret and dates back to the 18th century. If you’ve never found a topical cream that works, this may be what you’re looking for.
- It’s been on the market for years
- Made from all natural ingredients
- Safe for use on both children and adults
- It offers up instant relief for pain
- There are many counterfeit products on the market today. Be aware of what you’re buying
3. Counterirritant Cream for Back Pain – Editors’ Choice & Best Counterirritant Cream for Back Pain
- #1 Clinically Recommended: Trusted by pharmacists, physical...
- Unique cooling menthol formula is backed by science and...
- Trusted by some of the world's best athletes and athletic trainers
- 3 oz. colorless roll-on offers hands-free application via massaging...
- Biofreeze roll-on applies easily and penetrates quickly for fast pain...
Chiropractors and healthcare professionals alike trust and use BioFreeze. It helps to relieve pain quickly. They’ve been in the pain relief business for over 25 years. The gel is well-known and very impressive and it has no dyes, no parabens nor any propylene glycol. All of the ingredients are USP-grade from the U.S. Pharmacopoeial. BioFreeze is readily available in a variety of packaging to suit your specific needs. From a hand pump to a spray to a cream or a gel, you can find what you’re needing. It even comes in a roll on.
- The menthol offers a cooling sensation that will override pain signals that go to the brain
- It is quickly absorbed and offers immediate relief
- It’s recommended by medical professionals
- It’s not as strong as creams with capsaicin
- The cooling sensation is nice
- It has no major side-effects but you need to follow the instructions
- Menthol does have an odor and may irritate some who use it
4. Aspercreme Analgesic Creme Rub with Aloe – Best Salicylate Cream for Back Pain
- Contains one (1) 5-oz. tube of Aspercreme Odor Free Maximum Strength...
- MAX STRENGTH PAIN RELIEF: The active ingredient in this topical pain...
- ODOR-FREE PAIN CRÈME: Max strength Aspercreme has no odor for...
- NON-GREASY FORMULA: Aspercreme Pain Relief Crème is made with...
- EASY-OPEN TUBE: Odor-free Aspercreme comes in an easy-to-open flip top...
Aspercreme and aloe are greaseless and stainless. They relieve pain quickly and if you’re seeking a salicylates cream, this works well.
Unlike aspirin, which must first travel through your body to get to the location of the pain, Aspercreme will penetrate into the area that requires the pain treatment and gives relief without burning. It has Trolamine Salicylate which will numb the area and block the aggravated nerves in the lower back region. It may, however, be short-lived.
Aspercreme will bring a calming and a relief to the area that is hurting. It may last for several hours. It works while you’re active, or while you’re resting.
- Reduces the risk of taking aspirin orally
- Safe to apply to skin that is sensitive to capsaicin
- Non-irritation and there is no burning sensation
- Non-greasy and easy to rub in
- No smell.
- If you’re allergic to aspirin, you will need to pass on this one
- Always check with your doctor before you try any analgesic cream
5. Capzasin-HP Arthritis Pain Relief – Best Capsaicin Cream for Back Pain
Capzasin HP analgesic cream is in the top picks for relieving back pain. With high amounts of capsaicin and more than any other over the counter product, it works well for many people.
It comes in different strengths so you can choose the one that works best for your needs. However, it may be too hot and burn some people.
This cream will reactivate and burn if you expose the area to water or moisture. Don’t use it if you’re working in a warm environment or if you sweat heavily.
It’s designed to use it regularly for several weeks before you realize how it’s working. Many find that it relieves their back pain so it may be worth a try.
- Since it’s high in capsaicin, it is very effective in reducing pain
- It increases the blood flow that will help to heal and relieve pain
- Ideal for muscle pain for those who struggle with chronic pain
- Free from a fragrance
- It can leave a burning sensation that is very intense and may last for a long period of time
- The burning may reactivate if you get wet or have any moisture
- You need to use it on a regular basis for several days to several weeks for best results
- It may cause breathing issues if you’re sensitive to it
- It may also cause irritation in your skin if you’re sensitive to it
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Pain Relief Creams and Gels for Back Pain
Different gels and creams combine different pain relief ingredients to provide a greater and synergistic effect. Some work by reducing inflammation and pain, some by distracting the mind away from the pain, while others block the transmission of pain signals in the skin. Chondroitin, glucosamine, capsicum, comfrey root, and Green lipped mussel extracts are some of the most effective natural ingredients.
The ingredients are absorbed via the skin and are highly effective at targeting the pain in joints and muscles close to the surface of the skin. However, they usually never reach the deep-lying joint and muscle problems that some people suffering from lower back pain experience. The reason for this is that the medication that some carry has a tendency to dilute during penetration, which means that the extent to which it can reach is limited. Still, pain creams are a safer alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which usually cause cardiovascular problems and stomach irritations if taken orally.
Creams are more safe since they carry a lower dosage compared to pills, which means that less gets into the bloodstream. A pain relief cream also targets the problem area only unlike ingesting a pill, which can be harmful to the lining of the stomach.
When you are choosing a cream to try, it is important to know which type of cream that you are considering. Different creams have different sets of ingredients and do different things and almost always fall into one of the following 3 categories:
Salicylates
Salicylates are analgesics and contain ingredients similar to aspirin but usually come with a lower risk of stomach irritation. The reason for this being that aspirin is absorbed to the nerves of the skin directly as opposed to being processed inside the stomach. Salicylate creams provide heat to the area of application and the medication they contain desensitizes and numbs the affected nerves in the joints and muscles close to the surface of the skin. They also lower inflammation when absorbed, which makes you feel less sore and stiff. Salicylate cream are some of the best when it comes to consistent pain relief. However, they might not be suitable if you have an aspirin allergy or you are taking blood-thinning drugs.
Counterirritants
Counterirritant creams are designed to soothe minor joint and muscle pain temporarily by providing a cooling sensation to skin upon application. They offer instant relief and work by stimulating nerves and distracting the mind away from the pain. Simply put, the cooling sensation takes over such that it overrides any pain signals to the brain. Once they give the mind something else to think about rather than the pain, they lower the effect and prominence of the pain. The kind of cold therapy that they provide is comparable to the application of ice packs to an injured area since the cold sensation lowers the blood flow to the nerve activity and pain area. However, one great advantage or using cooling pain cream over ice is the ability to remain active and mobile while it is working, which makes it great for workers. However, the counterirritant creams just offer temporary relief and only work for minor pain.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin creams are those that use heat therapy to offer pain relief. Capsaicin is the key ingredient of red hot chili peppers and it what gives them their heat. Capsaicin creams offer a satisfying burning sensation to the painful areas. The heat works by blocking the nerve receptors on the skin from transmitting pain signals to the brain by depriving them of substance P, which is a chemical vital for this function. While capsaicin creams might be some of the most effective when it comes to pain relief, it usually takes regular application and time for the effect to happen.
Tips for Using Gel and Creams
- Massage is a great idea when applying back pain relief cream. Most of the creams have a numbing effect that allows you to dig into the muscles that are the source of the pain.
- Avoid applying topical gels or creams to broken skin because they sting severely.
- Wear latex gloves when applying join gel or cream or ask a relative or a close friend if you have eczema or other skin problems.
- Allergic reactions are not common, but it is advisable to only apply a miniscule amount of cream or gel to a clean, healthy area of skin then rub gently until it is absorbed. Wait for a while to check how well you respond to the ingredients before applying more. If skin itching, irritation, or redness occurs, wash off then seek medical advice.
- Follow all the directions stated on the package since some products might need to be used at regular intervals while other still might be used as and when necessary. It can be toxic to use pain relief creams too often, so read those instructions and comply with them fully.
- Avoid using topic medication if you are breastfeeding or pregnant without first seeking advice from a doctor or pharmacists.
- Avoid using cream if you are wearing a heat pad at the same time since it can cause burns to your skin.
- Wash your hands immediately after treatment application. If you have ever cooked with chili, you probably know the mistake of touching your eye with your hands before you wash them.
- People who have experienced kidney failure or kidney problems in the past should never try ibuprofen creams.
- Avoid applying the cream straight after coming out of the shower. Your skin pores will be open thus heightening its sensitivity.
- If you apply a gel or lotion that contains methyl salicylate, don’t start working out immediately. Your body could absorb too much of it from the increased circulation of blood and this is not good.
- Consult your doctor if you find that over-the-counter medication is not effective in easing pain. You might require stronger treatment methods or medication that require prescriptions.
Final Thoughts
The top recommendations for back pain relief creams have been presented to you, but it all comes down to personal preferences in the end. Just as with any other pain relief product, you may find one that does not work out for you, while others might have stronger sensations that you need. Keep trying different types until you eventually find one that is a perfect match for you and your pain.
Take action
It is hoped that one of the products recommended here is the solution that you have been seeking for back pain relief so that you can stay active and continue leading a healthy, pain-free life.
Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- VOTED #1 BEST OVERALL MUSCLE RUB FOR 2019 BY BUSINESS INSIDER –...
- Just 2 or 3 years ago Penetrex was truly The “Best Kept Secret” in...
- 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE – Your Penetrex Purchase & Complete...
- Utilizing a Revolutionary Delivery System, Penetrex delivers...
- WHY TRY PENETREX? – Remarkably, Penetrex does not simply “hide...
Editors’ Choice & Best Counterirritant Cream for Back Pain
- #1 Clinically Recommended: Trusted by pharmacists, physical...
- Unique cooling menthol formula is backed by science and...
- Trusted by some of the world's best athletes and athletic trainers
- 3 oz. colorless roll-on offers hands-free application via massaging...
- Biofreeze roll-on applies easily and penetrates quickly for fast pain...
I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API