gel for back pain

The Six Best Gels to Ease Your Back Pain

As you progress your way to recovery after an accident or injury, it becomes clearer that this path is both physically and emotionally taxing. One common hurdle is the ever persistent back pain, which hampers not only your healing journey but also weighs down your spirit.

But you don’t have to suffer in constant pain. Fortunately, there’s an increasing market of topical pain relief gels designed specifically to offer quick, targeted relief right where it hurts. From all-natural options to scientifically formulated solutions, there’s likely a gel that fits your unique needs and lifestyle. These products act as your reliable companions that help you focus on your recovery rather than the nagging discomfort in your back.

In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best pain relief gels available, all aimed at guiding you toward a more comfortable and pain-free recovery. Because you deserve to move through this healing process with as much ease and as little pain as possible.

Product
Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy Roll On – Soothing Gel for Back, Neck, Hands, Feet – Premium Whole Body Rub with Arnica, Vitamin B6 MSM & Boswellia – 3oz
Salonpas LIDOCAINE (5 PACK Bundle) Pain Relieving Maximum Strength Gel Patch!
MagniLife Arnica Pain Relief Gel, Fast Acting Neck and Back Pain Relief, with Eucalyptus and Emu Oil to Soothe Soreness, Inflammation and Discomfort - 4oz
Product name
Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy Roll On – Soothing Gel for Back, Neck, Hands, Feet – Premium Whole Body Rub with Arnica, Vitamin B6 MSM & Boswellia – 3oz
Salonpas LIDOCAINE (5 PACK Bundle) Pain Relieving Maximum Strength Gel Patch!
MagniLife Arnica Pain Relief Gel, Fast Acting Neck and Back Pain Relief, with Eucalyptus and Emu Oil to Soothe Soreness, Inflammation and Discomfort - 4oz
Rating
-
-
-
Best for
Penetrex Pain Relief Roll-On
Salonpas LIDOCAINE Pain Relieving Gel-Patch
MagniLife Arnica Gel
Product
Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy Roll On – Soothing Gel for Back, Neck, Hands, Feet – Premium Whole Body Rub with Arnica, Vitamin B6 MSM & Boswellia – 3oz
Product name
Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy Roll On – Soothing Gel for Back, Neck, Hands, Feet – Premium Whole Body Rub with Arnica, Vitamin B6 MSM & Boswellia – 3oz
Rating
-
Best for
Penetrex Pain Relief Roll-On
Buy on Amazon
Product
Salonpas LIDOCAINE (5 PACK Bundle) Pain Relieving Maximum Strength Gel Patch!
Product name
Salonpas LIDOCAINE (5 PACK Bundle) Pain Relieving Maximum Strength Gel Patch!
Rating
-
Best for
Salonpas LIDOCAINE Pain Relieving Gel-Patch
Buy on Amazon
Product
MagniLife Arnica Pain Relief Gel, Fast Acting Neck and Back Pain Relief, with Eucalyptus and Emu Oil to Soothe Soreness, Inflammation and Discomfort - 4oz
Product name
MagniLife Arnica Pain Relief Gel, Fast Acting Neck and Back Pain Relief, with Eucalyptus and Emu Oil to Soothe Soreness, Inflammation and Discomfort - 4oz
Rating
-
Best for
MagniLife Arnica Gel
Buy on Amazon
Product
Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel - for Back/Neck, Muscle/Stiff Joints Pain, Sprains, Strains, Fast-Acting, Cooling+Soothing Relief, Made w/ 100% Pure Emu Oil 4 oz (1 Pack)
Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel
MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel Arnica +12 Natural Relieving Actives for Back Pain Joint Soreness Muscle Aches & Stiffness Whole Body Fast Acting Relief for Women & Men - 3 oz
Product name
Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel - for Back/Neck, Muscle/Stiff Joints Pain, Sprains, Strains, Fast-Acting, Cooling+Soothing Relief, Made w/ 100% Pure Emu Oil 4 oz (1 Pack)
Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel
MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel Arnica +12 Natural Relieving Actives for Back Pain Joint Soreness Muscle Aches & Stiffness Whole Body Fast Acting Relief for Women & Men - 3 oz
Rating
-
-
-
Best for
Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel
Biofreeze Pain Reliever Gel
MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel
Product
Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel - for Back/Neck, Muscle/Stiff Joints Pain, Sprains, Strains, Fast-Acting, Cooling+Soothing Relief, Made w/ 100% Pure Emu Oil 4 oz (1 Pack)
Product name
Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel - for Back/Neck, Muscle/Stiff Joints Pain, Sprains, Strains, Fast-Acting, Cooling+Soothing Relief, Made w/ 100% Pure Emu Oil 4 oz (1 Pack)
Rating
-
Best for
Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel
Buy on Amazon
Product
Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel
Product name
Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel
Rating
-
Best for
Biofreeze Pain Reliever Gel
Buy on Amazon
Product
MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel Arnica +12 Natural Relieving Actives for Back Pain Joint Soreness Muscle Aches & Stiffness Whole Body Fast Acting Relief for Women & Men - 3 oz
Product name
MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel Arnica +12 Natural Relieving Actives for Back Pain Joint Soreness Muscle Aches & Stiffness Whole Body Fast Acting Relief for Women & Men - 3 oz
Rating
-
Best for
MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel
Buy on Amazon

Best Gels for Back Pain

Penetrex Pain Relief Roll-On

Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy Roll On – Soothing Gel for Back, Neck, Hands, Feet – Premium Whole Body Rub with Arnica, Vitamin B6 MSM & Boswellia – 3oz
  • Effective for Joints and Muscles: Penetrex is the whole-body cream you’ve been waiting for; trusted by over 2 million sufferers; offers a different kind of comfort
  • Premium Experience: Penetrex is a non-greasy, non-sticky, non-staining, paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan soothing cream without the burn, freeze or strong odor of other products
  • See Why So Many People Trust Penetrex: Penetrex allows you to get back to doing the things you love

Designed to speed up your healing process, the Penetrex Pain Relief Roll-On is a blend of Arnica, Vitamin B6, and MSM. You’ll feel immediate relief, which makes it ideal for use before physiotherapy or daily activities.

While it’s a bit on the pricey side and has a medicinal scent, the rapid and precise relief you’ll get makes it a worthy investment.

Features:

  • Easy roll-on applicator
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Quick absorption
  • Contains Arnica, Vitamin B6, and MSM

Perfect For:

Those in the recovery phase of an accident or surgery, looking for targeted, mess-free relief.

What Stands Out:

It’s packed with proven ingredients like Arnica and Vitamin B6 to speed up healing and reduce inflammation.

Potential Drawback:

It’s on the pricier side, and some users may find the smell medicinal.

Salonpas LIDOCAINE Pain Relieving Gel-Patch

Sale
Salonpas LIDOCAINE (5 PACK Bundle) Pain Relieving Maximum Strength Gel Patch!
  • GEL PATCH: Get numbing relief from one of Salonpas' most popular patches. The LIDOCAINE Pain Relieving Gel-Patch uses hydro-gel based technology plus 4% Lidocaine to provide numbing relief.

Salonpas hydro-gel based patches are imbued with 4% Lidocaine. This ensures you get hours of numbing relief. Stick it onto your back and forget about the pain for the next six hours.

However, if you’re planning on daily use, the cost may add up, and those with sensitive skin might experience irritation. But for reliable, long-lasting relief, these patches are hard to beat.

Features:

  • Lidocaine 4%
  • Hydro-gel based patches
  • Maximum strength
  • Six-hour relief

Perfect For:

People who need long-lasting relief but want to avoid the mess of creams and gels.

What Stands Out:

These patches are infused with Lidocaine, which numbs the pain area effectively for hours.

Potential Drawback:

Can be expensive for daily use, and some people may experience skin irritation.

MagniLife Arnica Gel

MagniLife Arnica Pain Relief Gel, Fast Acting Neck and Back Pain Relief, with Eucalyptus and Emu Oil to Soothe Soreness, Inflammation and Discomfort - 4oz
  • NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Do you suffer from arthritis, muscle or joint pain? Is neck, shoulder or back pain holding you back from your daily activities? Ease stiffness, inflammation and soreness naturally with MagniLife Arnica Pain Relief Gel. Quickly absorbs for fast relief of back, neck and muscle pain. May also be used to help reduce discoloration from bruises.
  • QUICK ABSORPTION - For fast relief of back, neck and muscle pain, bruising and inflammation. Quickly absorbing formula eases discomfort and soreness and helps reduce discoloration from bruising. Temporarily relieves muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion, and falls. Ideal for arthritis and joint inflammation.
  • HOMEOPATHIC RELIEF - MagniLife Arnica Pain Relief Gel is made in the USA from naturally soothing arnica, eucalyptus and emu oil. Apply to skin for pain and swelling associated with injuries, such as sprains, muscle aches and bruises. No known drug interactions or side effects and made without added dyes or fragrances.

If you’re looking to heal naturally, MagniLife is an excellent choice. Feel reassured knowing you’re treating your pain with a gentle yet effective homeopathic formula. Ideal for the eco-conscious and those sensitive to artificial ingredients, MagniLife Arnica Gel offers a more subtle, but consistent, form of relief.

You might need to reapply it more often, but the benefits of a natural, gentle approach to healing will make you feel both physically and ethically good.

Features:

  • Arnica Montana as the main ingredient
  • Homeopathic
  • Natural relief for muscle soreness

Perfect For:

Those who prefer all-natural, homeopathic remedies for their pain management.

What Stands Out:

It’s all-natural and free from artificial preservatives or fragrances.

Potential Drawback:

The effects may be more subtle, requiring frequent reapplication.

Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel

Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel - for Back/Neck, Muscle/Stiff Joints Pain, Sprains, Strains, Fast-Acting, Cooling+Soothing Relief, Made w/ 100% Pure Emu Oil 4 oz (1 Pack)
  • “NAME TO TRUST IN PAIN RELIEF”: Blue Goo is the name to trust in pain relief! Provides long lasting pain relief. Formulated with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM & Aloe Vera
  • 100% PURE EMU OIL: Blue Goo Pain Relieving Gel contains 100% Pure Emu oil which is completely safe, natural moisturizer and pain reliever utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Emu oil is used in skin care and beauty products for the body, skin, nails, and
  • FAST & LONG-LASTING RELIEF: Before pain gets in your way treat it with Blue Goo for fast, long lasting relief of muscle aches, back pain, neck pain, strains, and joint pain

With Blue Goo, you don’t have to compromise quality for price. Blue Goo offers quick relief with added skin benefits, making your road to recovery smoother. A downside could be its runny consistency, making application messy.

But if you’re looking for affordable, effective relief, this is a gift to your back and your wallet.

Features:

  • Emu oil and MSM
  • Fast-acting
  • Affordable
  • Non-staining

Perfect For:

Budget-conscious individuals who still seek quality pain relief.

What Stands Out:

The emu oil in this gel adds an extra layer of skin-soothing relief.

Potential Drawback:

The consistency can be runny, making application messy.

Biofreeze Pain Reliever Gel

Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel
  • Biofreeze is the #1 clinician recommended* menthol topical pain relief brand (*IPSOS Clinician Survey, November 2023)
  • Biofreeze Gel 3 fl oz tube is one of the most popular formats, well-suited for application on small and large muscle areas
  • Fast acting and long lasting, cooling menthol formula delivers penetrating pain relief for sore muscles, simple backaches, sore joints, bruises, and sprains

This menthol-based gel provides immediate cooling relief, distracting you from the pain so you can focus on what matters. The strong menthol smell can linger, but when relief comes quickly, it’s a small price to pay.

Features:

  • Menthol-based
  • Paraben-free
  • Available in different forms like roll-on and spray

Perfect For:

Those who enjoy the cooling sensation of menthol for quick pain relief.

What Stands Out:

It provides a rapid cooling effect, which helps distract from the pain.

Potential Drawback:

The menthol smell can be strong and lingering.

MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel

Sale
MediNatura T-Relief Extra Strength Gel Arnica +12 Natural Relieving Actives for Back Pain Joint Soreness Muscle Aches & Stiffness Whole Body Fast Acting Relief for Women & Men - 3 oz
  • SOOTHE WHOLE BODY HOMEOPATHY - Naturally helps with the discomfort of achy or sore neck, hands, feet, muscles, joints, bones and headaches with 13 plant-based ingredients like Arnica Calendula Echinacea and Hypericum.
  • PAIN DOESN'T HAVE TO GET IN THE WAY – Pain can often get in the way of activities we love, our formula is safe to use daily for ongoing management or for acute pain from minor sprains, strains, and injuries.
  • BOOST THE BODY'S DEFENSES - Homeopathic formulas address symptoms with a micro dose of an active ingredient to stimulate your body’s own defenses; we combine multiple potent actives in multiple concentrations for greater relief of more symptoms.

If you’re someone who wants efficacy without compromising on eco-friendliness, MediNatura provides a powerful, natural solution. Its plant-based ingredients offer effective relief that’s also kind to the environment.

The gel takes longer to absorb, but once it does, expect deep, lasting relief that lets you rest easy through the night, knowing you’ve made an eco-conscious choice.

Features:

  • Plant-based ingredients
  • Odorless
  • Extra strength
  • Non-greasy

Perfect For:

Individuals who want strong relief without synthetic ingredients or strong odors.

What Stands Out:

It’s odorless and integrates plant-based ingredients for an eco-conscious approach to pain relief.

Potential Drawback:

The gel takes a bit of time to absorb fully.

Things to Consider When Buying a Gel for Back Pains

When looking for a pain relief gel that hopes to ease your back pain, it can get a tad bit overwhelming. To help you pick the right kind and brand for you, here are key factors you can consider:

Active Ingredients

Different gels contain different active ingredients like menthol, lidocaine, or natural herbs like arnica. Know what works best for you, whether it’s a cooling sensation, numbing effect, or a gentle, herbal approach.

Skin Sensitivity

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, look for gels that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or made with natural ingredients.

Consistency

The consistency of the gel can affect how easy it is to apply. Roll-ons or patches offer ease of application, while gels and creams might offer more precise control over the affected area.

Speed of Relief

Some products offer instant relief, while others are more gradual but longer-lasting. Choose based on whether you need quick relief for acute pain or a longer-lasting solution for chronic issues.

Frequency of Application

Some gels require frequent reapplication, while others offer prolonged relief. Make sure to read the guidelines on the packaging to find what suits your lifestyle.

Price

Cost is often a consideration, especially if you’ll be using the gel regularly. Balance the quality and effectiveness of the gel against your budget. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront can provide more effective, long-lasting relief.

Additional Features

Some gels come with added benefits like moisturizing agents, vitamins, or essential oils. While these might not be necessary for pain relief, they can provide extra comfort or skin benefits.

Reviews and Recommendations

Reading reviews or seeking recommendations can offer valuable insights into how effective a product is for people with similar conditions. 

Consult a Healthcare Provider

Your back pain that’s caused by a recent injury or accident can be exasperating, and sometimes, you just want an easy and quick relief from the pain. While these gels can offer relief, it’s crucial to consult your doctor for a comprehensive treatment plan that won’t make your situation worse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gels for Back Pains

Are these gels safe for all skin types?

Most of these gels are formulated to be gentle on the skin. However, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, it’s always best to perform a patch test first or consult your healthcare provider.

Can I use these gels along with oral pain medication?

Generally, topical gels can be used with oral medication. It’s important, however, to consult your doctor for personalized advice, especially if you’re recovering from an accident or surgery.

Are there any side effects?

Some people may experience skin irritation, redness, or a warming sensation. If you notice any unusual symptoms, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

What if the gel doesn’t work for me?

If you find that a particular gel doesn’t offer the relief you were hoping for, consider trying another product with different active ingredients, and consult your doctor for alternative solutions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. It should not be taken as medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for any health or legal concerns.

Take the Next Step: Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

If your back pain is the result of an accident or injury caused by someone else’s negligence, a pain relief gel only takes you so far. You shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden on top of the physical and emotional pain you’re already experiencing. 

That’s where The Personal Injury Center comes in. They’re not just experts in the law, they’re champions of justice. Their track record speaks volumes, with countless clients receiving the compensation they rightfully deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Click below to schedule a free consultation and start the journey towards reclaiming not just relief, but justice. Because you deserve both.

Contact our trusted personal injury lawyer now.

Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.

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