3) Lidoderm patches are patches with topical lidocaine, which works as a
pain reliever. Lidoderm can work
for low back
pain among other things. Lidoderm, unlike Flector patches and Voltaren gel, is not a topical anti-inflammatory but rather a numbing medicine applied to the skin.
4) An over the counter option, though not as well studied, is Aspercreme cream, which is a topical salicylate (aspirin) pain reliever. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the muscle and joints.