The patch works longer and better for me but if you need a quick fix for an hour or 2 then go for the ointment, but that's just me not you and everyone is different

the lidocaine otc does not help much,it is only 2% but the prescribed 5% and patches help a little.you only use the size of a quarter of the 5 % ,but otc you can use more.

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member. I have both the brand name 5% Lidocaine patch (Endo) as well as the generic (Watson) and I'd definitely suggest steering clear of the generic if at all possible. They don't stick worth a damn! In my opinion the patch works good, but you need to consider where you are putting it...should be a clean, relatively hair, sweat and lotion free site that is NOT right on a joint, as it won't stay on unless you plan to just lay down and do absolutely nothing while having it on. I think Medicare and or Medicaid should pay for them, but I'm thinking you'll need a prior authorization and maybe a letter of medical necessity. See what your doctor can do to help you out in that regard.

In terms of the (bio) 'freeze' products, I currently have the roll-on and gel which I got in a combo pack on Amazon. I carry the roll-on in my purse so I can easily use it on my neck when I'm driving. The roll-on is perfect for when you are on the go because then you don't have to worry about where you are going to wash your hands. I find it gives me instant relief, something that even all my meds (pain pills, muscle relaxers, anti-seizure meds for nerve pain, etc.) can't do when I'm in need of a rhizotomy. When I'm home, I use the gel for a longer lasting and maybe 'deeper' relief. It's scented a little strong at first, but then it disappears. ❤️ them both!
One thing I wanted to ask....Have you tried the medication @ Topamax? I know you mentioned you tried Neurontin for your nerve pain and that didn't go well. @ Topamax is also an anti-seizure med used off-label for nerve pain. I had been on Neurontin for 15+ years and sick of the weight gain so doc moved me over to @ Topamax and it's handling the nerve pain while allowing me to lose quite a bit of weight.
Also...my insurance paid for a tube of Lidocaine 5% that I also carry in my purse. It's small but a little goes farther than you might think. You could check with your insurance to see what your copay would be on that. It's pretty effective too.
Hope this has been helpful. 😉
Vicki J.

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A MyChron...

I've had some real help with DMSO. Be careful with this stuff. It's sold as horse liniment. Use a drop in one hand and rub over painful area. I found it helped on those areas which were not touched by other analgesics. Terrific for shoulders and necks, elbows and wrists. When you go to get it, don't tell them it's for you, unless you're in need of a plastics solvent. Be careful. It may dissolve the container you move it to (like if you're putting some in a little plastic bottle for the purse). If the stuff isn't cheap, you're in the wrong store. Go to a feed lot. If you buy a pint, you'll probably never need to buy more because you use so little. One caveat is to clean the skin with clear water. I put some on a woman who had just been out in the hot sun. The DMSO carried the salt from her sweat right into her skin. It burned like hell for about a minute, then it was over. So don't put on skin with moisturize, perfume, or soap on it. Good luck. I swear by DMSO. Understand, it's not meant for human consumption.

I’ve used them and not sure if they were really that effective. In UK they are available in prescription. One night I had them on all my tender/painful spots. I looked like a mosaic Lol. Most of them peeled off during the night. I’m at a loss to know what to try 🤷🏻‍♀️