CBD or Voltarin

I use Voltaren gel on my hands to treat arthritis, and on my back for sore or pulled muscles. I like it and think it works well.

Another brand I really like is Bio-Freeze Professional. It comes as a gel, a roll on and a spray. There is a strong menthol smell, but that subsides and I would say for infant relief of pain, it's better than Voltaren.

I don't have any experience with topical CBD.

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Hi,

I am curious as to your use of Biofreeze. I use Salon pas because it contains lidocaine. I see that Biofreeze only contains menthol. Does it really stop the pain you are using? My PT office displays Biofreeze but I always questioned it.

Voltaren helps with my lower back arthritis but I use the Salonpas on my back muscles and when my sciatica acts up.

Thanks for any advice or info.

I use both Voltaren and Biofreeze. I find that biofreeze works much better at easing my pain. I have huge 64oz containers of it with a pump making it easy and convenient for my arthritic hands.

Hi Susan,

I'm no Dr, but technically lidocaine should be better at stopping pain quickly. It's a numbing agent and menthol is not. I haven't tried salon pas but if they are working for you, keep using them.

BioFreeze is available in patches that can be worn for 6-8 hours. I have used them on my lower and upper back and they work great for me, especially at night.

Personally, I think the patches - Salon pas or BioFreeze - are better than Voltaren for back pain. Voltaren is primarily for arthritic joints. I guess the good news is that these products can be used together (I think).

For sciatic pain, and I've been through sciatica on my left and right side, I would think Salon pas would work better as they would numb the sciatic nerves - assuming they can get that deep. A Dr. could confirm.

One thing I will say is never use heat on the back. It feels good at first, but it increases blood flow which increases inflammation which causes more pain. It's just a rule I follow - always ice, never heat.

All the best and I hope this helps. Joe

I agree Miss. BioFreeze does what it says, it freezes whatever you put it on. It's only menthol and there are a lot of menthol products, but there's something special about BioFreeze Professional.

@susanjane77 Hi, I saw you use Salonpas patches for your sciatica. My Sister has been struggling w/ sciatic pain. May I ask you where you place your patch for sciatica relief, so I can tell her. Thank you.

Hi Sequoia,

I don’t use the patches as they don’t usually stick too long too long but I do use their roll on. I rub the roll on all over my hip, front and back and a little down the leg. Sometimes it works but there are many times, I feel no relief.

If my sciatica is really bad, I take 800 mg of ibuprofen ( I get the 800 mg tab from a prescription) along with 2 Tylenols and that helps so much.

Hope I was able to be of assistance and wish your sister some relief.

Thanks Joe. I never knew not to use heat. I always use my heating pad when in pain. Now I know better.

I may give Biofreeze a try since you seem to like it. Worth a try.

Thanks again for your response.

I like voltaren pretty well. Just remember that it adds to the NSAID load.
As far as CBD goes, do you mean topical CBD or oral CBD? If oral, Do you mean gummies or tincture or smoking flower or??
Topical is a mixed bag, really topical CBD is super good for your skin but I don't find it does much in the way of pain relief.