Hello, I swear by diclofenac gel not the cream as it seems to penetrate better but I usually try other alternatives first like heat/ice/stretching and if all else fails and I still have extreme pain, I'll use an extra strength salon pas patch to provide long lasting relief. Be careful that you don't leave them on longer than directed, I forgot once and it was difficult to remove the patch, my skin turned red and hurt. I have kidney disease so my doctors said using the diclofenac cream although an nsaid, is better for me than taking oral nsaids. Tylenol helps as well but it bother me with my GI issues. I try one thing, if no relief, i try another and so on until I'm able to finally get some relief. Pain management is always a struggle and sometimes a never-ending battle.
I hop you are able to find some relief.
Hugs