I’m Swapping My Heating Pad for This $8 Cream That ‘Takes the Edge Off’ Back Pain, Per Fans

We all know rest is key when it comes to dealing with constant body aches. The reality is, though, it’s sometimes hard to just take a break for yourself, especially if you’re always on the move like me. That’s why I rely on pain relief creams to ease the discomfort, so I can continue with my daily activities with no interruptions. They’re an easy-to-use, convenient, and effective option for busy people seeking immediate relief. I stumbled on the $8 Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream, which fellow Shape editors ranked one of the best options to try. 

Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream 

This topical cream provides quick and temporary relief to body aches with its numbing effects, thanks to lidocaine, which targets aggravated nerves by blocking their pain signals from reaching the brain. Board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD, Rebecca Marcus, M.D., previously told Shape that this numbing agent is “likely to provide the most effective localized pain relief.” In other words, it’s an excellent solution if you need targeted relief — even better, this Aspercreme cream contains the maximum strength (a.k.a., a four percent concentration) available over-the-counter. 

Emergency Medicine Physician, Owais Durrani, D.O., adds that he recommends lidocaine-based products especially for “strains and sprains in the flat areas like the lower back.” Another bonus? This non-greasy product also contains aloe vera, known for its soothing and moisturizing benefits, that can treat irritated and dry skin types.

Reviewers agreed that this numbing cream is suitable for a variety of aches. One shopper shared that it helped “immensely” on knees for “several hours,” while another fan similarly noted that it immediately “takes [the] edge off” their back pain. Meanwhile, a shopper with arthritis noticed that the lotion “eases up” their constant achy joints. Other users raved that their discomfort “substantially reduced,” leaving them “pain-free” within minutes. 

Soothe your minor pain all over with this Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream for just $8. Check out more similar products for temporary relief, below. 

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel 

Sombra Warm Pain Relief Gel 

Blue Emu Super Strength Cream