Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As a pharmacist with almost 40 years of experience and a user of this product for about 6 months I thought I would add my thought on this. The is a topical prep of a oral drug (also called Voltaren but there other names and strengths made by different companies) that has been around since 1988. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (more commonly called a NSAID by the docs - similar to Ibuprofen and Naproxen). The topical gel was approved around 2009. It was never used much probably because you have to apply it qid (short for 4 times day.). It still has - in theory anyway - all the short comings of this class of meds - GI problems, possible heart problems, etc. Most docs will tell you that you can use with acetaminophen and other NSAID's depending on your other health issues. It is used for the knees/ankles primary but is also fairly effective for the shoulder. It doesn't work very well for hip pain as that seems to be set too far from the skin's surface to get any meaningful amount in the joint. The oral version works well for hip pain depending on the cause. IF the back pain is due to osteoarthritis it might help - at least some. I was very skeptical when the Gel was first approved but for certain types of pain - like osteoarthritis - but it is almost like magic (at least for some people). I've also tried the CBD and shungite topicals which did help me some. This is - in my profession opinion - the only typical product that really works for most patients. However - it is messy and you do have to put it 4 times a day. IF It's your knee you can't put you pants back on for at LEAST 5 minutes after a application. IF you do put you pants back on the will stick to your legs, etc. Lastly, if you do try it make sure you family doc is aware of it - probably a good idea to tell you pharmacist too to avoid any drug interactions. i would rate this product 8.75 to 9.25 out of 10 - well worth giving it shot!!