Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

well folks, i have probably tried around 20 different topical pain relievers (otc, speciality orders, homeopathic, out of the country nsaid cremes, veterinary lotions like dmso-as well as mentholated, warming...) i would love to list them all so that it would save you some money on which not to buy but i doubt that the review would go through. i have tried 4 from amazon's site alone--that was around 86 bucks. so i can speak with personal authority regarding this creme's effectiveness. i have chronic aches and pains of unknown orgin other than age and work, and my son can't take any nsaid pain reliever due to sensitive stomach issues so i've been on a mission to find pain relief alternatives for his aches and pains as well as my own. he dislikes anything warming, cooling, smelly, or with an nsaid in it so the search has been sort of a long process of elemination to learn all of the things he can't tolerate and to find something that may help. this little jar has none of the negatives other than a very slight/light cool and minty smell which disapates quickly. honestly, even my kid thinks its ok-i personally, think its pleasant, if it is at all noticable. anyway, for me, this medicene is a godsend. it helps my elbow, knees, hip, occasional sore hand. ...you get the picture. the only thing i couldn't tell it worked much on was my feet bottoms and maybe deep hip pain.... still, it is the best i've found to help these areas as they're just tough areas to treat. after finding my aches better, i returned to the penetrex store and bought an additional 6 (better price in bulk). i have one by the bed, in my purse, in my car, at work, and backup in the bathroom. i use it 1-2 times daily usually, but depending on how stiff or achey i am i will use it either more frequently, or on more spots. alittle goes a long way- which is good because the jar is 2 ounces. no noticed negatives on how many spots you can use it on like with nsaid lotions. i actually use fewer ibuprephen and tylenol pills now that i have this, and find i sometimes forget to use the herbal antiinflammatory pills or glucosamine chrondrotin , because i just don't hurt as much. it works well enough that i can put it on and go out and excercise within minutes. i have to be a little conscious when doing so that i actually have an underlying problem because i think i could overdo it because it doesn't hurt after using penetrex. my son's issues are mostly related to tight neck muscles, tension headaches, and migraines so this doesn't work as well for him but has still offered him some relief. for him the search continues when it comes to tthese issues. but penetrex does help some when i rub it onto his neck and shoulder area and i'm glad to have it as a go to solution for any other aches he may get. i don't ususally write reviews, and certianly not long ones like this. i am hoping that someone else who is trying to decide which lotion to buy will see this and be able to save atleast 200 bucks rather than trying them all like i have. there is only one other topical that i have found which comes close to being as effective but it has the powerful cooling/burning sensation which this one does not have. enough said.