Patches sized or shaped for the neck and shoulder region. Avoid placing patches over broken skin, near the eyes, or on mucous membranes. Tension headaches require a separate workup — see your clinician if discomfort is recurrent.
Image: Aspercreme
Aspercreme
Aspercreme's XL patch — over 70% larger than the original.
10k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- XL format — manufacturer states over 70% larger than original
- Up to 12 hours of wear per patch
- 3 patches per box; fragrance-free flexible fabric
The Aspercreme XL patch is designed for areas where a standard patch falls short. The manufacturer states it is over 70% larger than the original Aspercreme patch, making it a consideration for wider coverage across the neck, shoulder, or lower back. Same lidocaine 4% formula, same flexible fragrance-free fabric, and the label permits up to 12 hours of wear. Three patches per box. Exact patch dimensions are not listed.
Label says: “For the temporary relief of pain.”
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Image: Aspercreme
Aspercreme
XL Aspercreme patches in a two-box bundle, FSA/HSA eligible.
5k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- XL format — over 70% larger than original Aspercreme patch
- 6 patches total (2 boxes of 3); FSA/HSA eligible
- Up to 12 hours of wear per patch; fragrance-free
This listing bundles two boxes of three Aspercreme XL patches — six XL patches total. The XL format is over 70% larger than the original Aspercreme patch per the manufacturer. The label permits up to 12 hours of wear, and the patches are fragrance-free. The listing notes FSA/HSA eligibility, which may matter if you pay for pain-relief products through a benefits account. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. Patch size not specified on the listing.
Label says: “For the temporary relief of pain.”
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Image: Salonpas / Hisamitsu
Salonpas
Salonpas stretchable Flex patch with precise 3.94" x 2.75" footprint.
5k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- Flex patch — stretchable thin fabric; 3.94" x 2.75"
- Up to 8 hours of wear per patch
- 7 patches per box; unscented
The Salonpas Flex Patch uses a stretchable thin fabric that contours to curved or moving body parts. At 3.94" x 2.75", it is notably smaller than the standard Salonpas gel-patch, making it a better fit for areas like the neck or shoulder where a large patch may be cumbersome. Unscented. Wear time is up to 8 hours per the label. Seven patches per box, lidocaine 4% maximum OTC strength, strong adhesion without feeling heavy.
Label says: “For temporary relief of pain.”
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Image: Salonpas / Hisamitsu
Salonpas
Salonpas hydrogel patch — the 3.94" x 5.50" format in 6-count.
10k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- Hydrogel-based patch; 3.94" x 5.50"
- Up to 8 hours of wear per patch
- 6 patches per box; unscented
The Salonpas Lidocaine Gel-Patch uses a hydrogel-based construction rather than a dry fabric backing. The gel format may sit differently on skin compared with fabric patches. Patch size is 3.94" x 5.50", and the label states it is indicated for sore backs, necks, shoulders, knees, and elbows. Six patches per box, wear time up to 8 hours, unscented. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. One of the most-reviewed listings in this category.
Label says: “For temporary relief of pain associated with sore back, neck, shoulders, knees and elbows.”
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Image: Salonpas / Hisamitsu
Salonpas
Salonpas hydrogel gel-patch in a 12-count two-box bundle.
5k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- Hydrogel-based patch; 3.94" x 5.50"
- 12 patches total (2 boxes of 6)
- Up to 8 hours of wear per patch; unscented
This listing doubles the standard Salonpas Lidocaine Gel-Patch box — 12 patches total across two boxes of six. The hydrogel construction and 3.94" x 5.50" patch size are the same as the single-box version. The label specifically indicates sore backs, necks, shoulders, knees, and elbows. Wear time is up to 8 hours per the label. Unscented. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. A reasonable choice if you use the Salonpas gel-patch regularly and want a larger supply.
Label says: “For temporary relief of pain associated with sore back, neck, shoulders, knees and elbows.”
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Image: CARELAND
CARELAND
CARELAND 6-count gel patch — trial-size entry to the brand.
1k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- Gel-patch format; 3.9" x 5.5"
- 6 patches per box; unscented
- Up to 8 hours of wear per patch
CARELAND's 6-count gel-patch is the smallest box the brand offers here, making it a practical trial size before committing to the 18- or 36-count boxes. The gel-patch construction sits at 3.9" x 5.5", unscented, and the label permits wear up to 8 hours. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. Apply to clean, dry, unbroken skin. If you haven't tried a CARELAND patch before, the 6-count is the lowest-cost way to evaluate the format.
Label says: “For temporary relief of pain.”
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Image: SINSINPAS
SINSINPAS
SINSINPAS gel patch by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical — 5 count.
1k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- Gel-patch format; manufactured by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical
- 5 patches per pack; unscented
- Up to 8 hours of wear per patch
SINSINPAS is manufactured by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical, the same parent company behind Salonpas. The gel-patch format and unscented profile mirror the Salonpas line, though the SINSINPAS brand is separate. Five patches per pack, wear time up to 8 hours per the label. Patch size is not confirmed on this listing. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. If you're familiar with Hisamitsu's manufacturing standards from Salonpas, SINSINPAS shares the same pharmaceutical parent.
Label says: “For the temporarily relief of minor pain.”
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Image: JJ CARE
JJ CARE
JJ CARE 6-count patch at 4" x 5.5" — no residue, 12-hour wear.
5k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- Patch size: 4" x 5.5" (slightly wider than standard); individually wrapped
- Up to 12 hours of wear per patch; non-greasy, no residue
- 6 patches per box
JJ CARE's 6-count box uses a slightly wider patch than the standard 3.9" x 5.5" found across most of this catalog: the JJ CARE patch measures 4" x 5.5". The listing highlights a non-greasy formula that leaves no residue on skin. Wear time is up to 12 hours per the label. Individually wrapped. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. Label covers minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. One of the higher-reviewed smaller-brand options in this category.
Label says: “For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.”
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NobleAid
NobleAid 5-count gel patch at 5.5" x 4" — slightly larger footprint.
1k+ reviews on Amazon
- Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
- Gel-patch format; 5.5" x 4"; individually wrapped
- 5 patches per box; unscented
- Up to 8 hours of wear per patch
NobleAid's gel-patch is listed at 5.5" x 4", which presents as 5.5" in the long dimension — the same length as the common 3.9" x 5.5" standard but oriented so the 5.5" runs in the other direction. Five patches per box, individually wrapped, unscented. Wear time is up to 8 hours per the label. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. Label covers temporary relief of pain. Data on this listing is thin; the source listing did not confirm additional differentiating details beyond format and size.
Label says: “For temporary relief of pain.”
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