Hello. I Have A Herniated Disc In My Neck, And

Hello. I have a herniated disc in my neck, and suffer all the same symptoms as everyone else. I am in very good shape, as I run 5 miles 3 times a week. I lift weights 5 times a week, and practice yoga directly after. I implement stretching and all the physical therapy procedures I've been taught over the years. I don't like taking medications, as they ALL have their side effects that can be dangerous. I have taken nsaids with some success, but as with most of them, they lose effectiveness after a short time. I don't like opiates, because of their addictive qualities. I have taken them, but only when my pain is Near a suicidal level. A friend of mine gave me some Voltaren gel to try. In your experience, has it been effective for this problem? And, how do I apply it to the neck? Thank you so much for your time.