From your post, it sounds like you are dealing with nerve pain. Sadly, nerve pain is hard to treat. I take Neurontin (generic - gabapentin) for my nerve pain. I have done well on it, however, I do experience breakthrough pain. When I 1st started it did make me feel as though I had a beer or 2 but I found ways to counteract that. I am on a low dose comparatively (900 mg a day).

Ice does help but, you are right, it is not practical when you are working.

Salonpas work well. They have them in spray or patch form. They smell a little like menthol but it's better than being in pain and you can wear it at work and don't have to worry about ice and heat.

Others gave some great ideas and those are things that you can do on your days off.

A TENS unit works well for muscle aches but it is not good with nerve pain. I learned that the hard way.

I hope they find something that will work for you so that you can continue working.