What is the best otc pain reliever for muscle pain?

Try Aleve (naproxen): You can try Aleve or advil; if you have heart burn or reflux, tylenol (acetaminophen). Ice application followed by gentle stretching should help.

Not one best: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can help with both pain relief and in reducing inflammation. Examples are ibuprofen (like Advil, Nuprin or Motrin), Naproxen sodium (like Aleve, (naproxen) Naprosyn, Anaprox) or Asprin (such as Bayer, Ecotrin, Ascriptin). Avoid NSAID's if pregnant or allergic to them. In that situation can consider acetaminophen.