Back pain occurs for various reasons, such as strenuous physical activity, sedentary work, injuries and diseases of the spine. To eliminate discomfort, tablets and injections are often used, however, these dosage forms can cause serious adverse reactions. There is a safer treatment method - plasters for back pain. These are transdermal agents that attach to the diseased area and slowly release the drugs, providing a long-term therapeutic effect. Patches are safer to use as the amount of active ingredients entering the blood is minimal. Furthermore, they are simple and effective to use. However, before purchasing, you need to know what types of patches exist, when and how they can be used.
Indications for the use of patches
The causes of back pain can be quite serious, so you should not try to solve the problem on your own. Visit a doctor who will diagnose and find out the cause of the pain. You can then ask a specialist whether medicinal patches can be used.
Important!Before using the patches it is necessary to exclude concomitant diseases, which can also manifest themselves as back pain. These include pathologies of the kidneys, respiratory, digestive organs and oncological formations.
Transdermal agents (TC) for the back and joints are used in the following cases:
- Osteochondrosis, which causes pain in the neck, thoracic segment or lower back.
- The presence of bumps (protrusion of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the outer shell), hernias (prolapse of the nucleus pulposus between the vertebrae).
- Osteoarthritis or arthritis of the joints.
- Damage to the spinal cord or its roots due to displacement of the vertebrae.
- Back pain associated with injury, heavy physical work or prolonged sitting.
- Tight muscles around the spine.
- Compression of spinal nerves, etc.
As you can see, the patches are used for inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the spine and joints.
Mechanism of action
Transdermal devices are intended for external use. The patch is fixed to the painful area of the body, where it releases the drug in doses. In this way it helps eliminate pain in the neck, back and bone joints.
The action of TCs is mainly aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, therefore its use is recommended as part of complex therapy. Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system using only patches will not be effective. And they're great for help.
TS have the following advantages:
- They are compact and convenient to use.
- The patient will not have to determine the dosage, as the medicine will be supplied in the right quantity.
- TS acts directly at the site of the lesion.
- The probability of adverse reactions is low, since the amount of active ingredients penetrating the blood is minimal.
- The active components of the patch do not interact with other drugs.
The therapeutic effect of TS is different, but they all consist of several layers:
- Fabric or synthetic base.
- A layer of medicinal substance which, under the influence of human body heat, softens and begins to be absorbed.
- An adhesive layer that helps the patch stick to the skin.
- Protective film that must be removed before use.
The medicinal sticker is attached to the diseased area, the medicinal layer softens, and the drug penetrates deep into the skin, exhibiting a therapeutic effect. The product acts directly on the source of pain and spasm. This treatment method helps to avoid the negative effects of drugs on the gastrointestinal tract and the entire body.
Types of therapeutic plasters for the back and joints
Depending on the therapeutic effect, the following types of patches are distinguished:
- Anesthetic.It is a TS based on analgesics or anesthetics that reduce pain. Products containing NSAIDs help relieve pain and inflammation. They are often used in the acute phase of spinal diseases. STs, the sticky layer of which contains anesthetics, help to cope only with pain, they do not affect the cause of its occurrence. The therapeutic effect is achieved by blocking surface receptors. Nanoplastics contain biologically active substances that affect pathological cells. Tiny nanoparticles surround the affected area, reducing unpleasant symptoms.
- OrthopedicThe posterior patch contains chondroprotectors. The composition of the medicinal layer includes chondroitin, which protects the cartilaginous coverings of the vertebrae and joints from damage and accelerates their recovery. They also contain glucosamine, which accelerates the regeneration of cartilage tissue. And thiamine saturates bone joints with nutrients, restores innervation and improves immunity.
- Phytoplastiescontain extracts of medicinal herbs, essential oils, etc. They accelerate blood flow and metabolic processes in the damaged area, relieve pain and inflammation. Some products contain magnetic components that accelerate the penetration of the active substances inside them. The therapeutic effect of phytoplasts has not been confirmed by research, but, according to reviews, they are effective.
- Heating.These TCs contain chili pepper extract or mustard seeds. The heating patch improves blood microcirculation, stimulates receptors and activates metabolic processes at the site of exposure. These products not only help to warm the tissues, but also improve their trophism and accelerate regeneration.
- Reflects heat.This group includes therapeutic adhesives that contain nanopowders of rare earth metals. They create a magnetic and infrared field on the body, which improves blood flow, relaxes muscles, reduces pain and inflammation, and heals tissues faster. They do not contain active components, so they are considered the safest.
Reference.Most plasters (with the exception of products with anesthetic) have a complex effect. They accelerate the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid to the sore spot, so the inflammation disappears faster, spasmed muscles relax, cells are saturated with useful substances, and tissue healing accelerates.
To know exactly which type of patches to use in a particular case, you should consult your doctor.
The best way
The question of which is the best patch to use in case of back pain is quite relevant. It depends on the nature of the pain, the cause of its appearance, contraindications, etc. A doctor will help you choose the most suitable remedy.
Best transdermal products:
- Chilli patch for back pain is the most popular pharmaceutical remedy. This is a vehicle with pepper extract applied to its base. It has a warming and distracting effect. It is necessary to hold the pepper patch until the pain disappears and a burning sensation appears. The maximum exposure time is 48 hours. Chili pepper plaster can be used to warm up muscles before exercise, to relieve symptoms after back injuries and also for diseases of the respiratory organs instead of mustard plasters. The price of the product depends on the size.
- An anti-inflammatory agent based on a derivative of phenylacetic acid. It helps eliminate pain, swelling and reduces inflammation. Most often, ST is used for radiculitis, arthrosis and osteochondrosis. The patch can be left on your back or other area for no more than 24 hours, after which you need to take a short break. The therapeutic course lasts about 2 weeks.
- A patch based on a derivative of propionic acid is also a representative of NSAIDs. The active ingredient slowly penetrates into the damaged area, exhibiting a therapeutic effect. This medication can be used twice a day.
- The best Japanese anesthetic patch. A layer of anesthetic is applied to its substrate. The patch helps to cope even with severe pain. The therapeutic effect lasts 3 hours. However, this product can suppress nervous reactions and therefore its use is not recommended before activities that require greater attention and precision.
- The nanopatch contains a layer of tiny rare-earth metal particles that target only pathological cells. It is able to warm up and stop inflammation. The adhesive is fixed on the back for 12 hours, then a break is taken. It can be used for 3 to 9 days.
- A plaster based on activated carbon, powdered iron and salt has a pronounced warming effect. Relaxes cramping muscles and relieves pain. The heating patch lasts 12 hours, then you need to remove it and treat your skin with a moisturizer.
- A phytoplast based on 10 medicinal plants is effective against radiculitis, degenerative changes of the intervertebral discs, arthrosis and myalgia (muscle pain). TS stimulates blood flow, relieves pain, reduces swelling and accelerates regeneration.
Also very popular is a Thai patch based on camphor, mint oil, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. According to reviews, it helps relieve or stop back pain within minutes.
You can buy any of the drugs described above in many pharmacies or on the Internet.
Chinese transdermals
According to reviews of patients who have experienced the effects of Chinese plasters, they help to quickly cope with back pain and rarely cause adverse reactions. A huge disadvantage of such products is that there are no clinical studies proving their effectiveness and safety.
Popular Chinese Patches for Back Pain:
- Patch with extracts of medicinal plants, essential oils, insect venom (scorpions, ants). Quickly relieves inflammation and pain, accelerates tissue restoration in the damaged area. The duration of using the warming compress is about 2 days, then you need to take a break. You need to use 6 to 8 patches per cycle.
- TC based on myrrh and boswellia is also suitable for patients with sensitive skin, as it contains only plant substances. Before applying the patch, you need to massage your skin for a couple of minutes. Wearing duration ranges from 18 to 36 hours. Treatment can last several weeks.
- The patch is based on ginger extract, cinnamon, mint, chili pepper and is equipped with magnets that enhance the effect of the medicinal components. Such a patch shows a faster therapeutic effect and brings relief to the patient. The product with magnet can be used for up to 2-3 weeks.
- TC containing about 20 medicinal plants that help quickly relieve inflammation and pain. The therapeutic effect lasts up to 14 hours. The treatment course can last from 15 to 20 days.
- A patch made from a whole complex of plant components, including safflower and camphor from Borneo, is good for back pain. According to the manufacturer, the patch slows down degenerative processes in the spine and accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissue. The duration of use is 2 or 3 days, then a 5 hour break is necessary. You can use 5 to 12 patches per cycle.
All the products described above are not certified and therefore unsafe. They can cause allergies since they contain a large amount of bioactive substances. Therefore, doctors recommend abandoning them in favor of safer patches that have undergone clinical trials.
Precautionary measures
There are some contraindications to the use of adhesive plaster for back pain:
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding period.
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the patch.
- The presence of cracks, scratches, open wounds, inflammation in the affected area.
- Age up to 15 years.
- Infectious diseases in the acute phase.
- Presence of oncological formations in the fixation area.
- Reduced blood clotting.
In other cases the use of patches is permitted. But to avoid negative reactions, it is better to consult a doctor before using TC.
Attention.Plasters with a warming effect cannot be glued to areas of the body where blood vessels are close to the skin. This is due to the risk of burns.
Adverse reactions after using the patches are rare. Some people have experienced local irritation after using TC, but this quickly disappears after removing the product.
Tips for use
Not all patients know how to use the patch. It is for them that instructions for their use are presented below:
- Before applying the patch, clean the desired area with a liquid containing alcohol.
- Remove the protective film and glue the healing plate.
- Leave to act for the required time and then remove carefully.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated.
But problems often arise when using the vehicle. For example, some patients are interested in whether it is possible to glue a pepper plaster on the spine. If the pain is localized in the ridge, fix the TS on the sides to the muscles surrounding it.
Attention.Before applying the patch to your back, it is recommended to carry out an allergy test. To do this, a piece is attached to the wrist; if after 15-30 minutes there is no negative reaction, feel free to use it.
The relevant question is how long a vehicle is maintained. The instructions for each patch indicate the recommended time, but it is better to rely on your own feelings. Normally even the pepper device causes tolerable discomfort. If the burning sensation is very strong, remove the product and consult a doctor.
If the pain does not go away after a week of treatment, consult your doctor. A specialist will help you choose a more effective medicine.
To easily remove the patch from irritated skin, use water or oil. The best option is to lie in the bathtub for a few minutes and then remove the sticker.
Reviews
Most patients are satisfied with the effect of back pain patches. They claim that the product helps to quickly get rid of pain and inflammation. Some people complain of having allergies after using TC.
- "I have suffered from back pain for a long time. I tried many ointments and creams, but they worked temporarily or did not help at all. Then, on the advice of a friend, I bought a nanopatch. It did not work immediately, but after completing During the course the pain decreased and motor activity was restored. After the break I intend to take another course. "
- "I have tried many patches to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. And for myself, I have identified several favorites: Japanese anesthetic and pepper patch. During an exacerbation of the disease, I used an anesthetic-based patch and then glued a heating sticker to improve blood circulation. This regime allows me to get rid of pain for a long time. "
- "I often use patches for back pain, joint pain, headaches and colds. Over the years I have tried many patches, but the most effective were the Chinese patch with magnets and the Japanese anesthetic patch. based on insect venom caused me an allergy; a couple of minutes after fixing a strong burning sensation and irritation appeared. I immediately removed the patch and never used it again. "
The most important
Patches really help to reduce or completely eliminate back pain, but for this they must be used as part of a complex therapy. There are painkillers, warming, orthopedic and phytoplastics. When choosing a vehicle it is necessary to take into account the diagnosis, age and the presence or absence of contraindications. It is better to entrust the choice of medicine to the doctor. The specialist will tell you about the intricacies of its use. Doctors do not recommend using uncertified Chinese patches, although many people are satisfied with the effect of their use. But in any case, the choice is yours.