Back pain patches are a health product for external use. It is widely used for orthopedic problems, problems in the lower back and joints, inflammation and injuries. The effectiveness and safety of the transdermal therapeutic system has been confirmed by numerous studies and patient reviews.
The dosage form is convenient in that it sticks to the skin, ensuring a slow and metered penetration of medicinal substances through the dermis directly into the blood vessels. Pain patches do not cause side effects on the body's systems and environment, have minimal contraindications and are easy to use.
General mechanism of action and effectiveness
The modern world, with its constant rush and busyness, does not allow complete treatment at home or in a hospital. Children, work, relatives and friends, pets - all this requires tireless attention, leaving no time for yourself.
But when back pain becomes unbearable and analgesics no longer help, a new drug is needed. At the same time, it is desirable that it does not take a lot of time, that it is easy to use, that it enables action and provides a therapeutic effect. All these properties are inherent in the pain relief patch.
The mechanism of action of transdermal systems is based on the controlled release of medicinal substances and their continuous atraumatic penetration into the patient's body. At the same time, a constant concentration of the medicinal substance is maintained in the bloodstream, close to the average therapeutic level.
Back pain patches are quite effective with long-term use and have the following effects:
- relieve inflammation and pain;
- improve microcirculation;
- eliminate swelling;
- stimulate metabolic processes.
Also, therapeutic plasters cope well with muscle spasms caused by nervous or physical stress, injuries, bruises or weather dependence. The transdermal system can be used on any part of the back, as well as for neck pain.
Types of plasters for back pain
Today there is a large selection of different therapeutic plasters for the back and joints. They can be systematized by composition and method of action on the diseased area. Depending on these factors, all external agents are divided into several groups.
Back heating pads
The purpose of these pain relief patches is to increase blood flow to the affected area. As a result of active microcirculation, metabolic processes improve, elimination of metabolic products is accelerated, pain and inflammation disappear.
The most popular adhesive patches with a warming effect:
- Pepper. Cheap and quite effective. It sticks directly to the skin, it is recommended to keep it for 1-2 days, but if unpleasant sensations appear, you can remove it earlier;
- Ketonal Thermo. A more active product, it relieves pain well and relaxes muscles. It consists of water, metal powder and activated carbon.
Heating patches should not be used if you have skin problems or are allergic to the ingredients. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before use.
Reflective back patches
Pain relief patches of this group contain nanopowder of rare earth metals, which can increase the local temperature at the site of inflammation. This is the most natural and safest type of transdermal systems. They work at the expense of the body's own resources, reflecting the heat that comes out of the human body. They practically have no contraindications.
Such patches are placed on both the skin and clothing above the affected area. An example of such products is TTS Nanoplast forte.
Back patches that relieve inflammation and pain
The main active component of anesthetic transdermal systems are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
Patches of this group are effective for pain in any part of the back. Depending on the components, they are divided into two classes:
- NSAID-based products. They block the production of prostaglandins, which increase the body's sensitivity to pain. Prominent representatives of this type of patch are Ketonal, Ketotop and Voltaren;
- Anesthetic systems. They contain novocaine or lidocaine and many other components that accelerate the regeneration of soft tissue and cartilage. An example of such products is Versatis.
Plasters for inflammation and pain should be applied only at the moment of exacerbation of the problem and for no longer than 14 days.
Chinese Herbal Back Patches
This group of transdermal systems is represented by all types of patches made in China according to the recipe of alternative medicine. Despite the fact that in our country they are classified as cosmetic products, many consumers notice their strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The composition of Chinese plasters is rich in medicinal herbs, essential oils and other organic components that improve blood circulation and relieve swelling. You can use the products for longer than 2 weeks, but best in combination with medicines, massage and physiotherapy.
Orthopedic plasters for the back
Transdermal patches of this type are indispensable for diseases of the spine and joints. They help alleviate the suffering of patients with radiculitis, osteochondrosis and lumbago, and relieve tension in muscles and ligaments. Excellent treatment for back injuries and bruises.
A review of effective back patches
Each group of transdermal patches contains the most effective and safest products. Let's take a look at them below.
Back patch with chondroprotectors
Recently, patches with chondroprotectors have appeared on pharmacy shelves.
The product is a transparent polymer plate measuring 3x3 cm. One side is sprinkled with glucosamine, chondroitin and thiamine. These substances are structural elements of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine and actively restore damaged segments. True, you will have to use the regeneration patch for more than a month.
Back Pain Patch
For lower back pain, NSAID patches are helpful. Diclofenac sodium, which is part of the transdermal drug Voltaren, has a local irritating, antiseptic and analgesic effect.
The product is applied to the skin over the inflamed area for 24 hours. In the treatment of spinal pain, the Voltaren patch is used for no longer than 3 weeks, unless otherwise recommended by the doctor.
If after 7 days there is no improvement or your health worsens, you should stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor.
The transdermal patch is prohibited for children under 15 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, patients with bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity to diclofenac. Prescribe with caution to the elderly, people with impaired kidney and liver function, and heart muscle pathologies.
Transdermal back patch
The transdermal product has proven itself well in the treatment of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, intervertebral hernia and protrusion.
The patch looks like a soft black plate. Made from a blend of nanopowder, finely dispersed rare earth magnets and hypoallergenic polymer. An adhesive layer covered with paper is applied to the substrate. It is removed before use.
The therapeutic anesthetic patch is applied to clean skin in the area of inflammation for 12 hours. The next procedure can be performed no later than 6 hours later. The system must not be reapplied.
Warming up the back
A warming patch. It helps relax the deep muscles of the back, relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. It's worth 10 hours, stick to leather or a cotton t-shirt if the temperature seems too high.
The patch is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as during menstruation.
May cause burns when applied directly to thin, sensitive skin.
Back patch with lidocaine
Pain reliever with lidocaine. It gives a quick analgesic effect, it is stuck to the inflamed area once a day for a period of up to 10-12 hours. If necessary, the board can be cut into several parts.
Anesthetic patch is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is prescribed with caution to children under the age of 18, with increased sensitivity to anesthetics, heart failure and impaired liver and kidney function.
Chinese back patches
It is recommended to stick medical plasters based on medicinal herbs on the acupuncture points of the spinal column. Thus, the effectiveness of transdermal agents increases several times, blood flow improves, metabolic processes accelerate and pain disappears.
To eliminate back discomfort, you can use the following external remedies:
- The plate contains powdered ginger and clove bark, extracts of belladonna, aconite, galangal ester, pine and myrrh. ;
- The development of Chinese doctors not only relieves pain, but also cures pathology. Contains bee venom, scorpion powder, borneol and more than 30 other ingredients.
- It is made on a canvas base on which a layer of active substances is applied. The skin under such a patch does not sweat or get wet.
All Chinese transdermal systems have a cumulative effect, so the pain comes after a few days. The products are not recommended for use by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contraindications
All medical patches have common contraindications that should be kept in mind. This includes:
- individual intolerance to the components of the transdermal patch;
- childhood (not always);
- damage and inflammation of the skin in the bonding area;
- pregnancy and lactation period.
Contraindications for each product are listed in the instructions for use.
Which patch is best for back pain? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Each transdermal product has its own indications and limitations for use. The type of dermis of the patient, as well as the ease of use, also play a significant role. Therefore, it is better to leave the choice of external medicine for back pain and inflammation to the doctor.