Patches for back pain are a health product for external use. It is widely used for orthopedic problems, back and joint discomfort, inflammation and injuries. The effectiveness and safety of the transdermal therapeutic system have been confirmed by numerous studies and patient reviews.
The dosage form is convenient because it is attached to the skin, it provides a slow and dosed penetration of medical substances directly into the blood vessels through the dermis. Patches for pain do not cause side effects on the body's systems and environments, 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 for a full course of treatment at home or in a hospital. Children, work, relatives and friends, pets - all these require tireless attention without leaving time for yourself.
But when back pain becomes unbearable and analgesics do not help, a new remedy is required. At the same time, it is desirable that it does not require a lot of time, is easy to use, allows it to work and has a therapeutic effect. All these properties are characteristic of 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, the stable concentration of the drug in the bloodstream is kept close to the average therapeutic level.
Back pain relief 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 patches fight well against muscle spasms caused by nervous or physical stress, injury, decay or air dependence. The transdermal system can be used on any part of the back, as well as neck pain.
Types of patches for back pain
Today there is a large selection of different therapeutic patches for the back and joints. They can be systematized by the composition and method of impact on the disease area. Depending on these factors, all foreign agents are divided into several groups.
Hot patches for the back
The purpose of these pain patches is to increase blood flow to the affected area. As a result of active microcirculation, metabolic processes improve, the removal of metabolic products is accelerated, pain and inflammation disappear.
The most popular adhesive plasters with a warming effect:
- Pepper. Cheap and very effective. It is attached 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. It is a more active product, relieves pain well and relaxes muscles. It consists of water, metal powder and activated carbon.
Warming patches should not be used if you have skin conditions or are allergic to the ingredients. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before use.
Reflective back patches
Pain 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 safe type of transdermal systems. They operate at the expense of the body's own resources, reflect the heat from the human body. They have practically no contraindications.
Such patches are applied both to the skin and to clothes 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 is 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 inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which increase the body's sensitivity to pain. Prominent representatives of this type of patches are Ketonal, Ketotop and Voltaren;
- Anesthetic systems. They contain novocaine or lidocaine and many other components that accelerate the recovery of soft tissues and cartilage. An example of such products is Versatis.
Patches for inflammation and pain should be applied only during exacerbation of discomfort and for no longer than 14 days.
Chinese herbal back patches
This group of transdermal systems is represented by all kinds of Chinese-made patches made according to alternative medicine recipes. Despite the fact that they are classified as cosmetic products in our country, many consumers note their strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The composition of Chinese patches is rich in medicinal plants, essential oils and other organic components that improve blood circulation and relieve swelling. You can use the products for more than 2 weeks, but preferably in combination with medicines, massage and physiotherapy.
Orthopedic back patches
Transdermal patches of this type are indispensable for diseases of the spine and joints. They help relieve the suffering of patients with radiculitis, osteochondrosis and lumbago, relieve tension in muscles and ligaments. Excellent treatment for back injuries and bruises.
Review of effective back patches
Each group of transdermal patches contains the most effective and safe products. Let's see them below.
Back patch with chondroprotectors
Some time ago, patches with chondroprotectors 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 cartilage and bone tissues of the spine and actively restore damaged segments. True, you will have to use the recovery patch for more than a month.
Pain relief patch for back
NSAID patches are helpful for lower back pain. Diclofenac sodium, which is part of the transdermal drug Voltaren, has a local irritant, antiseptic and analgesic effect.
The product is applied to the skin of the inflamed area within 24 hours. When treating pain in the spine, Voltaren patch is used for no more than 3 weeks, unless otherwise recommended by the doctor.
If there is no improvement after 7 days or if your health worsens, you should stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor.
Transdermal patch is prohibited for children under 15 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, patients with bronchial asthma and sensitivity 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 protrusions.
The patch looks like a soft black plate. Made from a mixture of nanopowders, rare earth magnets are crushed into a fine dispersion and hypoallergenic polymer. An adhesive layer covered with paper is applied to the base. It is removed before use.
A 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. The system should not be applied again.
Warming back patch
Heat patch. It helps to relax the deep back muscles, relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. It is valid for 10 hours, if the heat temperature seems too high, stick it on the skin or a cotton shirt.
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 relief with lidocaine. It has a quick analgesic effect, once a day it sticks to the inflamed area for up to 10-12 hours. If necessary, the plate can be cut into several parts.
Anesthetic patch is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is prescribed with caution to children under 18 years of age, with sensitivity to anesthetics, heart failure and impaired liver and kidney functions.
Chinese back patches
It is recommended to stick medical patches based on medicinal herbs to acupuncture points on the spine. Thus, the effectiveness of transdermal agents increases several times, blood flow improves, metabolic processes accelerate, and pain disappears.
You can use the following external remedies to relieve back discomfort:
- The plate includes ginger powder and clove bark, belladonna extracts, aconite, pileus root, pine and myrrh ethers. ;
- The development of Chinese medicine not only relieves pain, but also treats pathology. It contains bee venom, scorpion dust, borneol and over 30 other ingredients.
- It is made on a fabric base, on which a layer of active ingredients is applied. The skin under such a patch does not sweat or get wet.
All Chinese transdermal systems have a cumulative effect, so pain relief occurs after a few days. The products are not recommended for use by women during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindications
All medicated patches have general contraindications that must be kept in mind. These include:
- individual intolerance to the components of the transdermal plate;
- childhood (not always);
- skin damage and inflammation in the adhesive area;
- pregnancy and lactation period.
Specific contraindications for each product are indicated in the instructions for use.
Which patch is best for back pain? It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this question. 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 an important role. Therefore, it is better to leave the choice of external remedy for back pain and inflammation to the doctor.