Back pain is caused by various reasons, such as heavy physical activity, sedentary work, injuries, spinal diseases. Tablets and injections are more often used to relieve discomfort, but these dosage forms can cause serious adverse reactions. There is a safer treatment method - patches for back pain. These are transdermal agents that are attached to the diseased area and slowly release drugs that have a long-term therapeutic effect. It is safer to use patches, because the amount of active substances that penetrate into the blood is minimal. In addition, they are simple and effective to use. But before you buy, you should know what types of patches are available, when and how they can be used.
Instructions for using patches
The causes of back pain can be quite serious, so you should not try to solve the problem yourself. See a doctor who will make a diagnosis and find out the cause of the pain. You can then ask a specialist if medicated patches can be used.
It is important!Before using patches, it is necessary to rule out concomitant diseases that may appear as back pain. These include pathologies of the kidney, respiratory, digestive organs and oncological formations.
Transdermal agents (TC) for the back and joints are used in the following cases:
- Osteochondrosis causing pain in the neck, thoracic segment or lumbar region.
- The presence of protrusions (protrusion of the intervertebral disc without breaking the outer shell), hernias (prolapse of the nucleus pulposus between the vertebrae).
- Arthrosis or arthritis of the joints.
- Damage to the spinal cord or its roots as a result of displacement of the vertebrae.
- Back pain associated with injury, heavy physical work or prolonged sitting.
- Tense muscles around the spine.
- Compression of spinal nerves, etc.
As you can see, 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 attached to the painful area of the body, where it releases the drug in doses. Thanks to this, it helps to get rid of pain in the neck, back, bone joints.
The action of TCs is mainly aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, so it is recommended to use them as part of complex therapy. Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system using patches alone will not be effective. And they are great as a helper.
TS has the following advantages:
- They are compact and easy to use.
- The patient will not have to determine the dose, because the medicine will be given in the right amount.
- TS acts directly on the site of the lesion.
- The possibility of negative reactions is low, because the amount of active substances penetrating into 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 drug layer that softens and begins to be absorbed under the influence of the heat of the human body.
- The adhesive layer that helps the patch adhere to the skin.
- The protective film must be removed before use.
The drug sticker is attached to the diseased area, the drug layer softens, and the drug penetrates deep into the skin and has a therapeutic effect. The product acts directly on the source of pain and spasm. This method of treatment helps to avoid negative effects of drugs on the gastrointestinal tract and the whole body.
Types of therapeutic plasters for back and joints
Depending on the therapeutic effect, the following patch types are distinguished:
- Anesthetic.This is TS based on analgesics or anesthetics that reduce pain. Products containing NSAIDs help relieve pain and inflammation. They are most often used in the acute phase of spinal diseases. TS, whose adhesive layer contains an anesthetic, only helps to cope with pain, it does 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. Small nanoparticles surround the affected area and reduce unpleasant symptoms.
- OrthopedicThe back patch contains chondroprotectors. The composition of the drug layer includes chondroitin, which protects the cartilage lining 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 increases immunity.
- Phytoplasticscontains extracts of medicinal plants, essential oils, etc. They accelerate blood flow and metabolic processes in the injured area, relieve pain and inflammation. Some products contain magnetic components that accelerate the penetration of active substances. The therapeutic effect of phytoplasts has not been confirmed by research, but according to reviews, they are effective.
- Warming up.These TCs contain hot pepper or mustard seed extract. The heating patch increases blood microcirculation, stimulates receptors and activates metabolic processes at the site of exposure. These products not only help to warm tissues, but also improve their trophism and accelerate regeneration.
- Reflects heat.This group includes therapeutic stickers containing rare earth metal nanopowder. They create a magnetic and infrared field in 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.
ReferenceMost patches (except anesthetic products) have a complex effect. They accelerate the flow of blood and lymph fluid to the painful area, then inflammation disappears faster, spasmodic muscles relax, cells are saturated with useful substances, and tissue healing is accelerated.
You should consult your doctor to know exactly which type of patch to use in a particular situation.
The best tool
The question of what is the best patch to use when back pain occurs is quite relevant. It depends on the nature of the pain, the reason for its occurrence, contraindications, etc. it depends. The doctor will help you choose the most suitable tool.
The best transdermal products:
- Pepper patch is the most popular pharmaceutical remedy for back pain. This is a remedy based on pepper extract. It has a warming, distracting effect. You should hold the pepper patch until the pain disappears and the burning sensation appears. The maximum exposure time is 48 hours. Pepper patch can be used to warm up muscles before exercise, relieve symptoms after back injuries, and also for respiratory diseases instead of mustard plasters. The price of the product depends on the size.
- Anti-inflammatory agent based on phenylacetic acid derivative. It helps to get rid of pain, swelling and reduces inflammation. Often TS is used for radiculitis, arthrosis and osteochondrosis. The patch can be left on the back or other area for no more than 24 hours, then you should 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 substance slowly penetrates the damaged area and has a therapeutic effect. This medicine can be used twice a day.
- The best anesthetic Japanese patch. An anesthetic layer is applied to its substrate. The patch helps to cope with even severe pain. The therapeutic effect lasts for 3 hours. However, this product can suppress nervous reactions and is therefore not recommended for use before activities that require increased attention and precision.
- Nanopatch consists of a layer of small particles of rare earth metals that only affect pathological cells. It is able to warm and stop inflammation. The sticker is attached to the back for 12 hours, then a break is given. It can be used from 3 to 9 days.
- A patch based on activated carbon, powdered iron and salt has a pronounced warming effect. It relaxes tight muscles and reduces pain. The heat patch lasts for 12 hours, after which it should be removed and the skin should be treated with a moisturizer.
- Phytoplast prepared on the basis of 10 medicinal plants is effective for radiculitis, degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, arthrosis, myalgia (muscle pain). TS stimulates blood flow, relieves pain, reduces swelling and accelerates regeneration.
Camphor, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. based Thai patch is also quite popular. 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 the reviews of patients who have experienced the effect of Chinese patches, they help to quickly overcome back pain and rarely cause negative reactions. A major disadvantage of such products is the lack of 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). It quickly relieves inflammation and pain, accelerates tissue regeneration in the damaged area. The duration of using the warming compress is about 2 days, then you need to take a break. You should use 6-8 patches per course.
- Myrrh and boswellia-based TC is suitable even for patients with sensitive skin types, as it contains only plant ingredients. Before sticking the patch, you need to massage the skin for a few minutes. The wear time is from 18 to 36 hours. Treatment may last several weeks.
- The patch is made on the basis of extracts of ginger, cinnamon, mint, chili pepper and is equipped with magnets that enhance the effect of medicinal components. Such a patch has a faster therapeutic effect and brings comfort to the patient. The magnetic product can be used for up to 2-3 weeks.
- TC with about 20 herbs that help to quickly relieve inflammation and pain. The therapeutic effect lasts up to 14 hours. The course of treatment can last from 15 to 20 days.
- A patch based on a whole complex of plant components, including saffron and Bornean camphor, is good for back pain. According to the manufacturer, the patch slows down degenerative processes in the spine and accelerates the recovery of damaged tissues. The duration of use is 2 or 3 days, then a 5-hour break is necessary. You can use from 5 to 12 patches per course.
All products described above are uncertified and therefore dangerous. Because they contain a large amount of bioactive substances, they can cause allergies. Therefore, doctors recommend abandoning them in favor of safer patches that have undergone clinical trials.
Precautions
There are several contraindications to the use of adhesive plaster for back pain:
- Pregnancy, lactation period.
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the patch.
- The presence of cracks, scratches, open wounds, inflammation in the affected area.
- Age limit up to 15 years.
- Acute infectious diseases.
- The presence of oncological formations in the field of fixation.
- Decreased blood clotting.
In other cases, the use of patches is allowed. But to avoid negative reactions, it is better to consult a doctor before using TC.
Attention.Patches with a warming effect cannot be attached to areas of the body where blood vessels are located close to the skin. This is due to the risk of burns.
Adverse reactions after using patches are rare. Some people have experienced local irritation after using TC, but this disappears quickly after removing the product.
Recommendations for use
Not all patients know how to use the patch. It is for them that the instructions for their use are presented below:
- Before sticking the patch, wipe the desired area with an alcohol-containing liquid.
- Remove the protective film and stick it to the healing plate.
- Leave it for some time and then carefully remove it.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated.
However, problems often arise when using the car. For example, some patients wonder if it is possible to stick a pepper patch on the spine. If the pain is localized in the ridge, fasten the TS to the surrounding muscles on the sides.
Attention.It is recommended to do an allergy test before applying the patch to your back. For this, a piece of it is fixed on the wrist, if there is no negative reaction after 15-30 minutes, do not hesitate to use it.
A relevant question is how long to keep the car. The instructions for each patch indicate the recommended time, but it is better to trust your own feelings. Normally, even a 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 drug.
Use water or oil to easily remove the patch from irritated skin. The best option is to lie in the bath for a few minutes and then remove the sticker.
Reviews
Most patients are satisfied with the effect of patches for back pain. They claim that the product helps to quickly relieve pain and inflammation. Some people complain of allergies after using TC.
- "I 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 I bought a nanoplaster on the advice of a friend. It did not work immediately, but after finishing the course, the pain subsided and motor activity was restored"I plan to switch to another course after the break. "
- "I have tried a lot of patches to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. And I have identified a few favorites for myself - Japanese anesthetic and pepper plaster. During the exacerbation of the disease, I used an anesthetic-based patch, and then attached a heating sticker to improve blood circulation. This regimen gave me long relief from pain. time allows to escape".
- "I often use patches for back pain, joint pain, headaches, and colds. I have tried many patches over the years, but the most effective were the Chinese magnetic patch and the Japanese anesthetic patch. The insect venom based patch caused me an allergic reaction, After a few minutes of fixation, a strong burning sensation and irritation appeared. I immediately removed the patch and did not use it again. "
The most important
Patches really help to reduce or completely stop 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 tool, you should consider the diagnosis, age and whether there are contraindications. It is better to entrust the choice of the medicinal product to the doctor. An expert will tell you about the intricacies of its use. Doctors do not recommend using unapproved Chinese patches, although many people are satisfied with the effect of their use. But anyway, the choice is yours.