Back pain occurs for various reasons, for example, intense physical activity, sedentary work, injuries and diseases of the spine. To eliminate discomfort, tablets and injections are most often used; however, these dosage forms can cause serious adverse reactions. There is a safer treatment method: back pain patches. These are transdermal agents that adhere to the diseased area and release drugs slowly, providing a long-term therapeutic effect. Patches are safer to use, since the amount of active substances that penetrate the blood is minimal. In addition, they are simple and effective to use. However, before purchasing them, it is necessary to know what types of patches exist, when and how they can be used.
Indications for use of patches.
The causes of back pain can be quite serious, so you should not try to fix the problem yourself. Visit a doctor who will diagnose and discover the cause of the pain. After this, you can ask a specialist if medicated patches can be used.
Important!Before using 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 lumbar area.
- The presence of protrusions (protrusion of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the outer layer), 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 vertebrae.
- Back pain associated with injuries, heavy physical work, or prolonged sitting.
- Tight 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 medication in doses. In this way, it helps eliminate pain in the neck, back and bone joints.
The action of CTs is primarily aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, therefore their use is recommended as part of complex therapy. Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system with patches alone will not be effective. And they are a great help.
TS has the following advantages:
- They are compact and convenient to use.
- The patient will not have to determine the dosage, since the medication will be given in the appropriate amount.
- TS acts directly at the site of injury.
- The probability of adverse reactions is low, since the amount of active substances that penetrate the blood is minimal.
- The active components of the patch do not interact with other drugs.
The therapeutic effect of TS differs, but they all consist of several layers:
- Fabric or synthetic base.
- A layer of medicinal substance, which, under the influence of the heat of the human body, softens and begins to be absorbed.
- An adhesive layer that helps the patch adhere to the skin.
- Protective film that must be removed before use.
The medicinal sticker is attached to the diseased area, the medicinal layer is softened, and the drug penetrates deep into the skin, showing therapeutic effect. The product acts directly on the source of pain and spasm. This method of treatment helps to avoid the negative effects of medications on the gastrointestinal tract and throughout the body.
Types of therapeutic dressings 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 most often used in the acute stage of spinal diseases. TS, 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. Nanoplasties contain biologically active substances that affect pathological cells. Small nanoparticles surround the affected area, reducing unpleasant symptoms.
- OrthopedicThe back patch contains chondroprotectors. The composition of the medicinal layer includes chondroitin, which protects the cartilaginous coatings 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.
- PhytoplastiesThey contain 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 active substances inside. The therapeutic effect of phytoplasts has not been confirmed by research, but, according to reviews, they are effective.
- Warming up.These CTs contain mustard seed or hot pepper extract. 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 their 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.
Reference.Most patches (except anesthetic products) have a complex effect. They accelerate the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid to the sore spot, then the inflammation disappears faster, spasmed muscles relax, cells are saturated with useful substances, and tissue healing is accelerated.
To know exactly what type of patches to use in a particular case, you should consult your doctor.
the best media
The question of which is the best patch to use when back pain occurs 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.
The best transdermal products:
- Pepper patch for back pain is the most popular pharmaceutical remedy. It is a vehicle with pepper extract applied to its base. It has a warm and distracting effect. It is necessary to keep the pepper patch on until the pain disappears and a 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 diseases of the respiratory organs instead of mustard plasters. The price of the product depends on the size.
- Anti-inflammatory agent based on a phenylacetic acid derivative. It helps eliminate pain, swelling and reduces inflammation. Most often, TS is used for radiculitis, osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis. The patch can be left on the back or other area for no more than 24 hours, then you need to take a short break. The therapeutic course lasts approximately 2 weeks.
- A patch based on a propionic acid derivative is also a representative of NSAIDs. The active ingredient slowly penetrates the damaged area and shows a therapeutic effect. This medicine 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 is therefore not recommended for use before activities that require increased attention and precision.
- The nanopatch contains a layer of small particles of rare earth metals that only affect pathological cells. It is capable of warming and stopping inflammation. The sticker is fixed on the back for 12 hours and then takes a break. It can be used for 3 to 9 days.
- A patch based on activated carbon, iron powder and salt has a pronounced warming effect. Relaxes cramping muscles and relieves pain. The heating patch lasts 12 hours, then it is necessary to remove it and treat the skin with a moisturizing cream.
- A phytoplast based on 10 medicinal plants is effective for radiculitis, degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, osteoarthritis and myalgia (muscle pain). TS stimulates blood flow, relieves pain, reduces swelling and accelerates regeneration.
A Thai patch based on camphor, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. is also quite popular. According to reviews, it helps relieve or stop back pain within a few minutes.
You can buy any of the medications described above at many pharmacies or on the Internet.
chinese transdermals
According to reviews of patients who have experienced the effects of Chinese patches, they help to quickly cope with back pain and rarely cause adverse reactions. A major disadvantage of these products is that there are no clinical studies that demonstrate their effectiveness and safety.
Popular Chinese patches for back pain:
- Patch with extracts of medicinal plants, essential oils, poison for insects (scorpions, ants). Quickly relieves inflammation and pain, accelerates tissue restoration in the damaged area. The duration of using a hot compress is about 2 days, then it is necessary to take a break. You should use 6 to 8 patches per course.
- CT based on myrrh and boswellia is suitable even for patients with sensitive skin, as it contains only plant substances. Before sticking the patch, it is necessary to massage the skin for a couple of minutes. The duration of use is 18 to 36 hours. Treatment can last several weeks.
- The patch is based on an extract of ginger, cinnamon, mint, chili pepper and is equipped with magnets that enhance the effect of the medicinal components. Such a patch shows a therapeutic effect more quickly 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 15 to 20 days.
- A patch based on a whole complex of plant components, including safflower and Borneo camphor, 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 needed. You can use 5 to 12 patches per course.
All 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.
Safety measures
There are few contraindications to the use of adhesive plasters 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 acute stage.
- Presence of oncological formations in the fixation zone.
- Reduction of 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 stuck 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 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 use are presented below:
- Before sticking the patch, clean the desired area with a liquid containing alcohol.
- Remove the protective film and stick it on the curing plate.
- Leave it on for the necessary time and then remove it carefully.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated.
But problems often arise during the use of the vehicle. For example, some patients are interested in whether it is possible to stick a pepper patch on the spine. If the pain is localized in the ridge, fix the TS on the sides to the surrounding muscles.
Attention.Before applying the patch to your back, it is recommended to perform an allergy test. To do this, a piece is fixed on 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 kept. The instructions on each patch indicate the recommended time, but it is best to trust your own feelings. Normally, even the pepper device causes discomfort that can be tolerated. If the burning sensation is very strong, remove the product and consult a doctor.
If after a week of treatment the pain does not disappear, consult your doctor. A specialist will help you choose a more effective medication.
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 eliminate pain and inflammation. Some people complain that they have allergies after using CT.
- "I suffered from lower back pain for a long time. I tried many ointments and creams, but they worked temporarily or did not help me at all. Then, on the advice of a friend, I bought a nanoplast. It did not work immediately, but after completing the course, "The pain decreased and motor activity was restored. After the break, I plan to do another course. "
- "I have tried many patches to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. And for me, I have identified several favorites: Japanese anesthetic and pepper plaster. During an exacerbation of the disease, I used a patch based on anesthetic and then stuck a sticker heater to improve blood circulation. This regimen allows me to get rid of pain for a long time. "
- "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 magnet patch and the Japanese anesthetic patch. The patch based on insect venom caused an allergy, a couple of minutes after fixation a strong burning and irritation sensation 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 to do this they must be used as part of complex therapy. There are pain relievers, heaters, orthopedics and phytoplasties. 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 a doctor. The specialist will tell you about the intricacies of its use. Doctors do not recommend the use of uncertified Chinese patches, although many people are satisfied with the effect of their use. But in any case, the choice is yours.