Back pain patches are a healthcare product for external use. Widely used for orthopedic problems, lower back and joint disorders, 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 as it is glued to the skin, ensuring slow and dosed penetration of medical substances through the dermis directly into the blood vessels. Pain relief patches do not cause side effects on body systems and environments, have a minimum of contraindications and are easy to use.
General mechanism of action and effectiveness
The modern world, with its constant bustle and bustle, does not allow a full course of treatment at home or in the hospital. Children, work, relatives and friends, pets - all this requires tireless attention, leaving no time for yourself.
But when back pain becomes unbearable and painkillers no longer help, a new remedy is needed. At the same time, it is desirable that it does not take a lot of time, is easy to use, allows it to work and gives 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 medical substances and their continuous atraumatic penetration into the patient's body. At the same time, a constant concentration of the drug substance is maintained in the blood, 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.
In addition, therapeutic plasters cope well with muscle spasms caused by nervous or physical stress, injury, bruises or dependence on weathering. The transdermal system can be used on any part of the back, even for neck pain.
Types of patches 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 influence on the diseased area. Depending on these factors, all external agents are divided into different groups.
Heating back patches
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, the elimination of metabolic products accelerates, pain and inflammation disappear.
The most popular adhesive plasters with warming effect:
- Pepper. Inexpensive and quite effective. It is glued directly to the skin, it is recommended to keep it on for 1-2 days, but if unpleasant sensations appear it is possible to remove it earlier;
- Thermo ketone. More active product, relieves pain well and relaxes muscles. Composed of water, metal powder and activated carbon.
Heating patches should not be used in case of skin conditions or allergies to the ingredients. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
Reflective rear patches
Pain patches from this group contain nanopowders 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 system. They work at the expense of the body's own resources, reflecting the heat emanating from the human body. They have practically no contraindications.
Such patches are applied to both the skin and clothing over the affected area. An example of such products is TTS Nanoplast forte.
Patches on the back that relieve inflammation and pain
The main active component of anesthetic transdermal systems are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
Patches from 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 patches are Ketonal, Ketotop and Voltaren;
- Anesthetic systems. They contain novocaine or lidocaine and many other components that accelerate the regeneration of soft tissues and cartilage. An example of such products is Versatis.
Patches for inflammation and pain should be applied only at the time of exacerbation of discomfort and for no more than 14 days.
Chinese herbal patches on the back
This group of transdermal systems is represented by all types of Chinese-made patches made according to alternative medicine recipes. Despite the fact that in our country they are classified as cosmetic products, many consumers note 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 more than 2 weeks, but preferably in combination with medications, massage and physiotherapy.
Orthopedic plasters on the back
Transdermal patches of this type are indispensable for diseases of the spine and joints. They help alleviate the suffering of patients suffering from radiculitis, osteochondrosis and low back pain and 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 safest products. Let's take a look below.
Rear patch with chondroprotectors
Not so long ago, patches with chondroprotectors appeared on pharmacy shelves.
The product is a 3x3 cm transparent polymer plate, sprayed on one side with glucosamine, chondroitin and thiamine. These substances are structural elements of the cartilage and bone tissues of the spine and actively restore damaged segments. True, you will have to use the regeneration patch for more than a month.
Pain relief patch for the back
NSAID patches are useful for low 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 over the inflamed area for 24 hours. In the treatment of pain in the spine, the Voltaren patch is used for no more than 3 weeks, unless otherwise indicated by the doctor.
If after 7 days there is no improvement or if your health worsens, you should stop treatment and consult a doctor.
The transdermal patch is prohibited for children under 15 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity to diclofenac. Prescribe with caution to the elderly, people with impaired renal and hepatic function and heart muscle diseases.
Posterior transdermal patch
The transdermal product has proven effective in the treatment of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, intervertebral hernia and protrusion.
The patch looks like a soft black plaque. Made with a blend of nanopowders, rare earth magnets crushed into a fine dispersion and a 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 done no earlier than 6 hours later. The system does not need to be reapplied.
Heating patch on the back
Heating patch. Helps relax the deep muscles of the back, relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. Valid for 10 hours, apply to skin or to a cotton t-shirt if the heating temperature seems too high.
The patch is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as during menstruation.
May cause burns if applied directly to thin, sensitive skin.
Posterior patch with lidocaine
Painkiller with lidocaine. It gives a rapid analgesic effect, adheres to the inflamed area once a day for a maximum period of 10-12 hours. If necessary, the plate can be cut into several parts.
The anesthetic patch is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding; it is prescribed with caution to children under 18 years of age, with increased sensitivity to anesthetics, heart failure and impaired liver and kidney function.
Chinese patches on the back
It is recommended to apply medicinal herbal patches to the acupuncture points of the spine. 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 nightshade, aconite, galangal root, pine esters 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 fabric 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 pain relief occurs after a few days. The use of the products is not recommended by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contraindications
All medicinal patches have common contraindications that should be kept in mind. These include:
- individual intolerance to the components of the transdermal plaque;
- childhood (not always);
- damage and inflammation of the skin in the gluing area;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
Specific contraindications for each product are indicated in the instructions for use.
What is the best patch for back pain? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. Each transdermal product has its own indications and limitations of use. The patient's dermis type and ease of use also play a significant role. Therefore, it is best to leave the choice of an external remedy for back pain and inflammation to your doctor.