Back pain occurs for various reasons, for example, heavy physical activity, sedentary work, injuries, and diseases of the spine. To eliminate discomfort, tablets and injections are more often used, however, these dosage forms can cause serious adverse reactions. There is a safer method of treatment - patches for back pain. This is a transdermal agent that attaches to the diseased area and slowly releases the drug, providing a long-term therapeutic effect. Patches are safer to use, because the amount of active ingredients that penetrate the blood is minimal. In addition, it is easy and effective to use. However, before buying, you need to know what types of patches exist, when and how they can be used.
Instructions for patch use
The cause of back pain can be quite serious, so you should not try to solve the problem yourself. Visit a doctor who will diagnose and find out the cause of the pain. After this, you can ask the specialist if the medicine patch can be used.
Important!Before using the patch, it is necessary to exclude concomitant diseases, which can also manifest 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 lower back.
- The presence of protrusion (protrusion of the intervertebral disc without breaking the outer skin), hernia (prolapse of the nucleus pulposus between the vertebrae).
- Arthritis or arthritis in the joints.
- Damage to the spinal cord or its roots due to displaced vertebrae.
- Back pain related to injury, heavy physical work, or prolonged sitting.
- Muscles tense around the spine.
- Spinal nerve compression, 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 part of the body, where it releases medicine in doses. In this way, it helps relieve pain in the neck, back, and bone joints.
The action of TC is mainly aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, so they are recommended to be used 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 help.
TS has the following advantages:
- They are compact and easy to use.
- The patient does not need to determine the dose, because the medicine will be supplied in the correct quantity.
- TS acts directly at the site of the lesion.
- The possibility of adverse reactions is low, because the amount of active substance that penetrates the blood is minimal.
- The active component of the patch does not interact with other drugs.
The therapeutic effects of TS are different, but they all consist of several layers:
- Fabric or synthetic base.
- A layer of medicinal material that, under the influence of human body heat, softens and begins to be absorbed.
- An 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, exhibiting a therapeutic effect. The product acts directly on the source of pain and spasms. This method of treatment helps to avoid the negative effects of drugs on the gastrointestinal tract and the rest of the body.
A type of therapeutic plaster for the back and joints
Depending on the therapeutic effect, the following types of patches 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 stage of spinal disease. TS, a sticky layer containing an anesthetic, helps to cope only with pain, they do not affect the cause of its occurrence. The therapeutic effect is achieved by blocking surface receptors. Nanoplasty contains biologically active substances that affect pathological cells. Small nanoparticles surround the affected area, reducing unpleasant symptoms.
- OrthopedicsThe back patch contains chondroprotectors. The composition of the medical coating includes chondroitin, which protects the cartilage layer of the vertebrae and joints from damage and accelerates their recovery. They also contain glucosamine, which accelerates the regeneration of cartilage tissue. And thiamine fills bone joints with nutrients, restores conservation, and improves immunity.
- Phytoplastycontains medicinal herb extracts, 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 the active ingredients in them. The therapeutic effect of phytoplast has not been confirmed by research, but, according to reviews, it is effective.
- Warm up.This TC contains hot pepper or mustard seed extract. The heating patch improves blood microcirculation, stimulates receptors, and activates metabolic processes at the exposure site. This product not only helps to warm the tissues, but also increases their trophism and accelerates regeneration.
- Reflects heat.This group includes therapeutic adhesives containing nano powders of rare earth metals. They create magnetic and infrared fields on the body, which increase blood flow, relax muscles, reduce pain and inflammation, and heal tissue faster. They do not contain active components, therefore they are considered the safest.
Reference.Most patches (except products with anesthetics) have a complex effect. They accelerate the flow of blood and lymph fluid to the sore spot, then the inflammation disappears faster, the spasmed muscles relax, the cells are saturated with useful substances, and tissue healing accelerates.
To know exactly what type of patch to use in a particular case, you should consult your doctor.
Meaning the best
The question of which patch is best to use when back pain occurs is quite relevant. It depends on the nature of the pain, the cause of its occurrence, contraindications, etc. The doctor will help you choose the most suitable medicine.
Best transdermal products:
- Pepper paste for back pain is the most popular pharmaceutical remedy. This is a vehicle with pepper extract used in the base. It has a warming, disturbing effect. You need to hold the pepper patch until the pain disappears and a burning sensation appears. The maximum exposure time is 48 hours. Pepper paste can be used to warm up muscles before exercise, relieve symptoms after a back injury, 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 phenylacetic acid derivatives. It helps relieve pain, swelling, and reduce inflammation. Most often, TS is used for radiculitis, arthrosis, and osteochondrosis. The patch can be left on the back or other areas for no more than 24 hours, then you need to rest for a while. The therapeutic course lasts about 2 weeks.
- Patches based on propionic acid derivatives are also representatives of NSAIDs. The active ingredient slowly penetrates the damaged area, exhibiting a therapeutic effect. This medicine can be used twice a day.
- The best anesthetic Japanese paste. An anesthetic layer is applied to the substrate. Patches help to cope even with severe pain. The therapeutic effect lasts for 3 hours. However, this product can suppress nerve responses and is therefore not recommended for use before activities that require greater attention and precision.
- Nanopatches contain a layer of tiny particles of rare earth metals that only affect pathological cells. It is able to warm the body and stop inflammation. The sticker is attached to the back for 12 hours, and then a break is taken. It can be used for 3 to 9 days.
- Patches based on activated carbon, iron powder and salt have a significant warming effect. It relieves muscle spasms and relieves pain. The heating patch lasts for 12 hours, then you need to remove it and treat the skin with a moisturizer.
- Phytoplast based on 10 medicinal plants is effective for radiculitis, degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, arthrosis, and myalgia (muscle pain). TS stimulates blood flow, relieves pain, reduces swelling, and accelerates regeneration.
Also quite popular are Thai pastes based on camphor, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. According to reviews, it helps relieve or stop back pain in a few minutes.
You can buy any of the drugs described above at many pharmacies or on the Internet.
Chinese transdermal
According to reviews from patients who have experienced the effects of Chinese patches, they help to quickly overcome back pain and rarely cause adverse reactions. The major drawback of the product is that there are no clinical studies that prove its effectiveness and safety.
Popular Chinese patches for back pain:
- Patches with medicinal plant extracts, essential oils, insecticides (scorpions, ants). It quickly relieves inflammation and pain, accelerates tissue recovery in the damaged area. The duration of using the heating compress is about 2 days, then you need to rest. You should use 6 to 8 patches per course.
- TC based on myrrh and boswellia is suitable even for patients with sensitive skin types, as it contains only plant ingredients. Before sticking to the patch, you need to massage the skin for a few minutes. The duration of use is from 18 to 36 hours. Treatment may last several weeks.
- This paste is based on extracts of ginger, cinnamon, mint, chili pepper, and is equipped with magnets that enhance the effect of medicinal components. Such patches exhibit a therapeutic effect faster and bring relief to the patient. Products with magnets can be used for up to 2-3 weeks.
- TC contains about 20 medicinal plants that help relieve inflammation and pain quickly. The therapeutic effect lasts up to 14 hours. The course of treatment can last from 15 to 20 days.
- Patches based on the entire complex of plant components, including safflower and Borneo camphor, are good for back pain. According to the manufacturer, the patch slows down the degenerative process 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 required. You can use from 5 to 12 patches per course.
All products described above are unverified and therefore unsafe. They can cause allergies because they contain a large amount of bioactive substances. Therefore, doctors advise to leave it in favor of a safer patch that has undergone clinical trials.
Precautions
There are several contraindications to the use of adhesive plasters for back pain:
- Pregnancy, lactation period.
- Hypersensitivity to patch components.
- The presence of cracks, scratches, open wounds, inflammation in the affected area.
- Age up to 15 years.
- Acute infectious diseases.
- The presence of oncological formations in the fixation area.
- Blood clotting is reduced.
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 heating effect should not be attached to parts of the body where blood vessels are located close to the skin. This is due to the risk of burns.
Adverse reactions after using the patch are rare. Some people have experienced localized irritation after using TC, but this quickly disappears 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 a liquid containing alcohol.
- Remove the protective film and stick to the healing plate.
- Leave it for the required time and then remove it carefully.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated.
But often, problems arise while using 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, then attach the TS on the side to the muscles that surround it.
Attention.Before using the patch on your back, it is recommended to do an allergy test. To do this, the piece is attached to the wrist, if after 15-30 minutes there is no negative reaction, then feel free to use it.
A related question is how long the vehicle is kept. The instructions for each patch indicate the recommended time, but it is better to depend on your own feelings. Usually, even pepper devices cause acceptable discomfort. If the burning sensation is very strong, remove the product and seek medical advice.
If after a week of treatment the pain does not go away, consult your doctor. Specialists will help you choose a more effective drug.
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 the patch for back pain. They claim that the product helps to quickly get rid of pain and inflammation. Some people complain that they have allergies after using TC.
- "I had back pain for a long time. I tried many ointments and creams, but they worked temporarily or did not help at all. Then, on the advice of a friend, I bought a nanoplaster. It did not work immediately, but after finishing the course, the pain is reduced and motor activity is restored. After the break, I plan to take another course. "
- "I have tried many patches to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. And for myself, I have identified some favorites - Japanese anesthetics and pepper plasters. During the exacerbation of the disease, I use anesthetic-based patches, and then stick heating stickers to improve blood circulation. This regimen allowed me to get rid of pain for a long time.
- "I often use patches for back pain, joint pain, headaches, and colds. Over the years I have tried many patches, but the most effective are Chinese patches with magnets and Japanese anesthetic patches. Insecticide-based patches cause allergies in me; a few minutes after fixing, a burning sensation and strong irritation appeared. I immediately removed the patch and did not use it again.
Most important
Patches really help reduce or completely stop back pain, but for this they need to be used as part of a complex therapy. There are painkillers, warming, orthopedic and phytoplastic. When choosing a vehicle, you need to take into account the diagnosis, age, and the presence or absence of contraindications. It is better to entrust the choice of medical products to the doctor. Experts will tell you about the complexity of its use. Doctors do not recommend using unverified Chinese patches, although many are satisfied with the effects of their use. But in any case, the choice is yours.