Back pain patches are a health product for external use. Widely used for orthopedic problems, lower 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 glued to the skin, ensuring slow and dosed penetration of medical substances through the dermis directly into the blood vessels. Pain 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 hustle and bustle, does not allow comprehensive treatment at home or in a hospital. Children, work, relatives and friends, pets - all this requires tireless attention, leaving no time for oneself.
But when back pain becomes unbearable and painkillers no longer work, a new remedy is needed. At the same time, it is desirable that it does not take much time, is easy to use, allows it to act and produces a therapeutic effect. All these properties are inherent in the pain 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 medicinal substance is maintained in the bloodstream, close to the average therapeutic level.
Back pain patches are very effective with long-term use and have the following effects:
- relieve inflammation and pain;
- improve microcirculation;
- eliminate swelling;
- stimulate metabolic processes.
In addition, therapeutic patches cope well with muscle spasms caused by nervous or physical stress, injury, bruise or dependence on weather conditions. The transdermal system can be used on any part of the back, as well as for neck pain.
Types of patches for back pain
Today there is a wide choice of different therapeutic patches 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 several groups.
Back heating patches
The purpose of these pain relief patches is to increase blood flow to the affected area. Thanks to active microcirculation, metabolic processes improve, the elimination of metabolic products accelerates, pain and inflammation disappear.
The most popular adhesive bandages with a warming effect:
- Pepper. Cheap 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, you can remove it earlier;
- Thermo ketone. A more active product, it relieves pain and relaxes the muscles. Consists of water, metal powder and activated carbon.
Heat patches should not be used if you have skin problems or allergies to the ingredients. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before use.
Reflective patches on the back
Pain relief patches in 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 safest type of transdermal system. They operate at the expense of the body's own resources, by reflecting the heat emanating from the human body. They have practically no contraindications.
These patches are applied to both the skin and clothing over the affected area. An example of such products is TTS Nanoplast forte.
Back patches that relieve inflammation and pain
The main active component of transdermal anesthetic systems is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
Patches in 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;
- Anesthesia 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 against inflammation and pain should be applied only at the time of exacerbation of discomfort and for no more than 14 days.
Chinese Herbal Back Patches
This group of transdermal systems is represented by all kinds of patches made in China according to alternative medicine recipes. Although in our country they are classified as cosmetic products, many consumers note their powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The composition of Chinese patches 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 back patches
This type of transdermal patch is essential for diseases of the spine and joints. They help relieve the suffering of patients with radiculitis, osteochondrosis and lumbago, and relieve muscle and ligament tension. 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 look at them below.
Back patch with chondroprotectors
Not so long ago, patches containing chondroprotectors appeared on pharmacy shelves.
The product is a transparent polymer plate measuring 3x3 cm, one side of which is sprayed 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.
Back pain patch
For lower back pain, NSAID patches are useful. 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. When treating pain in the spine, the Voltaren patch is used for no more than 3 weeks, unless otherwise recommended by a doctor.
If there is no improvement after 7 days or your condition deteriorates, you should stop treatment and consult a doctor.
The transdermal patch is prohibited for children under 15 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, patients suffering from bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity to diclofenac. Prescribe with caution to the elderly, people with renal and hepatic insufficiency and heart muscle pathologies.
Transdermal back patch
The transdermal product has proven itself well in the treatment of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, intervertebral hernia and protrusion.
The patch looks like a soft black plaque. Made from a blend of nanopowder, rare earth magnets ground 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 following procedure can be carried out no earlier than 6 hours later. The system does not need to be reapplied.
Heated back patch
Heating patch. Helps relax deep back muscles, relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. Valid for 10 hours, to stick on the skin or on 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 when applied directly to thin, sensitive skin.
Back patch with lidocaine
Analgesic with lidocaine. Gives a quick analgesic effect, adheres to the inflamed area once a day for a period of up to 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 liver and kidney failure.
Chinese patches on the back
It is recommended to stick medicinal patches based on medicinal herbs on 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 pain, you can use the following external remedies:
- The plate contains ginger powder and clove bark, extracts of belladonna, aconite, galangal root, pine and myrrh esters.
- The development of Chinese doctors not only relieves pain, but also treats pathology. Contains bee venom, scorpion powder, borneol and over 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 for 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 bonding area;
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contraindications specific to each product are indicated in the instructions for use.
Which patch is best 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 skin type and ease of use also play an important role. Therefore, it is better to leave the choice of an external remedy for back pain and inflammation to the doctor.