Patches for back pain 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 has been confirmed by numerous studies and patient reviews.
The dosage form is convenient in that it is glued to the skin, ensuring slow and dosed penetration of medical substances through the dermis directly into the blood vessels. Patches for pain do not cause side effects on the systems and environments of the body, have a minimum of contraindications, and are easy to use.
General mechanism of action and effectiveness
The modern world, with its constant rush and busyness, does not allow for a full course of treatment at home or in a hospital. Children, work, relatives and friends, pets - all this requires tireless attention, leaving no time for yourself.
But when back pain becomes unbearable and analgesics no longer help, a new remedy is required. At the same time, it is desirable that it does not take much time, is easy to use, allows it to work and gives a therapeutic effect. All these properties are inherent in the pain-relieving 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 bloodstream, close to the average therapeutic level.
Pain relieving patches for the back are quite effective with long-term use and have the following effects:
- relieve inflammation and pain;
- improve microcirculation;
- eliminate swelling;
- stimulate metabolic processes.
Also, therapeutic patches cope well with muscle spasms caused by nervous or physical stress, injury, bruise or weather dependence. 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 huge selection 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.
Warming patches for the back
The purpose of these pain 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 go away.
The most popular adhesive plasters with a 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, you can remove it earlier;
- Ketonal Thermo. A more active product, it relieves pain well and relaxes muscles. Consists of water, metal powder and activated carbon.
Warming patches should not be used if you have skin conditions or allergies to ingredients. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a physician before use.
Reflective back patches
Pain patches of this group contain nanopowder 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 systems. They operate at the expense of the body’s own resources, reflecting the heat emanating from the human body. They have virtually no contraindications.
Such patches are applied both to the skin and to clothing above the affected area. An example of such products is TTS Nanoplast forte.
Back patches that relieve inflammation and pain
The main active component of anesthetic transdermal systems is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
The patches of 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 tissue and cartilage. An example of such products is Versatis.
Patches for inflammation and pain should be applied only at the moment of exacerbation of discomfort and for no longer than 14 days.
Chinese herbal back patches
This group of transdermal systems is represented by all kinds 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 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
Transdermal patches of this type are indispensable for diseases of the spinal column and joints. They help relieve the suffering of patients with radiculitis, osteochondrosis and lumbago, 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 safe products. Let's look at them below.
Back patch with chondroprotectors
Not long ago, patches with chondroprotectors appeared on pharmacy shelves.
The product is a transparent polymer plate measuring 3x3 cm. One side 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 one month.
Pain relief patch for back
For lower back pain, NSAID patches are helpful. 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 if your health worsens, you should discontinue the medication and consult a doctor.
The transdermal patch is prohibited for children under 15 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, patients with bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity to diclofenac. Prescribe with caution to the elderly, people with impaired renal and liver function, and pathologies of the heart muscle.
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 plate. Made from a mixture of nanopowder, rare earth magnets crushed to 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 performed no earlier than 6 hours later. The system must not be reapplied.
Warming back patch
Warming patch. Helps relax deep back muscles, relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. Valid for 10 hours, stick to skin or 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
Pain reliever with lidocaine. Gives a quick analgesic effect, sticks 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 impaired liver and kidney function.
Chinese back patches
It is recommended to stick medicinal patches based on medicinal herbs on acupuncture points in the spinal column. Thus, the effectiveness of transdermal agents increases several times, blood flow improves, metabolic processes accelerate and pain goes away.
To eliminate back discomfort, 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 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 products are not recommended for use by women during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindications
All medicinal patches have common contraindications that should be kept in mind. These include:
- individual intolerance to the components of the transdermal plate;
- childhood (not always);
- damage and inflammation of the skin in the gluing area;
- pregnancy and lactation period.
Contraindications specifically for 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 for use. The type of dermis of the patient, as well as ease of use, also play a significant role. Therefore, it is better to leave the choice of an external remedy for pain and inflammation in the back to a doctor.