Patches for back pain

Back pain occurs for various reasons, for example, heavy physical activity, sedentary work, injuries, and spinal diseases. 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. These are transdermal agents that are attached to the diseased area and slowly release drugs, 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, you need 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 solve the problem yourself. Visit a doctor who will diagnose and find out the cause of the pain. After this, you can ask a specialist whether medicinal patches can be used.

Important!Before using patches, 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 protrusions (protrusion of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the outer shell), hernias (prolapse of the nucleus pulposus between the vertebrae).
• Arthrosis or arthritis of the joints.
• Damage to the spinal cord or its roots due to displaced vertebrae.
• Back pain associated with injury, heavy physical work, or prolonged sitting.
• Strained 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 fixed to the painful area of the body, where it releases the medication in doses. In this way, it helps to get rid of pain in the neck, back, and bone joints.

The action of TCs is mainly aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, so they are recommended for use as part of complex therapy. Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system using patches alone will not be effective. And they are great as an aid.

TS have the following advantages:

• They are compact and convenient to use.
• The patient will not have to determine the dosage, since the medicine will be supplied in the right quantity.
• TS acts directly at the site of the lesion.
• The likelihood 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 that, 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 softens, and the drug penetrates deep into the skin, exhibiting a 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 the entire body.

Types of therapeutic plasters for the back and joints

Depending on the therapeutic effect, the following types of patches are distinguished:

• Anesthetic.This 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 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. Tiny nanoparticles surround the affected area, reducing unpleasant symptoms.
• OrthopedicThe back patch contains chondroprotectors. The composition of the medicinal layer includes chondroitin, which protects the cartilage linings 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.
• Phytoplastiescontain 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 TCs contain hot pepper or mustard seed extract. The warming patch enhances blood microcirculation, stimulates receptors, and activates metabolic processes at the site of exposure. These products not only help to warm up the tissues, but also improve their trophism and accelerate regeneration.
• Reflects heat.This group includes therapeutic stickers that contain rare earth metal nanopowder. They create a magnetic and infrared field on the body, which improves blood flow, relaxes muscles, reduces pain and inflammation, and heals tissue faster. They do not contain active components, therefore they are considered the safest.

Reference.Most patches (except for products with anesthetic) have a complex effect. They accelerate the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid to the sore spot, then inflammation disappears faster, spasmed muscles relax, cells are saturated with useful substances, and tissue healing accelerates.

To know exactly what type of patches to use in a particular case, you should consult your doctor.

The best means

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 occurrence, 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. This is a vehicle with pepper extract applied to its base. It has a warming, distracting 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 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.
• An anti-inflammatory agent based on a phenylacetic acid derivative. It helps get rid of pain, swelling, and reduces inflammation. Most often, TS is used for radiculitis, arthrosis, and osteochondrosis. The patch can be left on the back or other area for no longer than 24 hours, then you need to take a short break. The therapeutic course lasts about 2 weeks.
• A patch based on a propionic acid derivative is also a representative of NSAIDs. The active substance slowly penetrates the damaged area, exhibiting a therapeutic effect. This drug can be used twice a day.
• The best anesthetic Japanese patch. A layer of anesthetic is applied to its substrate. The patch helps to cope even with severe pain. The therapeutic effect lasts for 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 tiny particles of rare earth metals that only affect pathological cells. It is able to warm up and stop inflammation. The sticker is fixed on the back for 12 hours, and then a break is taken. It can be used for 3 to 9 days.
• A patch based on activated carbon, powdered iron and salt has a pronounced warming effect. It relaxes cramped muscles and eases pain. The heating patch lasts for 12 hours, then you need to remove it and treat the skin with moisturizer.
• A phytoplast based on 10 medicinal plants is effective for radiculitis, degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, arthrosis, and myalgia (muscle pain). TS stimulates blood flow, relieves pain, reduces swelling, and accelerates regeneration.

Also quite popular is a Thai patch based on camphor, mint oil, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. According to reviews, it helps relieve or stop back pain within a few minutes.

You can buy any of the drugs described above in many pharmacies or on the Internet.

Chinese transdermals

According to reviews from patients who have experienced the effects of Chinese patches, they help quickly cope with back pain and rarely cause adverse reactions. A huge disadvantage of such products is that there are no clinical studies that prove their effectiveness and safety.

Popular Chinese patches for back pain:

• Patch with extracts of medicinal plants, essential oils, insect poison (scorpions, ants). It quickly relieves inflammation and pain, accelerates tissue restoration in the damaged area. The duration of using a warming compress is about 2 days, then you need to take a break. You need to use 6 to 8 patches per course.
• TC based on myrrh and boswellia is suitable even for patients with sensitive skin types, since it contains only plant substances. Before sticking the patch, you need to massage the skin for a couple of minutes. Wearing duration is from 18 to 36 hours. Treatment may 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 medicinal components. Such a patch exhibits a therapeutic effect faster and brings relief to the patient. The product with a 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 from 15 to 20 days.
• A patch based on a whole complex of plant components, including safflower and Bornean 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. Duration of use is 2 or 3 days, then a break of 5 hours is needed. You can use from 5 to 12 patches per course.

All the products described above are uncertified and therefore unsafe. They can cause allergies as they contain a large amount of bioactive substances. Therefore, doctors advise abandoning them in favor of safer patches that have undergone clinical trials.

Precautionary measures

There are few contraindications to the use of adhesive plaster for back pain:

• Pregnancy, lactation 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 the acute stage.
• Presence of oncological formations in the area of fixation.
• Reduced blood clotting.

In other cases, the use of patches is permitted. But to avoid negative reactions, it is better to consult a doctor before using TC.

Attention.Patches with a warming effect cannot be glued to areas 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 patches are rare. Some people have experienced local irritation after using TC, but this quickly goes away 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:

1. Before sticking the patch, wipe the desired area with an alcohol-containing liquid.
2. Remove the protective film and stick on the healing plate.
3. Leave for the required time and then carefully remove.

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 glue a pepper patch to the spine. If the pain is localized in the ridge, then fix the TS on the sides to the muscles surrounding it.

Attention.Before applying the patch to your back, it is recommended to do an allergy test. To do this, a piece of it is fixed on the wrist; if after 15-30 minutes there is no negative reaction, then feel free to use it.

The relevant question is how long a vehicle is kept. The instructions for each patch indicate the recommended time, but it is better to rely on 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 medicine.

To easily remove the patch from irritated skin, use water or oil. The best option is to lie in the bath for a few minutes and then remove the sticker.

Reviews

Most patients are satisfied with the effect of patches 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 suffered from lower 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 completing the course, the pain subsided and motor activity was 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 several favorites - Japanese anesthetic and pepper plaster. During an exacerbation of the disease, I used an anesthetic-based patch, and then glued a warming sticker 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. Over the years I have tried many patches, but the most effective were the Chinese patch with magnets and the Japanese anesthetic patch. The patch based on insect venom caused an allergy in me; a couple of minutes after fixation, a strong burning sensation and irritation appeared. I immediately took off the patch and didn’t use it again. "

The most important

The patches really help reduce or completely stop back pain, but for this they need to be used as part of complex therapy. There are painkillers, warming, orthopedic and phytoplasties. 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 medicinal product to a doctor. The specialist will tell you about the intricacies of its use. Doctors do not recommend using uncertified Chinese patches, although many people are satisfied with the effect of their use. But in any case, the choice is yours.