Plasters for back pain are a health product for external use. Commonly 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 advantage of the dosage form is that it is stuck to the skin, thus ensuring slow and measured penetration of the medicinal substances through the dermis directly into the blood vessels. Pain patches do not cause side effects on the body's 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 full treatment at home or in the hospital. Children, work, relatives and friends, pets - all this requires tireless attention and leaves no time for yourself.
But when the 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 its action and has a therapeutic effect. All of these properties are inherent in the pain-relieving plaster.
The mechanism of action of transdermal systems is based on the controlled release of medicinal substances and their continuous atraumatic penetration into the patient's body. At the same time, a constant concentration of the active substance is maintained in the bloodstream, which is close to the average therapeutic level.
Pain-relieving plasters for the back are very effective when used long-term and have the following effects:
- relieve inflammation and pain;
- improving microcirculation;
- eliminate swelling;
- stimulate metabolic processes.
Therapeutic plasters also cope well with muscle cramps caused by nervous or physical stress, injuries, bruises or dependence on the weather. The transdermal system can be used anywhere on the back as well as for neck pain.
Types of plasters for back pain
Nowadays there is a huge selection of different therapeutic plasters for 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. Due to active microcirculation, metabolic processes improve, the excretion of metabolic products accelerates, pain and inflammation disappear.
The most popular adhesive plasters with a warming effect:
- Pepper. Inexpensive and quite effective. It is stuck directly to the skin. It is recommended to apply it for 1-2 days. However, if unpleasant sensations appear, you can remove it sooner.
- Ketonal Thermo. As a more active product, it relieves pain well and relaxes muscles. Consists of water, metal powder and activated carbon.
Heat patches should not be used if you suffer from skin conditions or allergies to ingredients. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
Reflective patches on the back
Pain patches in this group contain nanopowders made from rare earth metals, which can increase the local temperature at the site of inflammation. This is the most natural and safest type of transdermal systems. They come at the expense of the body's own resources and reflect the heat emanating from the human body. They have practically no contraindications.
Such patches are applied to both the skin and clothing above the affected area. An example of such products is TTS Nanoplast forte.
Back plasters that relieve inflammation and pain
The main active ingredient of anesthetic transdermal systems are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
The plasters in this group are effective against pain in all parts 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 tissue and cartilage. An example of such products is Versatis.
Plasters against inflammation and pain should only be used at the time the symptoms worsen and for no longer than 14 days.
Chinese herbal back plasters
This group of transdermal systems is represented by all types of Chinese-made patches, prepared according to alternative medicine recipes. Although they are considered cosmetic products in our country, many consumers note their strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
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 medication, massage and physiotherapy.
Orthopedic back plasters
Transdermal patches of this type are indispensable for diseases of the spine and joints. They 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 plasters
Each group of transdermal patches contains the most effective and safe products. Let's take a look at them below.
Back plasters with chondroprotectors
Not so long ago, patches with chondroprotectors appeared on pharmacy shelves.
The product is a transparent polymer plate measuring 3x3 cm, which is sprayed on one side with glucosamine, chondroitin and thiamine. These substances are structural elements of the cartilage and bone tissue of the spine and actively restore damaged segments. True, you need to use the regeneration patch for more than a month.
Pain-relieving plaster for the back
NSAID patches are helpful for lower 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. When treating pain in the spine, the Voltaren patch is not used for more than 3 weeks unless otherwise recommended by the doctor.
If there is no improvement after 7 days or if your health worsens, you should stop taking 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 kidney and liver function, as well as heart muscle diseases.
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 into a fine dispersion and a hypoallergenic polymer. An adhesive layer covered with paper is applied to the surface. It is removed before use.
A therapeutic anesthetic patch is applied to cleansed skin in the area of inflammation for 12 hours. The next procedure can be carried out no earlier than 6 hours later. The system may not be reapplied.
Warming back patch
Warming patch. Helps relax deep back muscles and relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. Valid for 10 hours, stick to the skin or to a cotton T-shirt if the heating temperature seems too high.
The patch is not used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menstruation.
May cause burns if applied directly to thin, sensitive skin.
Back plaster with lidocaine
Painkillers with lidocaine. Has a quick pain relieving effect and 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 impaired liver and kidney function.
Chinese back patches
It is recommended to stick healing plasters based on medicinal herbs on acupuncture points in the spine. As a result, the effectiveness of transdermal active ingredients increases many times over, blood circulation improves, metabolic processes are accelerated and pain disappears.
To eliminate back pain, you can use the following external remedies:
- The plate contains ginger powder and clove bark, belladonna extract, aconite, galangal root, pine and myrrh esters. ;
- The development of Chinese doctors not only relieves pain, but also treats pathologies. Contains bee venom, scorpion powder, borneol and more than 30 other ingredients.
- It is made on a fabric base to which a layer of active ingredients is applied. The skin under such a plaster 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 by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Contraindications
All medical patches have common contraindications that should be taken into account. These include:
- individual intolerance to the components of the transdermal plate;
- childhood (not always);
- Damage and inflammation of the skin in the adhesive area;
- Pregnancy and breast feeding period.
Specific contraindications for each product are indicated in the instructions for use.
Which plaster 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 type of dermis of the patient and ease of use also play an important role. Therefore, it is better to leave the choice of a topical remedy for pain and inflammation in the back to a doctor.