Back pain patches

Back pain occurs for various reasons, for example, intense 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 side effects. There is a safer treatment method: back pain patches. These are transdermal agents that attach to the diseased area and slowly release medication, providing a long-term therapeutic effect. Patches are safer to use because the amount of active substances that enter the bloodstream is minimal. Additionally, they are simple and effective to use. However, before purchasing, you should 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. See a doctor who will diagnose and find out the cause of the pain. After that, you can ask a specialist if 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).
• Osteoarthritis or arthritis of the joints.
• Damage to the spinal cord or its roots due to displacement of vertebrae.
• Back pain associated with injury, heavy physical work, or prolonged sitting.
• Tight muscles around the spine.
• Compression of spinal nerves, etc.

As you can see, the patches are used for inflammatory or degenerative diseases of the spine and joints.

Action mechanism

Transdermal patches are intended for external use. The patch is attached to the painful area of the body, where it releases the medicine in doses. In this way, it helps eliminate pain in the neck, back and bone joints.

The action of TCs is aimed primarily at relieving pain and inflammation, therefore their use is recommended as part of complex therapy. Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system using patches alone will not be effective. And they are great as help.

TS have the following advantages:

• They are compact and convenient to use.
• The patient will not have to determine the dosage, since the medication will be provided in adequate quantity.
• TS acts directly on the site of the lesion.
• The likelihood of adverse reactions is low because the amount of active substances entering the blood is minimal.
• The active components of the patch do not interact with other medications.

The therapeutic effect of TS differs, but they all consist of several layers:

• Fabric or synthetic base.
• A layer of medicinal substance, which, under the influence of the heat of the human body, softens and begins to be absorbed.
• An adhesive layer that helps the patch stick 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 medicine penetrates deep into the skin, exhibiting therapeutic effect. The product acts directly on the source of pain and spasms. This method of treatment allows you to avoid the negative effects of drugs on the gastrointestinal tract and the whole body.

Types of therapeutic dressings 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 which 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, only help to cope 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 dorsal patch contains chondroprotectors. The composition of the medicinal layer includes chondroitin, which protects the cartilaginous coverings 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 circulation 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 chili or mustard seed extract. The heating patch improves blood microcirculation, stimulates receptors and activates metabolic processes at the site of exposure. These products not only help to warm the tissues, but also improve their trophism and accelerate their regeneration.
• Reflects heat.This group includes therapeutic stickers containing rare earth metal nanopowder. They create a magnetic and infrared field on the body, which improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles, reduces pain and inflammation, and heals tissues faster. They do not contain active components and therefore are considered the safest.

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

To find out exactly which type of patches to use in a particular case, you should consult your doctor.

The best way

The question of what is the best patch to use for back pain is a very relevant one. 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. This has a warming and distracting effect. You need to hold the pepper patch until the pain disappears and a burning sensation appears. 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 eliminate pain, swelling and reduces inflammation. Most often, TS is used for radiculitis, osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis. The patch can be left on the back or other area for up to 24 hours, after which you should take a short break. The therapeutic course lasts approximately 2 weeks.
• A patch based on a propionic acid derivative is also representative of NSAIDs. The active substance slowly penetrates into the damaged area, exhibiting a therapeutic effect. This medicine can be used twice a day.
• The best Japanese anesthetic patch. A layer of anesthetic is applied to its substrate. The patch helps to cope even with severe pain. The therapeutic effect lasts 3 hours. However, this product may suppress nervous reactions and therefore its use is not recommended before activities requiring increased attention and precision.
• The nanopatch contains a layer of tiny rare earth metal particles that only affect pathological cells. It is able to warm up and stop inflammation. The sticker is attached to the back for 12 hours, 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 tense muscles and relieves pain. The heating patch lasts 12 hours, then you need to remove it and treat the skin with moisturizer.
• A phytoplast based on 10 medicinal plants is effective against radiculitis, degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, osteoarthritis and myalgia (muscle pain). TS stimulates blood circulation, relieves pain, reduces swelling and accelerates regeneration.

The Thai patch made from camphor, mint oil, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. is also very popular. According to reviews, it helps relieve or stop back pain within minutes.

You can buy any of the medications described above at many pharmacies or on the Internet.

Chinese transdermals

According to reviews of patients who have experienced the effects of Chinese patches, they help to quickly cope with back pain and rarely cause side effects. The huge disadvantage of these products is that there are no clinical studies proving their effectiveness and safety.

Popular Chinese Patches for Back Pain:

• Patch with medicinal plant extracts, essential oils, insect venom (scorpions, ants). It quickly relieves inflammation and pain, accelerates the restoration of tissues in the damaged area. The duration of using a heating compress is approximately 2 days, then you need to take a break. You should use 6-8 patches per course.
• TC based on myrrh and boswellia is suitable even for patients with sensitive skin, as it contains only plant substances. Before sticking the patch, you need to massage the skin for a few minutes. Wearing time is 18 to 36 hours. The treatment can 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 faster therapeutic effect and provides relief to the patient. The product with magnet can be used for up to 2-3 weeks.
• TC containing around twenty medicinal plants that help to quickly relieve inflammation and pain. The therapeutic effect lasts up to 14 hours. The treatment can last 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 tissues. The duration of use is 2 or 3 days, then a break of 5 hours is necessary. You can use 5 to 12 patches per course.

All products described above are not certified and therefore dangerous. They can cause allergies because 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 plaster for back pain:

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding period.
• Hypersensitivity to patch components.
• The presence of cracks, scratches, open wounds, inflammation in the affected area.
• Age up to 15 years old.
• Infectious diseases in the acute stage.
• Presence of oncological formations in the fixation zone.
• 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 heating effect cannot be stuck to areas of the body where blood vessels are located close to the skin. This is due to the risk of burns.

Side effects after using the patches are rare. Some people have experienced local irritation after using TC, but this disappears quickly once the product is removed.

Recommendations for use

Not all patients know how to use the patch. It is for them that the instructions for 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 it to the healing plate.
3. Leave to act for the necessary time then remove gently.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated.

But often problems arise while using the vehicle. For example, some patients want to know if it is possible to stick a pepper patch on the spine. If the pain is localized at the ridge, then attach 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 is fixed on the wrist and if after 15-30 minutes there is no negative reaction, feel free to use it.

The relevant question is how long a vehicle is kept. The instructions for each patch indicate the recommended duration, but it is best 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 drug.

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.

Comments

Most patients are satisfied with the effect of back pain patches. They claim that the product helps to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation. Some people complain of having allergies after using TC.

• "I suffered from lower back pain for a long time. I tried many ointments and creams, but they either worked temporarily or didn't help at all. Then, on the advice of a friend, I bought a nanoplastic. 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 sciatica symptoms. And for my part, I have identified several favorites - Japanese anesthetic and pepper plaster. During an exacerbation of the disease, I used a patch based on an anesthetic, and then glued a heating sticker to improve blood circulation. This diet 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 insect venom patch caused me an allergy; a few minutes after fixation, a strong burning sensation and irritation appeared. I immediately removed the patch and did not use it again.

Most important

Patches really help to reduce or completely stop back pain, but for this they must be used as part of complex therapy. There are analgesics, heating, orthopedics and phytoplasties. When choosing a vehicle, you should take into account the diagnosis, age and the presence or absence of contraindications. It is better to entrust the choice of medication to a doctor. The specialist will explain the subtleties of its use to you. 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.