Many people know firsthand what back pain is. Sometimes it completely paralyzes a person, even the smallest movement is difficult, sometimes it is accompanied by long-lasting pulling pains, impairing the quality of life. Those who feel the symptoms for the first time consult a doctor, others who repeatedly encounter the problem try to cope with it themselves. The primary task in this case is to eliminate pain and stop the inflammatory process. Painkillers come in various forms: injections, tablets, rectal suppositories, ointments, gels, patches for back pain.
Pharmacological group
pharmacological effect
Painkillers (non-narcotic) drugs. Local anti-inflammatory drugs.
Indications for using the patch in case of back pain
Using the patch is a very convenient way to get rid of unpleasant symptoms caused by degenerative-dystrophic changes of the spine. Indications for the use of patches are hernia, osteochondrosis, chronic myositis, spondylitis, subluxation of vertebrae. You cannot expect an immediate reaction, the therapeutic effect is slow due to the intake of small therapeutic doses, but the side effects are minimal.
Release form
If earlier we knew only one type of plaster - pepper, then at the current stage it exists in various forms of release:
- Pain relief patches for back pain, made using: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; local anesthetics; herbs; bio additives;
- heating patches - using mustard, pepper to exert an irritating effect on the body;
- heat retention - does not contain drugs, but has an internal reflective surface;
- using chondroprotectors - agents that restore the cartilaginous tissue of the joints;
- combined action.
Names of medical patches
In the modern pharmacological market, patches are represented in a fairly wide range. To understand and choose the right one, we list their names and brief characteristics:
- The nano-patch for back pain is an innovative development that is used to relieve inflammation, pain, swelling, absorption of bruises and muscle tension. The therapeutic effect occurs due to the metal powder in the affected area, which creates magnetic and infrared fields. This is a plate to which an adhesive is applied, followed by a protective film that is removed before use. The plates are available in three sizes: 7 x 9 cm, 9 x 12 cm and 11 x 16 cm. The most effective in complex therapy with other drugs of the same direction;
- Chinese plaster - the products are made from a fabric base impregnated with various medicinal compounds. It can be pine resin, myrrh, drynaria, ginseng, beeswax, black ant, chili pepper, cinnamon, ginger root, menthol, camphor and other natural ingredients. The patch is perforated, so it does not prevent air from entering the surface of the skin and does not interfere with metabolism. In addition to symptomatic treatment, it has a healing effect on the entire body, because. the medicinal substances of its components penetrate into the bloodstream and reach all tissues through it;
- Paprika patch - for its production, red hot pepper has an irritating and warming effect, as well as belladonna, which contains tropane alkaloids, their pharmacological effect is pain-relieving and antispasmodic. Available in plain and perforated versions. The latter is more expensive, but preferable because of its more favorable effect on the skin;
- anesthetic patch - a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is applied to its surface: with a surface of 70 cm2- 15 mg, 140 cm2- 30 mg. Treats inflammation, pain, swelling with damage to muscles and joints;
- magnetic plaster - application of biomagnetic field in combination with herbs (myrrh, belt, sophora japonica) - innovative development of Korean and Chinese scientists, which targets damaged musculoskeletal tissues. Effective for back pain caused by lumbar muscle tears, intervertebral hernia, spinal cyst, arthritis;
- Japanese patch - its active ingredients are methyl salicylate and menthol, the pharmacological effects of which are aimed at relieving pain and inflammation. There are several types of such products, some slightly warming, others cooling;
- a patch for back pain with an anesthetic that blocks pain signals through the pores. Acting directly on the nerve endings, it has minimal negative effects on the body and is more beneficial than other forms of the drug. There are three types of such patches;
- contains heating patch, metal powder, activated carbon, salt and water. It irritates the surface of the body, relaxes the muscles and reduces pain;
- mustard patch - irritates the nerve endings of the skin, improves blood circulation, reduces pain.
Pharmacodynamics
Medical plasters eliminate back pain, relax muscle stiffness, reduce congestion and inflammation. The pharmacodynamics of the Chinese patch allows you to apply it to the region of the cervical vertebra with osteochondrosis, it leads to the restoration of blood circulation in the brain, relieves migraine attacks, relieves tinnitus. The heating patches activate the blood flow at the application site, which ensures their therapeutic effect. The patch's mechanism of action is based on inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins – hormone-like substances that affect muscle contraction.
The lidocaine patch inhibits the increase in the permeability of sodium ions, which stabilizes neuronal cell membranes, thereby blocking pain sensitivity.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of patches containing natural substances have not been studied. The active substance of the patch is excreted primarily through the kidneys, with a half-life of 1-3 hours, lidocaine 1. 5-2 hours.
Dosage and Administration
Each type of patch comes with instructions for use. Based on the instructions in it, the nano patch is applied to the skin for 12 hours, and the next one can be applied after 6 hours after its removal. The maximum course is no more than 9 days in the case of chronic pathology of the joints and spine. In inflammatory processes - 3-9, and bruises, hematomas - 3-6.
Chinese plaster, including magnetic plaster, is glued to the painful area, previously cleaned with alcohol or detergent, left for 2 days, the next one can be applied after 6-7 hours. Repeat for 2-5 weeks.
The Japanese prescribe it at 8 o'clock.
The application of pepper and mustard is carried out in a fat-free area, after removing the protective film and letting it stand for a day or two. In case of a strong burning sensation, it is recommended to remove it, and if you cannot tolerate it, apply Vaseline to the skin. The next treatment should be done after a while or the patch should be placed in a different place.
The anesthetic patch is left on for one day, the duration of the treatment is a maximum of 14 days.
The lidocaine patch is kept on the body for 2-10 hours, it is applied once a day, the wearing time is 12 hours, the total duration of the treatment cannot exceed two weeks. 3 plates can be used at the same time.
The patch is sometimes placed on light-colored fabric during the day because. causes intense stinging. It is effective for a maximum of 10 hours and can only be used again after 24 hours.
Application for children
Most recommended patches have not been tested for efficacy and safety in children. We can confidently recommend pepper and mustard in the absence of a local reaction.
Using a patch for back pain during pregnancy
No studies have been conducted on the treatment of Chinese nanopatch during pregnancy, so this patient group is not recommended. Warming spots: paprika, mustard in the lumbar region can cause unwanted consequences during pregnancy. It is best to refuse to use the anesthetic patch during the entire period of childbirth and feeding. In the early stage, it can cause miscarriage, heart disease, in the third trimester - delayed delivery or the duration of their course. This also applies to lidocaine patches.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the components used in the production of the product, prohibit its use. Patches should not be applied to open wounds or damaged skin. Warts, stitches, tumors, fresh stitches are also contraindications for use. Heating patches are not recommended for people with thrombophlebitis, elevated body temperature and high blood pressure. Painkillers should not be used by people with asthma symptoms when taking acetylsalicylic acid and other NSAIDs, in case of an open stomach ulcer. Lidocaine patches are not suitable for elderly people over 65 years of age who have been diagnosed with hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure.
Side effects of the patch for back pain
Medical patches can cause local side effects. Before use, their composition should be examined so that they do not cause an allergic reaction to one or another component. Peppery, mustard stains can cause burns, painkillers - unwanted reactions in the elderly and people with kidney, heart and liver diseases.
Overdose
Due to the low dose of the therapeutic substance entering the bloodstream during local application, an overdose is impossible.
Interactions with other drugs
Patches that use drugs have warnings about interactions with other drugs. So the anesthetic patch should not be used at the same time as other topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but lidocaine has no such warnings.
Storage conditions
Some patch types are sold in packs and cannot be used immediately. It must be stored in a dry place, out of the reach of children.
Best before date
The average shelf life of such products is 2-3 years, this is indicated on the packaging of each type.
Analogues
Analogues of the described patches are other applicators with a therapeutic effect, but different pharmacological effects, as well as pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory therapy in the form of tablets, injections, physical procedures (therapeutic exercises, massage, electrophoresis, darsonval).
results
Many people experience back pain. Even after the acute attacks have subsided, the pain can be felt for a long time, but the normal rhythm of life and work must be maintained. In this case, according to people, it is very convenient to use only this form of treatment. The patches are thin, invisible under clothing, do not leave marks or hinder movement, are odorless, do not cause addiction, and thanks to the precise application, they actually have no unwanted side effects. It is difficult to name which patch is the best and most effective because. it's all individual. After removing the pain that does not allow movement with painkiller applicators, you can resort to a heater. Feeling warm during the day means relaxing your muscles and experiencing comfort.