Patches for back pain: mechanism of action and review of popular brands

Back pain patches are a healthy product for external use. Widely used for orthopedic problems, discomfort in the back and joints, inflammations and injuries. The effectiveness and safety of the transdermal therapeutic system has been confirmed by numerous studies and patient reviews.

back stickers

The dosage form is convenient in that it is glued to the skin, ensuring a slow and dosed 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 environment, 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 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 pain relievers no longer help, a new drug is needed. At the same time, it is desirable that it does not take much time, is easy to use, allows it to act and gives a therapeutic effect. All these properties are inherent in the pain relief patch.

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 medicinal substance close to the average therapeutic level is maintained in the bloodstream.

Back pain patches are quite effective with long-term use and have the following effects:

  • relieve inflammation and pain;
  • improvement of microcirculation;
  • remove swelling;
  • stimulate metabolic processes.

Also, therapeutic patches cope well with muscle spasms caused by nervous or physical stress, injury, bruise or time dependence. The transdermal system can be used on any part of the back, as well as for neck pain.

Types of back pain patches

Today there is a huge selection of different therapeutic patches for the back and joints. They can be systematized by composition and method of impact 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 the active microcirculation, metabolic processes are improved, the elimination of metabolic products is accelerated, pain and inflammation disappear.

The most popular adhesive plasters with a warming effect:

  • Pepper. Cheap and quite effective. It is stuck directly on the skin, it is recommended to keep it 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. It consists of water, metal powder and activated carbon.

Heating patches should not be used if you have skin conditions or allergies to the ingredients. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before use.

Reflective patches on the back

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 safest type of transdermal systems. They work at the expense of the body's own resources, reflecting the heat emitted by the human body. They practically have no contraindications.

Such patches are placed both on the skin and on the clothing over 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 are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.

Patches from 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. Bright 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 tissues and cartilage. An example of such products is Versatis.

Patches for inflammation and pain should be applied only at the time of exacerbation of discomfort and for no more than 14 days.

Chinese Herbal Back Patches

This group of transdermal systems is represented by all types of Chinese patches made according to recipes of alternative medicine. Despite the fact that in our country they are classified as cosmetic products, many users note their strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

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 medicines, massages and physiotherapy.

Orthopedic back patches

Transdermal patches of this type are indispensable for diseases of the spine and joints. They help relieve the suffering of patients with radiculitis, osteochondrosis and lumbago, 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 the shelves of pharmacies.

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 tissue of the spine and actively restore damaged segments. It is true that you will have to use the regeneration patch for more than a month.

Back pain relief patch

NSAID patches are useful 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 on the inflamed area for 24 hours. In the treatment of spinal pain, 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 stop taking the medicine 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 and heart muscle pathologies.

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 hypoallergenic polymer. An adhesive layer covered with paper is applied to the base. Remove before use.

A therapeutic anesthetic patch is applied to clean skin in the area of inflammation for 12 hours. The next procedure can be carried out no earlier than 6 hours. The system should not be reapplied.

Back warming patch

Warming patch. It helps to relax the deep muscles of the back, relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. Valid for 10 hours, stick on leather 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.

Lidocaine back patch

Pain relief 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 medical patches based on medicinal herbs on the acupuncture points in the spine. In this way, the effectiveness of transdermal means increases several times, blood circulation improves, metabolic processes accelerate and pain disappears.

To eliminate discomfort in the back, you can use the following external means:

  • The tablet contains ginger powder and clove bark, extracts of belladonna, aconite, galangal root, pine esters and myrrh. ;
  • The development of Chinese doctors not only relieves pain, but also treats pathology. Contains bee venom, scorpion dust, borneol and more than 30 other ingredients.
  • It is made on a canvas 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 medicated patches have common contraindications that must be considered. They include:

  • individual intolerance to the components of the transdermal plate;
  • childhood (not always);
  • damage and inflammation of the skin in the area of adhesion;
  • pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

Contraindications 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 of use. The type of dermis of the patient as well as the ease of use also play an important role. That is why it is better to leave the choice of an external remedy for back pain and inflammation to a doctor.