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

Back pain patches are a health product for external use. Widely used for orthopedic problems, lower back and joint discomfort, inflammation and injuries. The efficacy and safety of the transdermal therapeutic system have been confirmed by numerous studies and patient reviews.

spots on the back

The dosage form is convenient because it is glued to the skin, ensuring slow and dosed penetration of medical 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 rush and busyness, does not allow for complete treatment at home or in the hospital. Children, work, relatives and friends, pets - all this requires tireless attention, leaving no time for oneself.

But when back pain becomes unbearable and painkillers no longer help, a new medicine is needed. At the same time, it is desirable that it does not take long, is easy to use, allows it to work and gives a therapeutic effect. All these properties are inherent in the analgesic patch.

The mechanism of action of transdermal systems is based on the controlled release of medical substances and their continuous atraumatic penetration into the patient's body. At the same time, a constant concentration of the drug substance is maintained in the bloodstream, close to the average therapeutic level.

Back pain relief patches are quite effective with prolonged use and have the following effects:

  • relieve inflammation and pain;
  • improve microcirculation;
  • eliminate swelling;
  • stimulate metabolic processes.

In addition, therapeutic patches cope well with muscle spasms caused by nervous or physical stress, injuries, bruises or weather dependence. The transdermal system can be used on any part of the back, as well as for neck pain.

Types of patches for back pain

Today there is a wide variety of different therapeutic patches 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.

Back heating patches

The purpose of these pain patches is to increase blood flow to the affected area. As a result of active microcirculation, metabolic processes improve, the elimination of metabolic products accelerates, pain and inflammation disappear.

The most popular adhesive plasters with a warming effect:

  • Pepper. Cheap and quite effective. It is glued directly to the skin, it is recommended to keep it for 1 to 2 days, but if unpleasant sensations appear, you can remove it earlier;
  • Keton term. More active product, 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 problems or allergies to ingredients. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before use.

Reflective patches on the back

The painful spots in this group contain rare earth metal nanopowder, which can increase the local temperature at the site of inflammation. This is the most natural and safe type of transdermal system. They operate at the expense of the body's own resources, reflecting the heat emanating from the human body. They have practically no contraindications.

These patches are applied to the skin and clothing above the affected area. An example of these 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:

  • Products based on NSAIDs. 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;
  • Anesthetic systems. They contain novocaine or lidocaine and many other components that accelerate the regeneration of soft tissues and cartilage. An example of these products is Versatis.

Inflammation and pain patches should only be applied at the time of exacerbation of discomfort and for a maximum of 14 days.

Chinese Herbal Back Patches

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

The composition of Chinese patches 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 patches on the back

Transdermal patches of this type are indispensable for diseases of the spine and joints. They help alleviate the suffering of patients with radiculitis, osteochondrosis and low back pain, as well as relieve tension in muscles and ligaments. Excellent treatment for back injuries and bruises.

Effective Back Patches Review

Each group of transdermal patches contains the most effective and safe products. Let's look at them below.

Back patch with chondroprotectors

Not so long ago, patches with chondroprotectors appeared on pharmacy shelves.

The product is a 3x3 cm transparent polymer plate, with one side sprayed with glucosamine, chondroitin and thiamine. These substances are structural elements of the cartilage and bone tissues of the spine and actively restore damaged segments. True, you will have to use the regeneration patch for more than a month.

Back Pain Relief Patch

For lower back pain, NSAID patches are helpful. Diclofenac sodium, which is part of the transdermal drug Voltaren, has a local irritating, antiseptic and analgesic effect.

The product is applied to the skin over the inflamed area for 24 hours. In the treatment of back pain, the Voltaren patch is used for a maximum of 3 weeks unless otherwise recommended by a doctor.

If there is no improvement after 7 days or if your health condition 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 kidney and liver failure 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 a hypoallergenic polymer. A paper-covered adhesive layer is applied to the base. It is removed before use.

A therapeutic anesthetic patch is applied to clean skin in the inflamed area for 12 hours. The next procedure cannot be performed earlier than 6 hours later. The system must not be reapplied.

Back heating

Warming patch. Helps relax the deep muscles of the back, relieves pain in the spine and shoulder girdle. Valid for 10 hours, stick to leather or cotton t-shirt if 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

Analgesic with lidocaine. Provides a quick analgesic effect, adheres to the inflamed area once a day for a period of 10 to 12 hours. If necessary, the board can be cut into several parts.

The anesthetic patch is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and is prescribed with caution for 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 medicinal patches based on medicinal herbs on the acupuncture points of the spine. Thus, the effectiveness of transdermal agents increases several times, blood flow improves, metabolic processes accelerate and pain disappears.

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

  • The dish contains ginger powder and clove bark, extracts of belladonna, aconite, galangal root, pine and myrrh esters. ;
  • The development of Chinese doctors not only relieves pain, but also treats pathology. Contains bee venom, scorpion powder, borneol and more than 30 other ingredients.
  • It is made on a fabric base, on which a layer of active substances is applied. The skin under this 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 medicinal patches have common contraindications that must be remembered. These include:

  • individual intolerance to the components of the transdermal patch;
  • childhood (not always);
  • damage and inflammation of the skin in the bonding area;
  • period of pregnancy and lactation.

Specific 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 for use. The patient's dermis type, as well as ease of use, also play a significant role. Therefore, it is best to leave the choice of an external remedy for back pain and inflammation to your doctor.