Every person has experienced back and lower back pain at least once in their life.It could be sharp and sharp, dull and long-lasting.There are a huge number of reasons that cause it.
There are also a lot of medicines for elimination and treatment.One of these remedies, quite simple to use, but no less effective, is a patch for back pain.
Classification of plasters
The transdermal therapeutic system is used to treat connective tissue pathologies of an inflammatory or degenerative nature.
A patch for back and joint pain refers to local methods of treating pain symptoms.This method can quickly drown out unpleasant sensations and help eliminate the cause of their development.You can purchase such products in hospital pharmacies or order them online.
Patches for back pain vary in their composition and mechanism of action.They have different periods of use and indications for use.
Based on their composition and method of action, all patches can be divided into several groups.
Heat reflective
A very interesting medicine, which in fact is not a medicine.In this case, the reflective surface plays a decisive role.
A person generates heat, and this patch reflects it.As a result, quite intense heating of the desired area occurs, but without a greenhouse effect, since this type of product is attached not to the body, but to clothing.
In essence, this is the same warming belt, but it is much thinner and is practically invisible under clothing.There is no direct effect on the skin, therefore there are practically no contraindications.
Irritating action
This is the well-known pepper patch.It looks like a strip of fabric and has a specific smell.The sizes are different - 6 by 10 cm, 10 by 18 cm. It is very simple to use - you need to remove the protective transparent film and carefully glue it to the desired area.
One square centimeter of this drug contains 8 g of capsicum extract and 0.6 g of dry belladonna extract.In addition, the composition includes other substances:
- eucalyptus and petrolatum oil,
- natural and synthetic rubber,
- zinc oxide,
- anhydrous lanolin,
- basic rosin.
The action is based on irritation of the nerve receptors of the skin, due to which pain is reduced.
There are contraindications for use:
- Birthmarks and any skin lesions on the affected area.
- Allergy and individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
- Increased body temperature.
- Children's age up to 14 years.
- Pregnancy.
The patch should remain on the body for at least 48 hours, but if a strong burning sensation begins, it must be removed immediately and baby cream or Vaseline applied to the reddened skin.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect
All patches that have an analgesic effect can be divided into several groups based on their composition.
Local anesthetics
They contain substances that block pain.These include novocaine or lidocaine; substances that promote rapid tissue healing are added to the composition.Used for very intense pain.
The analgesic effect occurs quite quickly when applied.But there are also many contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- the presence of allergic reactions to the components of the drug;
- children under 2 years of age;
- violation of the integrity of the skin.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The action is based on suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandins, as a result of which inflammation is relieved and pain goes away.
They cannot be used for more than two weeks; many undesirable consequences may occur, such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, and various problems with the liver and kidneys.Cannot be used by pregnant women and children under 14 years of age.
Medicinal herbs
These are the so-called Chinese patches.In pharmaceuticals they are registered as cosmetics; there is no documentary evidence of their therapeutic effect.But many patients believe in the effectiveness and uniqueness of these drugs.
The composition includes a wide variety of herbs, selected in the right proportions.According to the manufacturers, their products have powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
For the production of extracts, modern technologies are used to make maximum use of the power of medicinal plants.
Depending on the type, the period of use on the painful area of the back is 1-3 days.The entire course of treatment is at least 5 days.
Chinese manufacturers emphasize the exceptional safety of these products, since the composition is only natural.But do not forget that allergies can occur even to natural ingredients.
Nanoplasties
Recently introduced and extremely popular nanoplasters for back pain can be distinguished into a separate group.
From the instructions for use you can find out that magnetic powder made of rare earth metals is applied to the polymer base.Due to their “nano-size”, all bioactive components, penetrating through the skin, act exclusively on diseased cells.
The product must be kept on the skin for at least 12 hours.It relieves inflammation and pain, and promotes soft tissue healing.
It does not cause any side effects and has virtually no contraindications.The only thing is that it is not recommended for use on open wounds and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Opinions about this type of patch are different and ambiguous.Some consider it a super medicine and practically a panacea.Others are quackery based on the placebo effect.The choice - which patch for back pain is better - remains with the patient.
But in any case, you should never buy medicine yourself, even something as harmless at first glance as a patch.
A mandatory consultation with your doctor is required.Only he is able to correctly assess the patient’s condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.