Everyone has suffered from back pain at least once in their life. It could be sharp and sharp, dull and long. The reasons are numerous.
There are also many drugs for elimination and treatment. One of these remedies, simple enough to use, but no less effective, is a back pain patch.
Adhesive classification
The transdermal therapeutic system is used for the treatment of connective tissue diseases of an inflammatory or degenerative nature.
The back and joint pain patch refers to local methods of treating a pain symptom. This method can quickly stifle discomfort and help eliminate the cause of their development. You can buy such funds in stationary pharmacies or order through the Internet.
Back pain patches differ in composition and mechanism of action. They have different times of use, indications for use.
Based on their composition and method of exposure, all patches can be divided into several groups.
reflective heat
A very interesting medicine, in fact, is not a medicine. In this case, the reflective surface plays a decisive role.
A person gives off heat and this spot reflects it. As a result, a rather intense heating of the desired area occurs, but without the greenhouse effect, since this type of product is attached not to the body, but to clothing.
In fact, this is the same heating belt, but it is much thinner and almost invisible under clothing. There is no direct effect on the skin, so there are practically no contraindications.
Irritating action
This is a well-known pepper patch. It looks like a strip of fabric, it has a specific smell. The sizes are different: 6 by 10cm, 10 by 18cm It is very simple to use - you need to remove the transparent protective film and carefully stick it on the desired area.
One square centimeter of this preparation contains 8 g of capsicum extract and 0. 6 g of dry belladonna extract. In addition, the composition includes other substances:
- eucalyptus oil and vaseline,
- 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 the pain syndrome 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 severe burning sensation begins, it should be removed immediately and applied to reddened skin with baby cream or petroleum jelly.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic action
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, they are added to the composition and substances that promote faster tissue healing. Used for very severe pain.
The analgesic effect when applied occurs quickly enough. But there are many contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- the presence of allergic reactions to the components of the drug;
- children's age up to 2 years;
- violation of the integrity of the skin.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The action is based on the suppression of prostaglandin synthesis, as a result of which the inflammation is removed and the pain disappears.
They cannot be used for more than two weeks, many unwanted consequences can occur, such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, various liver and kidney problems. It should not be used by pregnant women and children under the age of 14.
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 a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
For the production of the extracts modern technologies are used to maximize the use of the power of medicinal plants.
Depending on the type, the application period 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 don't forget that natural ingredients can also be allergic.
Nanoplasticizers
The recently appeared and extremely popular nano-patches for back pain can be singled out as a separate group.
From the instructions for use, you can find out that a rare earth metal magnetic powder is applied to the polymer base. Due to their "nano-dimension", all the bioactive components, penetrating through the skin, act exclusively on the diseased cells.
The product must be kept on the skin for at least 12 hours. Relieves inflammation and eliminates pain and also promotes soft tissue healing.
It does not cause side effects and practically has no contraindications. The only thing is that it is not recommended to use it for open wounds and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Opinions on this type of patch are mixed and ambiguous. Some consider it a super drug and almost a panacea. Others are placebo-based quackery. The choice - which back pain patch is best - remains with the patient.
But in any case, to buy a medicine on its own, even such a harmless patch at first glance, is by no means impossible.
A mandatory consultation with the attending physician is required. Only he is able to correctly assess the patient's condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.