Everyone experiences back pain at least once in their life. It can be sharp and pointed, dull and long. There are many reasons for this.
There are also many medications used for elimination and treatment. One of these remedies, which is very simple to use but just as effective, is the back pain patch.
Adhesive classification
Transdermal therapeutic systems are used to treat inflammatory or degenerative connective tissue lesions.
Back and joint pain patches refer to a topical approach to treating painful symptoms. This method removes discomfort quickly and helps eliminate the cause of its development. You can buy such funds at regular pharmacies or order them over the internet.
Back pain patches vary in composition and mechanism of action. They have different usage times, usage instructions.
All patches can be divided into groups according to their composition and exposure method.
reflected heat
Very interesting drug, in fact, it is not a drug. In this case, the reflective surface plays a decisive role.
A person emits heat, and this patch reflects it. As a result, a fairly intense heating occurs in the desired area, but there is no greenhouse effect, since this type of product is not attached to the body, but to the clothing.
In fact, this is the same thermal belt, but it is much thinner and can hardly be seen under the clothes. There are no direct effects on the skin, so there are few contraindications.
stimulating action
This is a well-known pepper patch. It looks like a fabric and has a special smell. Different sizes - 6 x 10 cm, 10 x 18 cm. It is very simple to use - you need to remove the protective clear film and carefully stick it on the desired area.
One square centimeter of this preparation contains 8 grams of capsicum extract and 0. 6 grams of dried belladonna extract. In addition, the composition also includes other substances:
- Eucalyptus and petrolatum oil,
- natural and synthetic rubber,
- Zinc oxide,
- Anhydrous lanolin,
- Basic rosin.
This action is based on stimulation of neuroreceptors in the skin, thereby reducing pain syndromes.
There are contraindications for use:
- Birthmarks and any skin lesions on the affected area.
- Allergy and individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Children under the age of 14.
- Pregnant.
The patch should remain on the body for at least 48 hours, but if a severe burning sensation begins, it must be removed immediately and applied to reddened skin with baby cream or petroleum jelly.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
All patches with analgesic effect can be divided into several groups according to their composition.
local anesthetic
They contain substances that stop pain. These include neocaine or lidocaine, added to compositions and substances that promote the fastest healing of tissues. For very severe pain.
The analgesic effect on application occurs rather rapidly. But there are many contraindications:
- personal intolerance;
- Allergic reaction to the ingredients of the drug;
- Children under the age of 2;
- Violation of skin integrity.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
This action is based on the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins, thereby reducing inflammation and eliminating pain.
They cannot be used for more than two weeks, and many adverse consequences may occur, such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, various problems with the liver and kidneys. Not intended for use 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 cosmetic products, and there is no documented evidence of their therapeutic effect. But many patients believe in the effectiveness and uniqueness of these drugs.
The composition includes a variety of herbs, selected in the correct proportions. According to the manufacturer, their product has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
For the production of extracts, modern techniques are used to maximize the power of medicinal plants.
Depending on the type, the period of application to the painful area of the back is 1-3 days. The entire course of treatment is at least 5 days.
Chinese manufacturers emphasize the excellent safety of these products because their ingredients are natural. But don't forget that even natural ingredients can cause allergies.
Nano plaster
The recently emerging and very popular nanopatches for back pain can be listed individually as a separate group.
As can be seen from the instructions for use, the polymer matrix is coated with rare earth metal magnetic powder. Due to their "nano-size", all bioactive ingredients that penetrate the skin act only on diseased cells.
Product must remain on skin for at least 12 hours. It reduces inflammation and eliminates pain, and also promotes soft tissue healing.
It does not cause any side effects and has few contraindications. The only problem is that it is not recommended for open wounds and the first trimester of pregnancy.
Opinions on this type of patch are varied and ambiguous. Some see it as a super drug, almost a panacea. Others are quacks based on the placebo effect. The choice - the back pain patch is better - is still up to the patient.
But in any case, it is not impossible to buy medicine by yourself, even if it is a harmless medicine at first glance.
A mandatory consultation with the attending physician is required. Only he can properly assess the patient's condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.