Everyone has experienced back pain at least once in their life. It could be sharp and sharp, dull and long. The reasons for it are numerous.
There are also many medicines for elimination and treatment. One of these remedies, quite simple to use, but no less effective from this, is a patch for back pain.
Adhesive classification
The transdermal therapeutic system is used to treat connective tissue pathologies of an inflammatory or degenerative nature.
The patch for pain in the back and joints refers to local methods of treating a pain symptom. This method can quickly drown out discomfort and help in eliminating the cause of their development. You can buy such funds in stationary pharmacies or order via the Internet.
Patches for back pain differ in their composition and mechanism of action. They have different times of use, indications for use.
According to their composition and method of exposure, all patches can be divided into several groups.
reflective heat
A very interesting medicine, in fact, it is not a medicine. 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 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 warming belt, but it is much thinner and almost invisible under clothing. There is no direct effect on the skin, therefore there are practically no contraindications.
Irritant action
This is a well-known pepper patch. It looks like a strip of fabric, 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 stick it on the desired area.
One square centimeter of this preparation contains 8 g of capsicum extract and 0. 6 g of belladonna dry extract. In addition, the composition includes other substances:
- eucalyptus and vaseline 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 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 be on the body for at least 48 hours, but if a severe burning sensation begins, it must be removed immediately and applied to the 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 according to their composition.
Local anesthetics
They contain substances that block pain. These include novocaine or lidocaine, are added to the composition and substances that promote the fastest healing of tissues. Used for very intense pain.
The analgesic effect when applied occurs fairly quickly. 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 the synthesis of prostaglandins, as a result of which inflammation is removed and pain disappears.
They cannot be used for more than two weeks, many undesirable consequences can occur, such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, various problems with the liver and kidneys. Not to 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 manufacturers, their products have a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
For the production of extracts, modern technologies are used to maximize the use of the power of medicinal plants.
Depending on the type, the period of application 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 even natural ingredients can be allergic.
Nanoplasters
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 magnetic powder 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 eliminates pain, and also promotes healing of soft tissues.
It does not cause any side effects and has practically 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 about this type of patch are different and ambiguous. Some consider it a super drug and almost 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, buying a medicine on your own, even such a harmless at first glance as a patch, 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.