If you’re one of the millions of people suffering from lower back pain, either chronically or occasionally, there’s an increasingly popular new way of providing pain relief that suits lower back pain sufferers.
Back pain patches are large adhesive patches that can applied directly to the skin and can provide hours of pain relief. Different companies make these patches and have different medications. These back pain patches are made in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) varieties, depending on the medication they contain.
There are four main medications in back pain patches. Two of them can be bought OTC, and two require a prescription.
Capsaicin OTC back pain patches are also used for arthritis and minor muscle strains and pains. Capsaicin is a chemical contained in chili peppers that provides a heating sensation to the skin and can provide relief from back pain.
A stronger amount of capsaicin is also offered in a prescription version of the patches. The prescription pain patches are also used for relief of nerve pain in the legs and feet due to diabetic neuropathy.
Lidocaine, also known by the brand Lidoderm, is a well-known topical anesthetic used worldwide by doctors and dentists. It also is available in an OTC or a prescription-strength version. OTC pain patches using lidocaine are used for minor shoulder, neck, back, arm, and leg pain. They are fast-acting and can provide pain relief in as little as 30 minutes.
The anesthetic works by blocking the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. The OTC lidocaine patches contain 4% lidocaine and may contain additional pain relief medications like capsaicin and menthol. Lidocaine and capsaicin may cause mild skin irritations.
This is a prescription back pain patch that contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). NSAIDS include medications like ibuprofen and aspirin. The specific medication used for pain patches is Flector. Studies have shown that these patches are as effective as taking the medication diclofenac orally.
Doctors may prescribe pain patches containing fentanyl for chronic and severe back pain cases. These patches should only be used under a doctor’s supervision by those who can’t be treated by other medications. The fentanyl patches have been shown to be as effective as morphine in managing cancer pain with fewer side effects like vomiting and nausea.
You should wash and dry the skin area before applying the patch and avoid application on areas with cuts, scrapes and open sores. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid wearing the patches longer than recommended by the manufacturer. Get the advice of your doctor if you’re planning to use the patches for more than a few days in a row.
Before using a back pain patch, get the advice of your doctor on the best type for your level of pain and medical condition. Some patch medications may be safer for you based on your medical history and other medical issues you may have.
Inform your doctor before beginning treatment with even OTC pain patches. The medications could negatively interact with other prescription medications and supplements you may be taking.
Some patients complain of irritation, redness, blisters, a burning sensation or nausea when first using the pain patches. However, these symptoms usually disappear within a few hours. If the symptoms persist, discontinue use and notify your doctor.
Back pain patches can be a preferable alternative to taking oral pain medications. The medication treats the pain at its source and has little or no effect on the rest of the body. The mind remains clear and the pain patch medication has no effect on your ability to function in your daily life.
If you’ve tried these pain patches and they either don’t provide sustainable relief to your level of pain, continue to irritate your skin, or are an otherwise unsuitable treatment for you, a traditional Thai massage may be an effective alternative.
Let’s Relax Spa has three locations in Chiang Mai providing therapeutic massages that can gently provide relief from back pain. Undergoing a traditional Thai massage a few times a week can work as well as medication in restoring a full range of motion to many. Make an appointment at our Chiang Mai location nearest you and experience a viable and natural alternative to back pain patches.
Sources:
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Diclofenac Sustained Release Versus Transdermal Diclofenac Patch in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized, Open Label Trial – 9/26/24 – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4103/jpp.JPP_35_17
Transdermal fentanyl for cancer pain: Trial sequential analysis of 3406 patients from 35 randomized controlled trials – 9/26/24 – https://journals.lww.com/cancerjournal/fulltext/2018/14001/transdermal_fentanyl_for_cancer_pain__trial.3.aspx
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