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Health

Ointments for back pain

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Ointments from back pain help to get rid of this symptom, reducing the intensity of the pain syndrome and returning a person to the usual regime of life. Ointments and other pain medications can only eliminate the clinical manifestations of any bone pathology and joint.

The appearance of a pain syndrome in the lumbar region is always an unpleasant concern, as it limits the physical activity of a person. However, in some cases, pain can be disturbed not only by movement, but at rest and even in sleep.

The main task at occurrence of a pain is revealing of the reason of its or her occurrence, after all influencing on consequence or investigation of illness or disease, not having eliminated its or her reason, very few chances to completely get rid of signs.

In the future, in addition to pain, other clinical manifestations of the disease can be associated, and the therapeutic effect of ointments will gradually decrease.

The causes of pain syndrome in the back, in particular the lower back, are quite a lot. It is worth dwelling on the most frequent. Among them, osteochondrosis comes to the fore. It affects not only the spine, but also other joints and bones. Not always an osteochondrosis can be shown at an initial stage, therefore occurrence of a pain in a loin can testify to essential defeat of bones and a ligamentous device of a backbone. Pathology is determined by X-ray examination.

With age, joint arthritis is observed, which affects the articular process. As a result, the vertebra loses its structure and causes pain in the lumbar region. In addition, lumbar stenosis may occur, when several discs are inflamed to form a cavity in the vertebra.

Under the influence of a traumatic factor, a dislocation of the pelvic can occur, which causes deformity of the spine and causes pain syndrome.

A herniated disc also provokes back pain, since the disk sheath is exposed to wear and weakens, so that its soft tissue protrudes outward. In addition to the lower back, pain can be troubling in the legs and throughout the entire spinal column.

The genetic factor of back pain is Bekhterev's disease. The basis of its development is the presence of an inflammatory process in the joints and vertebrae, which provides the appearance of pain in the sacral region with a gradual embrace of the entire spinal column.

The most common cause of back pain at a young age is inadequate physical activity due to prolonged sitting.

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Treating back pain with ointments

When there is pain in the back, it is recommended to use medicines in the form of ointments to apply to the skin.

Thanks to them, the activity of the inflammatory process decreases and the severity of pain decreases. Drugs may contain analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.

NSAIDs based on diclofenac are considered to be the most common ointments that are used as an anesthetic external remedy. This group of ointments are used for pain syndrome caused by myalgia, inflammatory process due to cold factor on the waist, traumatic damage, as part of complex therapy of lumbago, osteochondrosis and radiculitis.

Treatment of low back pain with ointments of combined composition provides a reduction in pain, inflammatory reaction, activates regenerative processes, has a thrombolytic and resorptive effect. Thanks to the dimexide, the medicinal ointment quickly penetrates deep into the tissues and begins its therapeutic effect.

Another group of drugs to reduce back pain is a remedy with a locally irritating effect. They are particularly effective in traumatic injury, overcooling and intense physical activity.

The mechanism of action of drugs in this group is based on the expansion of blood vessels, increased blood flow and activation of metabolic processes.

Homeopathic ointments are used for osteochondrosis and inflammatory processes in the lumbar region. They contribute to reducing inflammation, stimulate metabolism, activating the regeneration of cartilaginous tissue, and thus has an analgesic effect. Homeopathic ointments are used for osteochondrosis, traumatic damage, myalgia and radiculitis.

Indications for use

The pain can have a different genesis, therefore, to effectively eliminate it, it is recommended to reveal the true pathology, which leads to the appearance of a pain syndrome in the lower back.

The main indications for the use of ointments for low back pain include the presence of pain in the muscles and joints due to tendovaginitis, traumatic injury or pathological process. For this purpose, medicinal products are used that refer to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory as well as anti-rheumatic drugs.

A group of irritant drugs is also used for joint and muscle pain, the appearance of which is caused by excessive physical stress, myositis and the effect of low temperatures on the lumbar region.

Indications for the use of ointments for lower back pain suggest the use of a homeopathic group of products that are effective in sports and domestic traumatic injuries, such as stretching of the ligamentous structures, bone fracture, joint cavity bleeding, hematoma and trauma caused by labor.

In addition, these drugs have proven their effect in the defeat of bones and joints of inflammatory, degenerative or microtraumatic origin. These include tendovaginitis, bursitis, arthritis of the hip joint and other pathological conditions.

It should be noted that the pain syndrome in the lumbar region can be a consequence not only of the spine disease, but of the internal organs and skin. So, homeopathic preparations are used for inflammatory processes in the skin, burns, bedsores and trophic ulcers, the cause of which is insufficient circulation in this area.

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of drugs to reduce pain can be analyzed using the example of Fastum gel, Finalgona and Traumeel C. These drugs are representatives of different groups of drugs, so the pharmacodynamics of ointments for lower back pain also slightly different.

The main active component of the Fastus gel is ketoprofen, which determines the therapeutic effect of the analgesic ointment. Penetrating deep into the tissues, ketoprofen has a curative effect on the affected structures of the joints, ligamentous apparatus and muscles, which caused the development of pain syndrome.

However, it must be taken into account that the absorption of the drug is very slow, which can not provide a rapid analgesic effect.

The representative of the next group is Finalgon, which includes two components that provide a vasodilator effect and a pronounced irritant effect on the skin over a long period of time.

The first component is nonivamide, which has analgesic abilities. This effect is due to a decrease in the amount of substance P in the nerve endings of the peripheral nervous system. By stimulating the afferent fibers, vasodilation is observed, which leads to a sensation of heat.

The second component is nicoboxyl, which is a nicotinic acid derivative. It belongs to the vitamins of group B and has a vasodilating effect due to the effect on prostaglandins.

The representative of the homeopathic group is Traumeel C. It has an anti-inflammatory effect due to a decrease in the discharge of the liquid part of the blood through the vascular wall from the vessel and the reduction of edema. In addition, the drug anesthetizes and speeds up the regenerative processes caused by the stimulation of the body's defenses.

Pharmacokinetics

In connection with the fact that painkillers belong to different pharmacological groups, therefore the pharmacokinetics of ointments for low back pain also has its own.

The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the properties of the components that make up their composition. So, the therapeutic effect after the use of ketoprofen (Fastum gel) is due to its slow absorption into the bloodstream. When applying 50-150 mg of the drug concentration of the active ingredient after 5-8 hours is not more than 0.15 μg / ml.

The pharmacokinetics of ointments from pain in the lower back of a group of irritant drugs using the Finalgon example provides a quick therapeutic effect after its application locally.

The systemic effect of the drug is not observed. As the components of the ointment penetrate deep into the tissues, after a few minutes, the appearance of erythema and an increase in the local temperature are noted.

Due to the joint effect of the two active components Finalgon, the blood vessels expand, due to which the duration of the reddening of the skin area is reduced, where the medicinal ointment was applied.

Thanks to nonivamide and nicoboxil, activation of local blood circulation and appearance of sensation of heat are observed.

As for the homeopathic group of medicines, the pharmacokinetics of ointments for back pain is not fully understood. There are suggestions that the main clinical effects are due to the effects of substances of plant and mineral origin, which are components of Traumeel C and other homeopathic preparations.

Name of ointments for low back pain

Many drugs have the same active substance, but they are called differently. It depends on the manufacturer and the availability of the auxiliary components that are included in its composition.

The name of ointments for lower back pain of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs includes the Fastum gel or the domestic analogue Bystrum gel. They effectively reduce the severity of the inflammatory reaction and provide an analgesic effect.

They include ketoprofen and additional components, for example, menthol or neroli oil or lavender, due to which the therapeutic effect is enhanced.

It is this group of drugs most often used to reduce the pain syndrome, the cause of which is myalgia, the effect of low temperatures, sciatica or traumatic injury. Among the drugs can be identified Ketonal, Finalgel, as well as ointments based on diclofenac, for example, Voltaren, nimesulide - Naise or ibuprofen - Nurofen.

Combined medicinal ointments such as Dolobene provide not only analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but also a thrombolytic and absorbing effect, and also accelerate regenerative processes.

Thanks to the constituent heparin, blood circulation is improved and the formation of blood clots is prevented. Dimexide improves the penetration of other constituents into the tissues. Thus, dexpanthenol and heparin are rapidly absorbed and have a locally irritating effect, causing hyperthermia in the application area of the ointment.

This group of medicines includes Finalgon, Capsicum and Apizarthron. Components Finalgona - Nikoboksil and nonivamid cause an anesthetic effect by strengthening local blood flow and activation of metabolism in the inflammatory focus.

The name of ointments for back pain of homeopathic origin is represented by Traumeel C and Objective T. They activate metabolic processes, stimulate the regeneration of cartilaginous tissue and have an analgesic effect.

Indications for their use is a pain syndrome in the back with osteochondrosis, traumatic injury or inflammatory origin.

Dosing and Administration

The form of the release of medicines in the form of ointments to combat pain in the lumbar region is not recommended for use in childhood. The method of administration and dose should be adjusted depending on the age of the patient, the activity of the pathological process and the presence of concomitant diseases.

The duration of the therapeutic course should not exceed 10 days. If after this period the pain syndrome does not decrease, and perhaps even increases, it is necessary to revise the medical tactics and adjust the drugs.

Ointment NSAIDs are used up to 2 times a day by applying a thin layer on the lumbar region. Usually 3-5 cm of the drug is sufficient for this. To accelerate the absorption process, it is recommended to rub easily into the skin.

The method of application and dose of drugs of a local irritant mechanism of action consists in applying a small amount of ointment to the skin area in order to determine the tolerability of the components of the drug. In the absence of any skin manifestations, the drug can be used on the entire surface, applying a small amount of ointment.

Already in the process of application, there is a slight warming effect, which reaches a maximum in half an hour. In the future, the amount of medicine can be increased and used 2-3 times a day.

As for the homeopathic remedy, it is sufficient to apply it up to 3 times a day, but for acute processes it is allowed to increase the frequency of application up to 6 times. Ointment can be applied to the skin under a sterile bandage or rub it with light movements. In addition, Traumeel C can be used with phonophoresis. The duration of the therapeutic course on average will last from 2 to 4 weeks.

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Use during pregnancy

During pregnancy, before applying any medication, it is necessary to take into account its effect on the fetus and the course of pregnancy in general. The use of ointments for low back pain during pregnancy does not have sufficient evidence for their safety.

Animal studies have shown that there are no teratogenic and embryotoxic effects on the fruit of the ointment, but the effects on the body of a woman and a fetus may be manifested by various side effects, which threatens the health and lives of both.

With regard to NSAIDs, their use during pregnancy is prohibited because of the high risk of bleeding. However, other ointments, for example, local-irritant effects can also negatively affect pregnancy and fetus.

Homeopathic medicinal ointments are of vegetable origin, which provides an ointment more beneficial effect in comparison with others. However, the use of Traumeel C is allowed only after consultation with the doctor and the relationship of benefit to the woman and harm to the fetus. The use of ointments for pain in the lower back during pregnancy of other medicinal groups is not recommended.

Contraindications for use

Before using the drug, you need to familiarize yourself with its possible side effects and contraindications.

Contraindications to the use of ointments from pain in the lower back of pharmacological groups of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and locally irritating drugs are represented by the presence in the anamnesis of any photosensitivity reactions.

In addition, these ointments should not be used when hypersensitivity to the main or additional components of ointments in order to avoid the development of an allergic reaction. Its clinical manifestations include rhinitis, hives and asthma. It should be borne in mind that in the presence of intolerance to ketoprofen, acetylsalicylic, tiaprofenic acid and fenofibrate, the use of ointments is also contraindicated.

It is not desirable to use ointments when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation in the solarium. Also, traumatic damage to the integrity of the skin, rash, eczema and skin infections are contraindicated. Ointments should not be used in children during pregnancy.

As for homeopathic preparations, these ointments are not desirable to be used at a low threshold of sensitivity to the components of the drug. You should consider possible allergic reactions to arnica, chamomile, Achillea millefolium and other plants of the genus of astroids.

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Side effects

In some cases, the side effects of ointments from low back pain may occur as a result of exceeding the recommended dosage for use or individual intolerance of the main acting or auxiliary components.

The most common occurrence of rashes on the site of application of ointment, which can spread to other areas of skin. Allergic reactions may be manifested by more severe skin symptoms, such as bullous or phlyctenular forms of eczema, which are capable of generalization.

In the presence of intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid, the likelihood of bronchospasm is increased. Also rare, but still there was the development of anaphylactic shock, angioedema, hemorrhage from the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting and disruption of the intestine.

Side effects of ointments for low back pain from the urinary system include the increase in the severity of renal pathology.

The nervous system can respond to the application of locally irritating drugs by changing the sensitivity of the skin and the appearance of itching. When excessive use of the drug is likely the appearance of cough and disturbances of respiratory function.

If the above clinical symptoms appear, stop using the ointment and consult a doctor.

Overdose

Based on the data that ketoprofen is not able to penetrate the bloodstream in a large amount, overdose is unlikely in this case.

Increased side effects may occur with prolonged use of the cream for a long period, which exceeds the recommended.

Most overdose is observed when using locally-irritant drugs. In this case, the risk of a rash in the form of vesicles in that area of the lower back where the cream was applied is increased.

In addition, it is worth considering that when this group of drugs is used, systemic clinical manifestations are possible, due to the increased ability of the nicotinic acid ester to be absorbed through the skin.

Of the most frequent systemic manifestations, reddening of the upper body, fever and lowering of blood pressure should be noted.

If there are side effects to prevent further absorption of the cream in the skin and the bloodstream, the area of application of the cream should be lubricated with a swab moistened with olive oil or fat cream. In addition, you need to monitor the general condition of a person and use symptomatic therapy if necessary.

Storage conditions

To ensure that the medicinal product retains its medicinal properties throughout the shelf life, it is necessary to ensure optimum storage conditions.

These conditions assume the maintenance of the necessary temperature regime, humidity level and illumination. Thus, the conditions for storing ointments from lower back pain include ensuring a temperature of no higher than 25 degrees, as well as the absence of direct light from the sun.

If the package integrity is violated and the negative atmospheric factor influences the medicinal product, the preparation is not able to maintain its structure, as a result of which its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties change.

A mandatory condition for storage is the inaccessibility of the drug to babies. Ointment is used exclusively for external use, but children can taste the medicine, which threatens their health.

Shelf life

In the production of a medicinal product, its shelf life and storage conditions are indicated to preserve all medicinal properties. In ointments, this period is 3-5 years, depending on the group to which the drug belongs and the components that provide its therapeutic effect.

The expiration date implies the indication of the date of production of the ointment and the last application. At the end of the drug is prohibited to use to avoid the occurrence of side effects.

The expiry date should be indicated on the outer carton, so that a person has quick access to it, as well as on the tube, since the packaging can be lost.

Ointments for lower back pain can be used as monotherapy or as part of complex treatment. It must be remembered that the pain syndrome can be caused by various pathologies (bones, joints, ligament apparatus, muscles, internal organs). To completely eliminate pain, a complete examination should be performed and the cause of its occurrence should be identified.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ointments for back pain" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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