13 best medicines for back pain

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for going on sick leave, and, on average, one in ten Russian adults experiences an attack of acute back pain at least once a year. Usually, acute back pain is localized in the lumbar region, where the largest vertebrae and the thickest intervertebral discs are located. However, such a powerful development of the skeleton and cartilaginous tissue in this area does not save from the manifestation of pain, since it is this part of the spine that has the greatest load, especially if we take into account a significant number of overweight patients.

Usually, acute back and lower back pain is manifested by a 'lumbago', which usually lasts no longer than a few minutes, resembles a sharp electric shock, provoked by coughing, sneezing, straining, any movement and muscle activity, and slightly decreases in the supine position.

A secondary component of acute back pain is muscle reaction, or myofascial pain syndrome. It is based on a chronic spasm of blood vessels in the muscles, which contributes to the accumulation of stagnation, deterioration of the outflow of venous blood from the muscles and their gradual compaction with the development of spasm and pain. A vicious circle arises: the deterioration of blood circulation in the muscles increases pain, and pain provokes a circulatory disorder.

In order to break this vicious circle and eliminate acute back pain emanating from the musculoskeletal system, there are not only various medications, but also non-medicinal techniques, such as massage, warming procedures in the absence of contraindications, manual therapy, physiotherapy, medical gymnastics .

This rating includes the most effective and popular modern drugs that are usually used to relieve acute back pain. However, many of them have both indications and contraindications, and therefore only a doctor should prescribe them, after questioning, taking anamnesis, examining and performing the necessary laboratory and instrumental research methods. All information given in this rating is for reference only and should not be used for self-medication.

Rating of the best remedies for back pain

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best injections for back pain	1	Diclofenac (Diclac, Voltaren, Diclogene)	RUB 59
	2	Meloxicam (Movalis, Mirlox, Amelotex, Artrozan)	RUB 485
	3	Midocalm (tolperisone)	RUB 479
	4	Milgamma (vitamin B6 + B12 + B1 + lidocaine)	532 RUB
The best back pain pills	1	Celebrex (Celecoxib)	449
The best ointments for back pain	1	Finalgon	254 RUB
	2	Apizartron	266 r
	3	Nayatox	197 RUB
The best gels and creams for back pain	1	Fastum – gel	240 RUB
	2	Dolobene	454 RUB
	3	Comfrey cream	260 RUB
Best back pain patches	1	Pepper plaster	RUB 16
	2	Versatis (lidocaine patch)	RUB 570

The best injections for back pain

In common parlance, 'injections' usually mean drugs that are sold in ampoules and are injected as ready-made solutions, most often intramuscularly. In case of acute back pain, indications for prescribing a short course of intramuscular administration of drugs will usually be the first two to three days of the most acute back pain, which is associated with the ability to provide limited care at home.

Usually, the duration of taking injections is limited to two to three days, especially in the case of 'rough' drugs, and then the patient is transferred to taking pills with the appointment of non-drug methods of pain relief, when the edema of the tissues compressing the nerve formations gradually decreases, and thermal procedures can be used . And the rating of 'injections' begins with a rough, but effective drug, long known in medicine – diclofen.

Diclofenac (Diclac, Voltaren, Diclogene)

Rating: 4.9

This is perhaps the most effective and most commonly prescribed drug of the entire group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is available in the form of ointments and gels, in the form of creams and in the form of enteric tablets, in the form of eye drops, in the form of rectal suppositories and injections for intramuscular and intravenous administration. There is even a spray for external use.

At the same time, it is usually considered (and rightly) that diclofenac can be quite dangerous if administered uncontrolled, self-medication, and with prolonged use, it can aggravate the erosive and ulcerative processes of the stomach and duodenum, and even lead to drug hepatitis. Why is he so popular?

The fact is that the evolution of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the emergence of new generations have led to the creation of safer drugs (Movalis), but no one has yet managed to create a drug that is not only safer, but also more effective. High-quality diclofenac preparations (Diclac, Voltaren) have a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and in terms of the cumulative effect they even surpass ketorolac and other very strong 'pure' anesthetic drugs from the NSAID group.

In order for Voltaren to show its activity and not cause side effects, it must be applied deeply intramuscularly for acute back pain, in the form of a solution of 3 ml in an ampoule, 2.5% solution, but not more than 2 days in a row, and then proceed into tablet forms. Voltaren is produced by Novartis Pharma, Switzerland, and the cost of one package of 5 ampoules starts from 221 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of diclofenac (Voltaren) will be pronounced activity, a significant decrease in pain, an increase in the range of motion, and a related improvement in the quality of life. But at the same time, the drug can cause significant side effects, and most often from the gastrointestinal tract. These are abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting, exacerbation of gastritis, the formation of erosions and ulcers and even gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, in clinical practice, along with the prescription of diclofenac, 'protective' agents, such as omeprazole or other similar drugs, are usually prescribed. In the event that the patient has gastritis, or even more so, gastric ulcer, then such protection is considered mandatory. We remind you that self-medication with diclofenac is a very risky event, despite the serious relief from the patient.

Meloxicam (Movalis, Mirlox, Amelotex, Artrozan)

Rating: 4.8

Meloxicam is considered a second generation drug, and, having a fairly high anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, which, however, is slightly below the level of diclofenac, it has a much better safety profile. Indications for the use of Movalis – any pain syndrome from the musculoskeletal system, including it is prescribed for back pain, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, with neuralgia, myositis, arthritis.

For ease of use, Movalis is available in a package containing three ampoules. Accordingly, the course of treatment with injections is designed for 3 days, one ampoule per day. One ampoule of Movalis with a volume of 1.5 ml contains 15 mg of meloxicam (the same amount as in a tablet). After a short course of injections, the patient is transferred to pills. Movalis is produced by Boehringer Ingelheim, and the average cost of one package of 3 ampoules is 600 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Movalis is considered to be the best safety with a good effect, it is well tolerated in elderly patients, but, like other NSAIDs, it also has quite a few contraindications, which include aspirin intolerance, stomach ulcers, severe liver failure, as well as children under 18 years of age. the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding. The list of diseases for which it is necessary to prescribe Movalis with caution is quite large, and therefore a doctor should prescribe treatment and monitor its results. But with all this, Movalis in 'injections', or its injectable form, is considered a modern effective first aid for the relief of acute pain in the back.

Midocalm (tolperisone)

Rating: 4.7

A very important component that leads to the chronicity of back pain is severe muscle spasm. Tight muscles are able to maintain soreness for a long time, even after the primary cause (for example, a sprain from an injury) can be eliminated. This is how chronic pain is maintained in osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine in patients with physical inactivity, leading a sedentary lifestyle. To break the vicious vicious circle, Midocalm is used.

It is a muscle relaxant, or muscle relaxant, with a central action. This means that it blocks tonic muscle reflexes by acting on the neurons of the brain and spinal cord, and not on the muscles themselves. Mydocalm is used, in addition to treating acute back pain, also for strokes with spasticity and severe pain. It is prescribed for various muscle spasms, paralysis, multiple sclerosis and other neurological pathologies.

Mydocalm is used in injections together, for example, with Movalis on the same days (of course, without mixing the funds in one syringe). This injectable form is called Mydocalm – Richter, each ampoule contains 100 mg of the drug, and in the acute period, the drug should be administered intramuscularly 2 times a day, morning and evening. One package of 5 ampoules costs, on average, 550 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Mydocalm in general is well tolerated, but it relieves back pain in the best way only as part of complex therapy, that is, when prescribed together with NSAIDs. It relaxes the muscles on its own, but does not have a true analgesic effect. The disadvantage of Mydocalm will be a ban on its use in children, allergic reactions as a side effect. Muscle relaxation can be an obstacle to driving a car and working with moving machines and mechanisms, therefore it is advisable to refrain from such work during the treatment period. For the rest, the use of Mydocalm in complex therapy accelerates the rate of pain syndrome treatment.

Milgamma (vitamin B6 + B12 + B1 + lidocaine)

Rating: 4.7

The drug Milgamma is considered a multicomponent, multivitamin in its composition, and contains neurotropic B vitamins, and the solvent is a local anesthetic – Lidocaine. Do not confuse Lidocaine, which is administered specifically for therapeutic blockages to relieve pain, and Lidocaine, which is administered intramuscularly as a solvent. In the latter case, it just makes the injection less painful. Each ampoule contains 2 ml, and the content of vitamins B1, B6 and B12, respectively, is 100 mg, 100 mg and 1 mg. Milgamma produces analgesic, metabolic and neuroprotective effects.

Milgamma is used, in addition to acute back pain, with neuritis and neuralgia, with plexopathies and various polyneuropathies, and other neurological diseases. Dosage regimen – deep intramuscular (in the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks), 2 ml daily for 5 to 10 days. The cost of one package of 10 ampoules of 2 ml, which is produced by the German company Vervag Pharma, averages 560 rubles. per packing.

Advantages and disadvantages

As in the previous case, the main disadvantage of Milgamma will be a rather weak analgesic effect, if the drug is used alone. But if the patient is prescribed Milgamma and Midocalm, or Milgamma plus Movalis, then the analgesic and trophic effect will be more pronounced. The time it takes for patients with back pain to return to active life will be shorter. In some cases, the drug can cause side effects, most often allergic reactions occur, but usually their frequency is not higher than 0.1%. The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy and during breastfeeding, in children and in patients with severe heart failure. A big plus is the ability to continue therapy with the drug in tablet form after a short course of injections.

The best back pain pills

Almost all tablets for back pain are also available in the form of injections for intramuscular injections. Such a double form of release allows in the first days with the appearance of acute pain, or with an exacerbation of a chronic disease, to provide emergency assistance by injecting drugs that act more quickly and effectively, and then, after a few days, switch to pills.

The advantages of the injection form are also that the drug is directly absorbed into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver. This avoids weakening the medicinal effect. Besides, from a commercial point of view, continuity and simplicity are important. So, the patient pricks Movalis injections for 3 days, at a dosage of 15 mg in one ampoule, and then he simply acquires a package of the same tablets, 15 milligrams each, and takes them for 3-4 days. Then the dosage is reduced by half, and you can purchase a package of tablets with a dosage of 7.5 mg. After the pain syndrome subsides, non-drug forms of treatment begin to intensify, and much attention is paid to local forms.

Such lines (ampoules – tablets) exist for almost all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for muscle relaxants, since Midocalm is also available in tablets that are prescribed after injections, and in Milgamma. But there are new drugs that only have pills and no 'shots'. They are among the most modern anti-inflammatory drugs, and in this section we will talk about just one of them. This is a representative of the celecoxib group – Celebrex.

Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Rating: 4.9

Celebrex belongs to a new group of coxibs, and it was introduced into clinical practice in 1998. It also belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but at the same time it has much greater safety, provided it is used for a long time, because Celebrex is still used in rheumatology, for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been proven that such a serious complication as an ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract is practically uncharacteristic for Celebrex. When taken at a therapeutic dosage, it does not affect blood clotting factors or platelet aggregation function.

For the treatment of acute back pain, the drug is taken on the first day in the amount of 400 mg – that is, two tablets at once, and then the third in the evening. On the following days, the recommended dose is one 200 mg tablet 2 times a day. The duration of the course is 3 – 5 days. The cost of 1 package of 10 tablets, designed for 5 days for the treatment of acute back pain is an average of 510 rubles. A large package of 30 tablets, which is most often used in the treatment of rheumatological pathology, already costs more than 1200 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

As mentioned above, the advantage of Celebrex is its high safety, the ability to use it in patients with lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, in elderly patients, in patients with impaired liver and kidney function. Celebrex is much safer, and at the same time it also has an antipyretic effect, which is also important. However, this bias towards safety makes it not as effective as simple and 'crude' diclofenac. And in this sense, expensive Celebrex tablets, of course, lose to a single injection of diclofenac in strength and speed of action. Strength of Celebrex – if you need long-term treatment in patients, for example, with chronic gastritis.

Local remedies: warming and cooling

In the treatment of back pain, not only drugs for intramuscular injection and ingestion, but also local remedies are very important. These are ointments, gels and creams. Often, performing opposite functions (warming or cooling), local remedies can reduce pain, improve blood circulation in muscles, and provide a distracting effect. Therefore, both warming and cooling ointments are widely used in neurology, traumatology and sports medicine.

For warming ointments, the main physiological mechanism of action will be an increase in plethora. Increased blood circulation in the muscles allows you to break the vicious circle and improve the outflow of venous blood from the muscles, which will carry away excess lactic acid and eliminate myofascial excess tension. Cooling ointments, which most often contain peppermint oil, camphor and other essential oils, can help relieve severe back pain in the first hours after an injury, sprain or bruise.

The best ointments for back pain

In this rating, we included preparations that warm, cool and contain animal components – snake and bee venom. They also contribute to a marked reduction in back pain when used regularly.

Finalgon

Rating: 4.9

Pharmacists classify Finalgon as a local irritant. Finalgon contains two components, which are derivatives of nicotinic and nonylic acid. Active ingredients promote blood flow, dilate skin vessels, reduce pain. As a result of increased metabolic activity in the dermis, hyperemia or redness of the skin occurs, and peripheral vascular blood flow increases. After half an hour, the maximum analgesic effect occurs.

Finalgon is indicated for rheumatism, osteochondrosis, lumbago or lumbago, for various pains in the lower back, the source of which is the musculoskeletal system. Finalgon must first be applied in a volume of no more than 1 pea in order to assess tolerance. Then the working quantity is considered a column of ointment, no longer than 1 centimeter. Ointment is applied with massage movements no more than 3 times a day, and after applying Finalgon, it is imperative to wash your hands with soap and water in order to avoid burning. Finalgon is produced by the German company Boehringer Ingelheim, and the cost of one 20 g tube is 290 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The big plus of Finalgon will be high activity, the ability to warm up the muscles well and fight pain, which has acquired a chronic shade due to the formation of a secondary myofascial syndrome. But at the same time, Finalgon is one of the most powerful burning ointments, and the patient may have such side effects as excessive burning sensation, severe redness of the skin, coughing, and even contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is first necessary to investigate how the skin will react to the application of the finalgon. The drug is prohibited for use by pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons with arterial hypertension, since an excessive sensation of heat can lead to an increase in blood pressure. In addition, you need to be very careful with the ointment, in order to avoid applying it to the face, accidental contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.

Apizartron

Rating: 4.8

Apizartron contains natural bee venom and salicylic acid derivatives. Evenly distributed in the ointment base, these substances have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Apizartron is indicated for those patients who are not allergic to bee products and honey. It is widely used for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, for pain in the muscles of the back, for radiculitis, for muscle sprains, for sports injuries, and for neuralgia of the intercostal nerves.

It is necessary to apply Apizartron in the form of a strip, no longer than 3 cm. It is necessary to distribute this amount of ointment on the skin of the back, and after a feeling of warmth (or after 3 minutes), slowly rub in the ointment. Thermal treatments are recommended after application. The course of treatment with Apizartron is usually 7 or 10 days, as in the case of other ointments for acute back pain. Apizartron is produced by the German company Lichtenfeld, and the cost of one tube weighing 20 g is, on average, 260 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Due to the content of bee venom, Apizartron intensively stimulates nerve endings in the periphery and dilates blood vessels. Additional activation of the metabolism in the skin and muscles contributes to the rapid development of the analgesic effect. Some of the disadvantages of Apizartron are considered by many to be the sharp and specific smell of the ointment, as well as the presence of some contraindications for use. Among them are psoriasis and various types of rashes, acute inflammatory diseases of the joints, childhood, as well as severe chronic liver and kidney damage, pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding. As with Finalgon, you need to be careful not to get the ointment in your eyes.

Nayatox

Rating: 4.7

Nayatox also contains an 'animal' component. This is the dried poison of the common cobra. One tube, that is, 20 grams of ointment, contains about 2.5 mouse units of this poison. This means that about 3 mice can be 'poisoned' with the contents of the tube, in terms of cobra venom. In addition to this poison, Nayatox contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and methyl salicylate, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Due to camphor, Nayatoks somewhat cools the skin, has an irritating effect, contributes not only to pain relief, but also to the development of a distracting effect.

Nayatox is indicated for various back pains, the source of which is the musculoskeletal system. It is prescribed for various arthritis, radiculitis, neuralgia of the intercostal nerves, with exacerbations of osteochondrosis, among which various radicular syndromes prevail most often. Nayatox is applied in a volume not exceeding 2 teaspoons of the ointment by applying to painful areas, no more than once a day, followed by intensive rubbing. At the beginning of treatment, and with especially severe pain, you can use the drug twice a day, but not more than 10 days in a row. Nayatox is produced by the Mekofar company from Vietnam, and the average cost of one tube weighing 20 g is 200 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Nayatox snake venom is quickly absorbed into the skin, irritates receptors and promotes the synthesis, release into the bloodstream and absorption of biogenic amines. This leads to vasodilation, and improved blood circulation. The drug is very well tolerated and has few contraindications. These are individual intolerance, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and severe liver and kidney disorders. Naturally, the drug is not used for various skin diseases. In the same case, when Nayatox is used according to indications, followed by the appointment of thermal procedures and therapeutic exercises, then it serves as an excellent means of relieving acute pain in the back at the stage of damping exacerbation.

The best gels and creams for back pain

We have already reviewed various gels for the relief of certain neurological and muscle symptoms. Gels differ from ointments in that they dry very quickly, create a protective film on the skin, their base is not greasy, and does not stain clothes. All gels rub in very quickly and can be used during the day.

Creams, in contrast to gels, have a delicate consistency and are emulsions, that is, a suspension of one liquid in a creamy base. Creams go much deeper than gels, but ointments go even deeper. Therefore, at the beginning of treatment, with acute pain syndrome, it is necessary to use ointments, and then switch to creams or gels.

Fastum – gel

Rating: 4.9

Fastum – gel contains ketoprofen – one of the most famous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Fastum gel is a transparent jelly-like gel that has a specific, but not sharp and even pleasant smell. When applied to the skin, Fastum – gel promotes pain relief, reduces symptoms of inflammation, helps to increase the mobility of joints, including reducing their morning stiffness. It is indicated not only for back pain caused by stretching of muscles and ligaments, but also for radicular symptoms, with plexitis, with inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or sciatica. Fastum-gel is used for various soft tissue injuries, as well as for ankylosing spondylitis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

Fastum-gel is applied with a thin strip on the required area, but not more than 5 cm long, and lightly rubbed in with light massage movements, no more than 2 times a day. The usual treatment period is 7-10 days, but no more than 2 weeks without specialist advice. Fastum-gel is produced by the pharmaceutical company Menarini (a partner of Berlin-Chemie), and the cost of one package is, on average, 330 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Fastum-gel is considered to be high efficiency, quick absorption, after its application, the skin remains clean, and you can put on a shirt: no greasy spots remain. But still you need to know about contraindications. Fastum-gel should not be used if the patient has a lesion of the gastrointestinal tract with the formation of ulcers, a serious disorder of renal function, a change in liver enzymes, leukopenia. Fastum-gel is not used in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in children under 15 years of age. But if it is used according to indications, then in the complex therapy for the treatment of acute back pain, along with injectable drugs or pills, it will help to quickly reduce the severity of the pain syndrome.

Dolobene

Rating: 4.8

Dolobene gel stands a little apart: its main active ingredient in its composition is heparin, which slightly thinns the blood and has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces peripheral vascular thrombosis. Dimethyl sulfoxide, or Dimexide, is able to relieve swelling, relieve pain, and help reduce inflammation. Dolobene also contains dexpanthenol, which is converted into pantothenic acid in the skin. Shown is a gel for various painful and inflammatory conditions, which are accompanied by soft tissue edema. These are various injuries and sprains of the muscles of the back, neuralgia of the intercostal nerves, lumbago, radicular complications of osteochondrosis. Dolobene should be applied in a thin layer to the required area from 2 to 4 times a day, and rubbed in with light massage movements, but without excessive intensity. Dolobene is produced by the German company Merkle. 1 tube weighing 100 g costs, on average, 550 rubles. It is quite expensive, but the consumption of the gel is small and lasts for a long time.

Advantages and disadvantages

Dolobene's advantage will be the absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, which means that this remedy can be used in patients with gastritis and even gastric ulcer. It is very important that Dolobene can be used under a bandage, as well as used for iontophoresis and phonophoresis. But, despite the big advantages, there are contraindications. These are bronchial asthma, severe damage to internal organs, pregnancy and breastfeeding, up to 5 years of age.

In some cases, the alternation of local remedies is shown, for example, Apizartron on one day and Dolobene on another day. This combination is especially good for sports injuries and sprains of the soft tissues of the back, in which there is swelling.

Comfrey cream

Rating: 4.7

Comfrey Cream is a great example of a comprehensive topical product that contains herbal ingredients. In addition to comfrey (larkspur) extract, the cream contains oleoresin – a component of capsicum, camphor, sesame and rosemary oil, a perfume composition and inert substances. From a medical point of view, comfrey creams are parapharmaceutical products. The active components of the cream warm, the agent stimulates the nerve endings on the periphery, oleoresin and essential oils improve capillary blood flow, the comfrey cream helps to remove excess lactic acid from the muscles, additionally the cream has a beneficial effect on the skin, improving trophic processes in the dermis.

The cream is used when the pain syndrome is not very pronounced, or at the recovery stage, when the pain is no longer so strong. Its best field of application is minor sports injuries, prolonged physical exertion, after which a muscle pain component may appear, and the cream is also used in the complex therapy of lumbosacral osteochondrosis. It is necessary to apply the cream on the problem area of ​​the back up to 3 or 4 times a day, and rub in with light massage movements. The cream is produced by the joint-stock company Twins TEK, and 100 ml of cream is inexpensive, about 110 rubles per package.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of the cream will be its cheapness, softness of action and safety in use, because it contains only natural ingredients. It is not too pungent, it is well tolerated. The maximum that is noted is the rare local allergic reactions. The drug can be safely combined with the above ointments and gels, for example, an ointment is applied at night, and a cream is rubbed into the skin of the back in the morning and afternoon and at the right time. But on the other hand, the absence of NSAIDs in its composition makes it ineffective for too severe back pain, on the first day after injury or exacerbation.

Best back pain patches

Plasters also belong to local medicines, but unlike gels, ointments and creams, the patch has a dense carrier that attaches to the surface of the skin, and this carrier contains a healing substance. The patch is not applied to the skin, but is glued, it is applied. This method of application allows the active substance to be tightly fixed to the surface of the skin, which contributes to its longer and more complete penetration into the subcutaneous tissue, muscles and peripheral nerve endings. This rating includes effective and popular therapeutic patches for the relief of acute back pain.

Pepper plaster

Rating: 4.9

One of the most demanded and popular plasters. It contains pepper fruit extract, belladonna extract, arnica tincture, rosin, lanolin, and vaseline oil. These and some other components are applied to the fabric base. The patch has an irritating effect, promotes blood flow to the area of ​​application, distracts from pain, and improves metabolism in superficial muscles.

Pepper plaster is indicated for exacerbation of intercostal neuralgia, with acute back pain, as well as with lumbosacral radiculitis, superficial soft tissue injuries and muscle strain. The patch is very simple to apply. The protective film is removed and the patch is applied to the desired area of ​​the back. If there is no strong and unpleasant burning sensation, then the duration of the application can be a day or even two. A pepper plaster is produced by the domestic pharmaceutical company Novosibkhimpharm, and one plaster with an area of ​​10 by 18 cm will cost an average of only 40 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of this patch will be its undoubted cheapness – the cheapest tool in the rating, ease of use, the ability to keep it after one application for up to two days. The pepper patch can be used for neuropathic, burning pain. It distracts and improves quality of life without the use of powerful analgesics. One of these indications may be neuropathic pain as a consequence of herpes zoster (herpes zoster).

On the other hand, it is imperative to first degrease the skin, for example, by wiping it with cologne for better adhesion of the patch. Hypersensitivity to the pepper patch can occur, which most often develops on pepper extract, this can be manifested by itching, hyperemia and discomfort. But in the case when the patch is used according to indications, and especially together with injectable drugs or tablets, and treatment is started in the first days, then a positive effect occurs within a day or two after its application.

Versatis (lidocaine patch)

Rating: 4.8

The Versatis patch is a 'mild' form of blockage that is used instead of injecting local anesthetics into affected muscles and joints. Sometimes it is very indicated in the first days with severe pain syndrome in the muscles, with sciatica, radiculitis, with neuralgia. One of the main indications for the use of Versatis is a burning pain in the back as a consequence of herpes zoster (postherpetic neuralgia). The Versatis patch comes in the form of a sachet containing 5 separate patches. The size of one patch is 13 by 10 cm.

Versatis produces a pronounced analgesic effect that is strong and long-lasting. The patch is glued once a day and stays on the skin for up to 12 hours. The most common practice is sticking a patch at night. For the relief of acute back pain, the patch is recommended to be applied for several days, usually from 1 to 3, against the background of the use of injectable drugs with NSAIDs, combining this with the daily application of an ointment or cream. Versatis is produced by the German company Grunental, and this tool is not cheap: one sachet of 5 plasters costs, on average, 640 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big advantage of this patch will be its pronounced analgesic effect. On the other hand, the patch is only a symptomatic treatment. It relieves pain, and does not help reduce inflammation, therefore, with acute back pain, Versatis is indicated only as part of complex therapy. But on the other hand, the timely use of this patch in a short course, in the first two to three days of acute back pain, allows the patient to significantly improve the quality of life. He can move independently, and is no longer afraid to take a deep breath, sneeze, he can calmly strain and empty his intestines, and any movement will no longer give off a sharp, shooting pain. For this, you can spend this amount, especially in the case when you can not be on bed rest.

Caution! Backache!

In this review, a sufficient number of a wide variety of remedies were provided that a doctor can prescribe for acute back pain, when it comes to injections and pills. Do-it-yourself drugs are also sold at pharmacies – these include topical formulations. However, the so-called 'red flags' must be listed. This is the name of the special symptoms in which a thorough examination is necessary, since such a 'bad' back pain can be a symptom of a serious illness, for example, osteomyelitis, or metastatic lesions of the spine. In case if:

1. back pain is accompanied by a persistent fever;
2. there is a progressive weight loss;
3. back pain appears mainly at night;
4. the pain does not stop within 2 months and increases;
5. general well-being is disturbed –

In these cases, you need to urgently stop self-medication and contact a specialist. With such a pain syndrome, most likely, there is a general disease, it must be urgently diagnosed and treated.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.