Ointments for lower back pain

Ointments for lower back pain help to get rid of this symptom, reducing the intensity of the pain syndrome and returning a person to the usual mode of life. Ointments and other pain-relieving drugs can only eliminate the clinical manifestations of any pathology of bones and joints.

The occurrence of pain in the lumbar region is always an unpleasant concern, as it limits a person's physical activity. However, in some cases, pain can bother not only during movement, but also at rest and even during sleep.

The main task when pain appears is to identify the cause of its occurrence, because by affecting the consequences of the disease without eliminating its cause, there is very little chance of completely getting rid of the symptoms.

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

There are many reasons for the occurrence of pain in the back, in particular the lower back. It is worth dwelling on the most common ones. Among them, osteochondrosis comes to the fore. It affects not only the spine, but also other joints and bones. Osteochondrosis may not always manifest itself at an early stage, so the appearance of pain in the lower back may indicate significant damage to the bones and ligamentous apparatus of the spine. Pathology is determined using X-ray examination.

With age, arthritis of the joints occurs, which affects the articular process. As a result, the vertebra loses its structure and causes pain in the lumbar region. In addition, lumbar stenosis is possible, when inflammation of several discs is observed with the formation of a cavity in the vertebra.

Under the influence of a traumatic factor, a pelvic dislocation is possible, which provokes deformation of the spine and causes pain syndrome.

A herniated disc can also cause lower back pain because the disc membrane wears out and weakens, causing its soft tissue to bulge outward. In addition to the lower back, pain can be felt in the legs and along the entire spinal column.

A genetic factor in the occurrence of lower back pain is Bechterew's disease. The basis for its development is considered to be the presence of an inflammatory process in the joints and vertebrae, which ensures the appearance of pain in the sacral region with gradual coverage of the entire spinal column.

The most common cause of back pain in young people is insufficient physical activity due to prolonged sitting.

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Treatment of lower back pain with ointments

If back pain occurs, it is recommended to use medications in the form of ointments for application to the skin.

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

NSAIDs based on diclofenac are considered the most common ointments used as an external pain reliever. This group of ointments is used for pain syndrome caused by myalgia, inflammation due to the effect of a cold factor on the lumbar region, traumatic injury, as part of complex therapy for lumbago, osteochondrosis and radiculitis.

Treatment of lower back pain with ointments of combined composition provides pain reduction, inflammatory reaction, activates regenerative processes, has thrombolytic and resolving effect. Due to the included dimexide, the medicinal ointment quickly penetrates deep into the tissues and begins its therapeutic effect.

Another group of drugs for reducing lower back pain are those with local irritating action. They are especially effective in cases of traumatic injury, hypothermia and intense physical activity.

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

Homeopathic ointments are used for osteochondrosis and inflammatory processes in the lumbar region. They help reduce inflammation, stimulate metabolism, activating the regeneration of cartilage tissue, and thus have an analgesic effect. Homeopathic ointments are used for osteochondrosis, traumatic injury, myalgia and radiculitis.

Indications for use

Pain can have different genesis, therefore, to effectively eliminate it, it is recommended to identify the true pathology that leads to the appearance of pain syndrome in the lower back.

The main indications for the use of ointments for lower back pain include the presence of pain in the muscles and joints caused by tendovaginitis, traumatic injury or pathological process. For this purpose, drugs are used that are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, as well as antirheumatic drugs.

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

Indications for the use of ointments for lower back pain involve the use of a homeopathic group of remedies that are effective in sports and domestic traumatic injuries, such as sprains of the ligamentous apparatus, bone fractures, hemorrhages into the joint cavity, hematomas and injuries resulting from childbirth.

In addition, these drugs have proven their effectiveness in the treatment of bone and joint lesions of inflammatory, degenerative or microtraumatic origin. These include tendovaginitis, bursitis, arthritis of the hip joint and other pathological conditions.

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

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of pain-relieving drugs can be analyzed using the example of Fastum gel, Finalgon and Traumeel S. These drugs are representatives of different groups of medications, so the pharmacodynamics of ointments for lower back pain also differ slightly.

The main active component of Fastum gel is ketoprofen, which determines the therapeutic effect of the pain-relieving ointment. Penetrating deep into the tissues, ketoprofen has a therapeutic effect on the affected structures of the joints, ligaments and muscles, which caused the development of pain syndrome.

However, it is necessary to take into account that the absorption of the drug occurs very slowly, which cannot provide a quick analgesic effect.

The next group is represented by Finalgon, which contains two components that provide a vasodilating effect and a pronounced irritating effect on the skin over a long period of time.

The first component is nonivamide, which has analgesic properties. Its action is due to a decrease in the amount of substance P in the nerve endings of the peripheral nervous system. By stimulating afferent fibers, vasodilation is observed, which leads to a feeling of warmth.

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

A representative of the homeopathic group is Traumeel S. It has an anti-inflammatory effect due to the reduction of the liquid part of the blood leaving the vessel through the vascular wall and the reduction of edema. In addition, the drug relieves pain and accelerates regenerative processes caused by the stimulation of the body's defenses.

Pharmacokinetics

Due to the fact that pain-relieving ointments belong to different pharmacological groups, the pharmacokinetics of ointments for lower back pain also has its own peculiarities.

The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the properties of the components that make up their composition. Thus, the therapeutic effect after using ketoprofen (Fastum gel) is due to its slow absorption into the bloodstream. When applying 50-150 mg of the drug, the concentration of the active component after 5-8 hours is no more than 0.15 mcg/ml.

The pharmacokinetics of ointments for lower back pain from the group of irritating drugs, using Finalgon as an example, provides a rapid therapeutic effect after its local application.

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

Due to the combined effect of the two active components of Finalgon, blood vessels dilate, which reduces the duration of redness of the area of the skin where the medicinal ointment was applied.

Thanks to nonivamide and nicoboxil, there is activation of local blood circulation and the appearance of a feeling of warmth.

As for the homeopathic group of medicines, the pharmacokinetics of ointments for lower back pain has not been fully studied. There are assumptions that the main clinical effects are due to the effects of substances of plant and mineral origin, which are components of Traumeel S and other homeopathic preparations.

Name of ointments for lower back pain

Many medicines have the same active ingredient, but are called differently. This depends on the manufacturer and the presence of auxiliary components that are included in its composition.

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

They contain ketoprofen and additional components, such as menthol or neroli or lavender oils, which enhance the therapeutic effect.

This group of drugs is most often used to reduce pain caused by myalgia, low temperatures, radiculitis or traumatic injury. Among the drugs, we can highlight Ketonal, Finalgel, as well as ointments based on diclofenac, such as Voltaren, nimesulide - Nise or ibuprofen - Nurofen.

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

Due to the heparin included in the composition, there is an improvement in blood circulation and prevention of thrombus formation. Dimexide improves the process of penetration of other components deep into tissues. Thus, dexpanthenol and heparin are quickly absorbed and have a local irritant effect, causing hyperthermia in the area of application of the ointment.

This group of drugs includes Finalgon, Kapsikam and Apizartron. The components of Finalgon - nicoboxil and nonivamide - provide an analgesic effect by increasing local blood flow and activating metabolism in the inflammatory focus.

The names of ointments for lower back pain of homeopathic origin are Traumeel S and Ziel T. They activate metabolic processes, stimulate the regeneration of cartilage tissue and have an analgesic effect.

Indications for their use are back pain syndrome due to osteochondrosis, traumatic injury or inflammatory origin.

Method of administration and dosage

The release form of medicines in the form of ointments for combating pain syndrome in the lumbar region is not recommended for use in childhood. The method of administration and dosage should be adjusted depending on the patient's age, 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 review the treatment tactics and adjust the drugs.

NSAID ointment is used up to 2 times a day by applying a thin layer to the lumbar region. Usually 3-5 cm of the drug is enough for this. To speed up the absorption process, it is recommended to rub it lightly into the skin.

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

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

As for the homeopathic remedy, it is enough to use it up to 3 times a day, however, in acute processes, it is permissible to increase the frequency of use up to 6 times. The ointment can be applied to the skin under a sterile bandage or rubbed in with light movements. In addition, Traumeel S can be used with phonophoresis. The duration of the therapeutic course on average lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

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Use during pregnancy

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

Animal studies have shown that the ointments do not have a teratogenic or embryotoxic effect on the fetus, but the effect on the body of the woman and the fetus can manifest itself in various side effects, which threatens the health and life of both.

As for NSAIDs, their use during pregnancy is prohibited due to the high risk of bleeding. However, other ointments, for example, local irritants, can also have a negative effect on pregnancy and the fetus.

Homeopathic medicinal ointments are of plant origin, which provides the ointments with a more beneficial effect in comparison with others. However, the use of Traumeel C is permitted only after consultation with a doctor and the balance of benefits for the woman and harm to the fetus. The use of ointments for lower back pain during pregnancy of other drug groups is not recommended.

Contraindications for use

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

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

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

It is not advisable to use the ointment under the influence of sunlight or ultraviolet radiation in a solarium. Also, traumatic damage to the integrity of the skin, rash, eczema and skin infections are considered contraindications. Ointments should not be used by children and during pregnancy.

As for homeopathic preparations, it is not advisable to use these ointments if you have a low sensitivity threshold to the components of the drug. You should take into account possible allergic reactions to arnica, chamomile, Achillea millefolium and other plants of the genus Asteraceae.

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Side effects

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

Most often, a rash appears on the area where the ointment is applied, which can spread to other areas of the skin. Allergic reactions can manifest themselves in more serious skin symptoms, such as bullous or phlyctenular forms of eczema, which can become generalized.

In the presence of intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid, the likelihood of bronchospasm increases. Also rare, but still occurred development of anaphylactic shock, angioedema, bleeding from the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting and intestinal dysfunction.

Side effects of ointments for lower back pain from the urinary system include increased severity of renal pathology.

The nervous system may react to the application of locally irritating drugs by changing the sensitivity of the skin and the appearance of itching. With excessive use of the drug, coughing and respiratory dysfunction are likely to occur.

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

Overdose

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

Increased manifestations of side effects may be observed with prolonged use of the cream over a long period of time that exceeds the recommended period.

Overdose is more often observed when using locally irritating medications. In this case, the risk of developing a rash in the form of blisters on the lumbar region where the cream was applied increases.

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

Among the most common systemic manifestations, it is worth highlighting redness of the upper body, increased temperature (fever) and decreased blood pressure.

If side effects occur, to prevent further absorption of the cream into the skin and bloodstream, the area where the cream is applied should be lubricated with a tampon soaked in olive oil or a fatty cream. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the general condition of the person and use symptomatic therapy if necessary.

Storage conditions

In order for a medicine to retain its medicinal properties throughout its entire shelf life, it is necessary to ensure optimal storage conditions.

These conditions involve maintaining the necessary temperature conditions, humidity levels and lighting. Thus, the storage conditions for ointments for lower back pain include ensuring a temperature of no higher than 25 degrees, as well as the absence of direct sunlight.

If the integrity of the packaging is compromised and the drug is exposed to negative atmospheric factors, the drug is unable to maintain its structure, as a result of which its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties change.

A mandatory storage condition is that the drug should not be accessible to children. The ointment is used exclusively for external use, but children can taste the medicine, which poses a threat to their health.

Best before date

When manufacturing a medicinal product, its expiration date and storage conditions are specified to preserve all its healing properties. For 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 date of production of the ointment and the last use. After its expiration, the drug is prohibited to use in order to avoid side effects.

The expiration date should be indicated on the outer cardboard packaging so that a person has quick access to it, and also on the tube, since the packaging may be lost.

Ointments for lower back pain can be used as monotherapy or as part of a complex treatment. It is necessary to remember that pain syndrome can be caused by various pathologies (bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, internal organs). To completely eliminate pain, a full examination should be carried out and the cause of its occurrence should be identified.