The best ointments for lower back pain - Traumatology and orthopedics

October 31, 2021

Pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea).

Every woman at least once in her life has encountered unpleasant and painful sensations during menstruation. For some, they occur occasionally with colds and weakened immunity, while others suffer from pain all their lives. In modern medicine, painful menstrual syndrome is regarded as a disease called “algomenorrhea” or “dysmenorrhea”. The first name is considered to be more accurate, but due to its length, the second name – dysmenorrhea – is more often used.

It is very difficult to understand on your own why your stomach hurts during menstruation, and the lack of proper treatment can lead to serious problems. Therefore, with this symptom, it is better to immediately contact a gynecologist at the clinic for qualified medical help.

In addition to the already mentioned pain in the lower abdomen, patients during menstruation are often bothered by other symptoms: emotional and mental disorders - irritability, drowsiness, insomnia, odor intolerance, etc. Manifestations of a “vegetative storm” - nausea, chills or a feeling of heat, sweating, dry mouth, bloating, frequent urination, etc. Vascular dysfunction - headache, dizziness, arrhythmias, numbness in the arms and legs, swelling of the face, etc.

Metabolic and endocrine disorders - weakness, itching, joint pain, swelling, feeling of “woolly” legs, etc. Menstrual pain is usually cramping, that is, it increases and decreases. It feels like you've overextended your muscles. Pain during menstruation should not be sharp, it is rather nagging. If you suddenly feel a sharp, cutting pain in the left lower abdomen, consult a doctor immediately. Most likely, the cause of this pain is not menstruation, but other health problems.

With primary dysmenorrhea, it is not possible to identify a reliable organic cause of pain during the examination. Usually the causes are: instability in the level of sex hormones and hormone-like substances, as well as disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. Changes occur in the body that cause increased contractility of the muscles of the uterus (myometrium). The result is pain. In addition, against the background of malfunctions of the nervous system, sensitivity to pain increases.

Most often, primary dysmenorrhea occurs in young girls who have just begun to establish their menstrual cycle. When menstrual cramps are the result of another disorder, treatment for that disorder is provided if possible. For example, a narrow cervical canal can be widened surgically. However, this surgery usually only relieves pain temporarily. If necessary, fibroids or abnormally located endometriotic tissue (due to endometriosis) are removed surgically. When a doctor diagnoses primary dysmenorrhea, he or she reassures the woman that no other disorder is causing the pain and recommends general measures to relieve symptoms.

Top 10 pain relieving ointments for the lower back.

September 6, 2021
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Content

Why does my back hurt?
How to choose an ointment for the lower back
Contraindications and side effects of ointments for the lower back
Top 10 ointments for the lower back
Nicoflex
Shungite
Nurofen Express
Nayatoks
Apizartron
Voltaren Emulgel
Finalgon
Capsicam
Viprosal B
Nise

The main method of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system is medication, usually aimed at relieving inflammation and pain. Local medications for back pain (ointments and gels) are practically not absorbed into the blood and have a minimum of side effects and contraindications, unlike tablets and injections. Therefore, back ointment can be used for a long time.

Gels and ointments that increase blood circulation

Gels and ointments that increase blood circulation usually consist of capsaicin and its derivatives (the substance responsible for the spicy taste of pepper), other substances that have a vasodilating, warming and irritating effect. The drug helps to increase local blood flow, improves microcirculation, and due to intense burning on the skin, stimulates the natural mechanisms of pain control (distracting effect). Vasodilation and increased blood flow help improve metabolism in the underlying tissues, including those affected by degenerative and inflammatory processes.

Before starting use, it is recommended to carry out a test - allergic reactions are possible; in some patients with sensitive skin, the drug causes an intolerable burning sensation (in such cases, it is necessary to wash off the product with warm water and soap).

Common ointments that increase blood circulation for back and lower back pain:

Nicoflex
Finalgon
Capsicam

Why does my back hurt?

To find out the cause of back pain, you need, of course, a full diagnosis and consultation with a doctor. Only an accurate diagnosis allows adequate treatment of low back pain. The most common causes of back pain:

osteochondrosis;
muscle strain or injury;
muscle imbalance, scoliosis;
protrusion or hernia;
radicular syndrome;
spondyloarthrosis;
congenital problems with the development of the spine;
radiculitis, sciatica, lumbago, myofascial syndrome.

All of these causes of back pain require the use of painkillers (especially during periods of exacerbation).

Causes of back pain

The source of back pain can be various anatomical structures and soft tissues of the spine and spinal cord. The direct cause of the pain syndrome can be inflammation (for example, with spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteochondrosis), external pressure on the nerve fibers and the spinal cord itself (with a herniated disc, radiculitis, sciatica, tumor of the spinal cord membranes), trauma (back contusion, fracture spine), muscle spasm. Most often, pain is a consequence of a complex of causes - in most cases there is inflammation, muscle spasm, and external pressure.

How to choose an ointment for the lower back

Before you run to the pharmacy for ointment or gel for back pain, you need to know what these drugs are and for what problem you should choose one or the other. If you have back pain after an injury or due to rheumatism, both warming and cooling ointments are suitable.

If back pain has recently begun to bother you, the pain is acute, warming ointments cannot be used - such preparations contain irritating substances that provoke skin hyperemia. This heating stimulates blood circulation in the muscle or joint, which helps to recover. Warming ointments can only be used during rehabilitation, when there is no acute pain and the patient feels better.

The use of a warming ointment during an acute period can only provoke a worsening of the condition. Redness and swelling are possible, and the inflammatory process may worsen. If there is a fresh back injury, you can only use cooling or pain-relieving ointments (with NSAIDs, mint or menthol). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve inflammation well, and mint or menthol remove swelling.

Indications for the use of ointments for the back

Ointments, gels and transdermal patches are indicated for pain caused by spinal disease - these are effective means to combat pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, neuralgia, radiculitis, spondyloarthrosis and spondyloarthritis. However, like any other therapy, local treatment has its limitations. Due to the fact that the skin acts as a powerful barrier and prevents the penetration of large quantities of the active substance of the ointment or gel, it is difficult to achieve a pronounced effect. Therefore, patients, not receiving the expected effect, begin to think about what else to apply to themselves for back pain. The effectiveness of ointments and gels depends on the cause of the pain - a mandatory consultation with a medical specialist will help you understand in which case local therapy is effective and in which it is not.

Contraindications and side effects of ointments for the lower back

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in tablet form have many side effects: they are toxic, have a bad effect on the kidneys, liver, stomach, and hemostatic function. That is why tablets and injections for back pain are prescribed only in extreme cases and for a short course. But ointments for back pain can be used for a relatively long time, but, of course, not constantly either. A small part of the drug still enters the blood through the skin, which can negatively affect overall well-being during long-term treatment.

Among the contraindications for use

back ointments:

individual intolerance to the active substance of the drug or its auxiliary components;
open wounds on the skin, inflammation or suppuration in the places where you plan to apply the back cream;
allergy to NSAIDs, acetylsalicylic acid;
age up to 14 years;
pregnancy (third trimester).

In these cases, ointment for back pain is prescribed with caution:

first and second trimester of pregnancy;
severe kidney or liver damage;
history of gastritis or ulcer;
nasal polyps, rhinitis, bronchial asthma;
lactation. Possible side effects
from lower back ointments:
stomach pain, gastritis;
skin redness, dermatosis, urticaria, itching;
anaphylaxis, Quincke's edema (in very rare cases). Read also: Choosing chondroprotectors for joints What are chondroprotectors, what active substances they contain and what they treat.

Chondroprotective ointments for lower back pain

Chondroprotectors are drugs that have the ability to slow down the process of destruction (degeneration) of cartilage tissue and stimulate its regeneration. These are mainly glucosamine and chondroitin. There are various ointments with glucosamine and/or chondroitin, however, due to the fact that these substances do not pass through the skin well (they are high-molecular compounds), the effectiveness of these products is questioned. Chondroprotectors have the greatest effect when administered intramuscularly and orally, however, even in this case, several courses of treatment are required to achieve an effect.

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years of experience

Common chondroprotective ointments for back and lower back pain:

Sofia Chondroitin glucosamine complex
Chondroitin

Such products include various creams, ointments, gels and balms, recommended for back pain, and containing collagen, mumiyo, oils, including essential oils, extracts of medicinal herbs, alum, shungite, etc. The effectiveness of such drugs (Shungite, Dr. Theiss Comfrey with vitamin E, Valentin Dikul Balm) has not been tested by clinical studies, and remains on the conscience of the manufacturer.

Nicoflex

Nicoflex ointment for the lower back stimulates blood circulation, has a warming effect, and copes well with pain symptoms. The active ingredients of Nikoflex are capsaicin, ethyl nicotinate and ethylene glycol salicylate. Ointment for back pain warms up and irritates the painful area of the body - the inflammatory process is reduced due to increased blood circulation. "Nikoflex" restores mobility to the joints and lower back, is quickly absorbed without a greasy residue. The back ointment has a neutral odor, and the burning sensation after application lasts literally two minutes.

Nicoflex

Reanal, Hungary

- bruises;
- sprains; - arthrosis; - myalgia; - neuralgia; - chronic neuritis; — polyarthritis (chronic and subacute); - sciatica; — tendovaginitis (in the phase of incomplete remission); - to warm up muscles before and after sports. from 251

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Options for quick pain relief

The onset of the disease is accompanied by acute, piercing pain in the spine or lower back. Painful sensations often deprive a person of the ability to move; the slightest movement provokes the appearance of sharp pain. In this situation, it is important to choose a position in which pain symptoms will decrease:

Lower back pain – lie on your back with your legs on a pillow.
Pain in the thoracic region - lie down on your side. It is recommended to use a pillow or cushion under the lower back or between the legs, bent at the knees.
Pain in the cervicothoracic region - sit in a semi-sitting position, place a pillow between the shoulder blades.

The best ointments for lower back pain

Shungite

This cream-balm contains many medicinal extracts that do an excellent job with myalgia. The main active ingredients of “Shungit” are ginseng, wormwood, St. John’s wort, aloe, and shungite. Shungite cream improves the body's functional abilities, is perfectly absorbed and does not leave stickiness on the skin. This ointment for lower back pain is prescribed for acute joint pain, muscle pain and lower back pain. Shungite helps relieve swelling, inflammation and pain, soothes and improves blood circulation in joints and periarticular tissues. Shungite lower back cream allows you to quickly recover from injuries, is not addictive and has no side effects.

Shungite Cream Balm

Fora-Pharm LLC, Russia

Use in complex treatment of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, arthritis and arthrosis of various origins and in places where salts are deposited, in combination with traditional methods of treatment, as an adjuvant.
from 75

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Indications for use of ointments

Ointments for back and lower back pain are used as individual therapy when feeling discomfort, expressed in varying degrees of pain.

Problems appear during the period of exacerbation of chronic pathological disorders when weather conditions change and the body becomes hypothermic. Moderate pain is characterized by minor muscle inflammation and pinched nerve endings.

When choosing an ointment for an individual prescription to a patient, the doctor must take into account the circumstances that caused the discomfort:

homeopathic medicines with anti-inflammatory effects are prescribed to treat the inflammatory process;
drugs that have a warming effect are prescribed for the treatment of osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis;
ointments with the effect of local irritation - used to treat pathological changes with moderate pain.

To prescribe a specific drug, it is important to make the correct diagnosis.

Nurofen Express

Back ointment "Nurofen Express" helps well with osteochondrosis and arthritis. The product perfectly relieves pain, penetrating deep into tissues and fighting inflammation from the inside. Ointment for the lower back for acute pain is recommended to be used four times a day. The drug is suitable for the treatment of joint pain and sprains, the ointment is effective for swelling, neuralgia and injuries. Nurofen Express ointment contains ibuprofen, which relieves inflammation and reduces pain.

Nurofen express gel

Farmasierra Manufacturing SL, Spain

When applied externally, it has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Reduces morning stiffness and helps increase range of motion in joints. from 133

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Nayatoks

This is a Vietnamese drug based on cobra venom. In addition, it contains camphor, methyl salicylate and eucalyptus oil, which irritate the skin locally and dilate blood vessels, which improves blood circulation. Nayatox ointment is excellent for lower back pain. The drug has a strong smell, but this is not a problem since Nayatox is used once a day at night. If you look for reviews on the Internet about this ointment for the lower back, there are many of them and most are positive. “Nayatox” warms gently, without burning, and at the same time relieves pain and discomfort in the lower back.

Nayatoks

MEKOFAR, Vietnam

Pain syndrome in diseases of the musculoskeletal system: - arthritis of various etiologies;
- neuralgia; - myalgia; - sciatica; - radiculitis. from 100

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Ointments with bee and snake venom

Bee and snake venom have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. A detailed description of such therapy is found in Hippocrates, Avicenna, Galen and many other healers. Modern research confirms the ability of bee and snake venom to have a number of positive effects in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. The enzymes it contains (phospholipase, hyaluronidase, phosphatase), toxins, and biologically active substances have a locally irritating and distracting, reflex, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Under the influence of the poison, a reflex expansion of blood vessels occurs, microcirculation improves, the permeability of the vascular wall increases, regeneration is stimulated and tissue nutrition improves. Direct anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect relieves swelling and inflammation. The addition of excipients such as salicylic acid and mustard oil enhances the effect of ointments for back and lower back pain.

It is important to remember that the use of ointments with bee and snake venom is strictly contraindicated in case of allergies to bee products, polyvalent allergies, or a tendency to anaphylactic shock. In such patients, even small amounts of poison can cause severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the upper respiratory tract and anaphylaxis.

The most common ointments with bee or snake venom for back and lower back pain:

Apizartron;
Viprosal;
Virapin.

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years of experience

Apizartron

Ointment for the lower back "Apizartron" contains bee venom and provides excellent warmth. The active ingredients of the ointment are methyl salicylate (relieves inflammation), allyl isothiocyanate (warms tissues, improving blood circulation), bee venom (analgeses, reduces inflammation, fights infection). Many patients consider this ointment for the lower back to be one of the most effective. But keep in mind that Apizartron ointment can cause an allergic reaction, so we recommend performing a skin test before starting treatment.

Apizartron

Esparma, Germany

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (osteoarthrosis, rheumatic lesions of soft tissues).
Arthralgia (including rheumatic joint diseases). Myalgia (including those associated with overexertion. Neuralgia (including neuritis, sciatica). Peripheral circulation disorders. Pain syndrome with soft lesions of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bruises and sprains. To warm up the muscles before and during sports loads from 176

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General contraindications

Ointments, gels and patches have general contraindications:

Violation of the integrity of the skin in the area of application;
Inflammatory processes on the skin in the area of application;
Allergic reactions to components of ointments, gels and patches (including excipients, such as the adhesive base of the patch);
Skin diseases in the area of application (ulcers, rashes);
Childhood and pregnancy may also be a contraindication for the use of ointments, gels and patches.

The use of local therapy is ineffective for serious pathologies of the spine and spinal cord (tumors, severe injuries, multiple sclerosis, spinal tuberculosis, etc.).

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years of experience

Voltaren Emulgel

This ointment is usually prescribed for pain in the lower back, joints and muscles. The active substance of the drug is diclofenac, which quickly relieves pain. "Voltaren Emulgel" has a water-alcohol base, is conveniently applied to the skin, is well absorbed and does not leave a greasy feeling. The product perfectly reduces heat in affected areas of the body. To completely get rid of back pain, doctors recommend using Voltaren Emulgel for a course (two to three weeks).

Voltaren emulgel

Novartis Europharm Ltd, UNITED KINGDOM

Voltaren emulgel is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
It has a pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. from 92

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Finalgon

“Finalgon” is a combination drug with a good warming effect, which contains nonivamide and nicoboxil. “Finalgon” dilates blood vessels and anesthetizes, so when applied to the affected area, blood circulation and local metabolism improve, the temperature of the body area increases - all this significantly reduces pain. Finalgon ointment is usually prescribed for lower back pain caused by muscle spasms. Many patients respond very well to Finalgon, although some doctors are confident that its effect is largely distracting and not therapeutic.

Finalgon

Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany

- arthritis;
- arthralgia and myalgia of rheumatic origin; - sports injuries, bruises and damage to the ligamentous apparatus; - myalgia caused by excessive physical activity; - lumbago; - neuritis; - sciatica; - bursitis and tendovaginitis; - acute nonspecific pain in the lower back; - for preliminary “warming up” of muscles before physical exercises, sports competitions; - as part of complex vasodilator therapy for peripheral circulatory disorders. from 246

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NSAID gastropathy

In the scientific literature, this problem is called “NSAID gastropathy.” The term was first proposed in 1986 to distinguish specific damage to the gastric mucosa that occurs with long-term use of NSAIDs from classic peptic ulcer disease.

The difference between NSAID gastropathy and peptic ulcer disease can also be traced by the affected area. Most often, ulcers can be seen in the stomach, and not in the duodenum. Plus, the changes are more common in older people than in younger people.

Capsicam

The composition of the Kapsicam back ointment includes gum turpentine, dimethyl sulfoxide, racemic camphor, benzyl nicotinate, nonivamide. “Capsicam” warms the affected area well; patients often choose this remedy to treat the lower back if the pain is muscle. If pain occurs due to neuralgia, the effect of Capsicam will be slightly less pronounced. After applying the ointment, a slight warmth appears, and back pain gradually goes away. It is important to rub in no more than 3 grams of ointment at a time. If you overdo it, you can get skin irritation and even a burn. If lower back pain is associated with inflammation, Capsicum is not suitable.

Capsicam

Tallinn HFZ, Estonia

Capsicum has a local irritating, analgesic effect.
Capsicam contains substances that have a vasodilating effect on sensitive nerve endings, as a result of which the ointment exhibits a local irritant and analgesic effect. from 180

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Carrying out treatment

The algorithm is as follows:

before applying ointments, the skin should be washed and dried;
ointments are applied in an even layer to the painful area;
rub in with light pressure, using massaging movements, excess is removed with a napkin.

It is recommended to apply ointments at night; in the evening, the effect of medicinal components is more active. The use of therapy at night promotes restful sleep without pain.

Viprosal B

Ointment for the lower back with viper venom gently warms the affected area, but at the same time not only effectively relieves negative symptoms, but also heals. The active ingredients of Viprosal B ointment are salicylic acid, camphor, turpentine and viper venom. The important thing is that Viprosal effectively relieves lower back pain caused by various factors (injuries, sprains, neuralgia). Viprosal ointment for the lower back should be used carefully, as with other irritants.

Viprosal in

Tallinn HFZ, Estonia

Locally irritating, analgesic, used topically for joint and muscle pain.
Causes irritation of sensitive receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, dilates blood vessels, improves tissue trophism. from 205

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Nise

The remedy for back pain “Nise” can be bought in tablet form and in gel form. Gel "Nise" perfectly relieves lower back pain caused by various reasons. The active substance of the drug - nimesulide - anesthetizes, relieves inflammation, and has a chondroprotective effect on joints. To relieve back pain, you need to apply Nise 1-2 times a day. A few days after treatment, the lower back pain completely disappears - the drug not only relieves symptoms, but also cures. Nise gel has no side effects. Many doctors say that this is one of the best drugs for treating back and joints.

Nise gel

Homeopathic ointments for back and lower back pain

Homeopathy is a branch of alternative medicine that uses the principle of similarity for treatment (like cures like). Homeopaths use ultra-low concentrations of various substances of mineral or organic origin as medicine. Numerous studies of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies have not found the therapeutic effect described by adherents of homeopathy - with the exception of the placebo effect.

There are various homeopathic remedies available for topical, oral or injection use that the manufacturer claims can treat back pain. Such drugs often contain poisonous and toxic compounds (such as mercury, heavy metals, poisonous plants). Homeopathy should only be used as an adjuvant therapy for diseases that do not pose a risk of serious complications or death. The use of homeopathic remedies in children is prohibited.

Common homeopathic remedies for back pain:

Traumeel C
Target T