Low back pain can appear in each person due to excessive physical exertion, age-related changes in the body, and a number of other reasons. If literally ten to twenty years ago, most of the elderly suffered from sciatica and osteochondrosis, but today this disease is increasingly common among young people. This may be due to a sedentary lifestyle, regular stress and poor diet.
You can fight such a disease with the help of special means — they are found in specialized health stores, in pharmacies. Experts recommend using local formulations, as they are the most effective and safe, since they are practically not absorbed into human blood. However, the question arises: how to choose the right tool? Today we will try to answer it in our ranking of the best remedies for lower back pain. Here we will consider in detail the composition and principle of operation of each composition.
When we chose the products to include in the review, we were guided mainly by user reviews and the value for money of these products. I would also like to note that this article is not a call to buy the remedy you like, it is advisable to first consult with your doctor, who will be able to determine for sure whether such a remedy is right for you or whether you should give preference to another.
Ointments, gels and creams
5+. TONUS GEL
Eight natural ingredients that make up TONUS GEL effectively cope with pain in the joints and muscles, relieve the symptoms of body fatigue after any physical exercise, help relieve swelling and pain after a sprain or blow, and relieve bruises. If suddenly the joints respond to the weather, it can also be used. The gel contains essential oils and herbal extracts, which together give a person the much-needed effect that alleviates painful symptoms. The gel will help to relax and recover from any stressful situation, and will also wake up the hidden reserves of the body.
The composition of the gel clearly shows notes of eucalyptus and mint. If the first component has an anti-inflammatory effect, then the second one dilates blood vessels, reducing pain. Mint also successfully relieves swelling.
Thanks to the horse chestnut extract, which is also part of the gel composition, the product perfectly enhances venous circulation. Your feet will definitely thank you!
Fir can also be found in the gel. It soothes aching pain, has a bactericidal effect. Wormwood, which is recognized both by folk medicine and official medicine, has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. For greater effectiveness of the drug, manufacturers have added camphor and red pepper extract. Both ingredients dilate blood vessels, act as an analgesic, remove inflammation.
And the gel smells like herbs. Produced in tubes of 125 ml.
Advantages:
- unobtrusive herbal smell;
- a comprehensive solution to the problems of joint and muscle pain;
- completely natural composition;
- well absorbed, leaves no traces;
- there are no contraindications for use.
Flaws:
- small tube volume.
TONUS GEL
5. Cream-balm Shungite in the joints
The basis here is a special carbon-containing mineral, which looks like a black stone, which has a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole. The mineral is characterized by the original structure of the molecule. Carbon atoms are arranged in such a way that the result is a hollow sphere inside — a fullerene, inside of which there is a substance that can easily penetrate into the tissues of muscles and joints, getting directly to the focus of inflammation. All auxiliary elements are selected in a special concentration, which allows you to fully reveal the beneficial properties of the composition. The whole complex of valuable substances of this cream has a strong antioxidant effect, helps to restore not only tissues, but also joints and even cartilage. As a result, painful and uncomfortable sensations disappear, the joints become more mobile. The composition contains eucalyptus oil, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics, allows you to have an antibacterial and antiseptic effect. In most cases, eucalyptus extract is used to combat arthritis and rheumatism, especially when a person suffering from these ailments has a strong pain syndrome.
Vitamin E significantly slows down the aging process in bones and joints. The warming effect is achieved by red pepper extract. Additionally, it stimulates blood circulation in muscle tissues. To accelerate the action of the drug, a number of natural substances are used — extracts of hawthorn, thyme, St. John’s wort, nettle. Nettle is a rich source of organic silicon compounds that penetrate and repair joints. St. John’s wort is a powerful antiseptic that fights pathogens, preventing them from further damaging the joints. Shungite normalizes metabolic reactions, saturates tissues with an additional amount of oxygen, which also greatly accelerates the recovery processes.
Advantages:
- Effectively affects the damaged area of cartilage or bone tissue;
- It has a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect;
- Acceptable cost;
- Includes only natural ingredients;
- Slows down the aging process of the joints;
- Can be used for various diseases.
Flaws:
- Weakly manifests itself during muscle spasms;
- A small volume of a tube — you have to buy regularly.
Cream-balm Shungite in the joints
4. Ointment Nikoflex
The ointment contains special substances designed to irritate the skin — a natural component of capsicum (capsaicin), as well as a derivative of nicotinic acid. After application, they cause blood flow to the sore area, which leads to a quick and effective fight against inflammatory processes. The ointment is characterized by a rather oily texture, it remains on the surface of the skin for quite a long time, as a result of which there is some semblance of a greenhouse effect. This allows for an additional warming effect. The composition helps to effectively cope with mild or moderate pain. The tool is much safer compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or local analgesics. With the help of ointment, it is also possible to remove puffiness. However, it should be borne in mind that these products are not capable of influencing the cause of the disease, therefore it is allowed to be used only within the framework of symptomatic therapy.
Capsaicin, contained in the ointment in a significant amount, is a crystalline colorless compound. It blocks fast K-channels, affects vanilloid receptors, which provides an irritating, analgesic and distracting effect. The remedy works incredibly quickly — the pain disappears in just a few minutes, the duration is from two to three hours, sometimes longer — this directly depends on the sensitivity of the patient’s skin. Also, the composition expands the blood vessels located directly under the surface of the skin, increases their level of permeability, improving local blood microcirculation. Another ointment affects the patient’s brain, accelerating the synthesis of special compounds that suppress pain.
Advantages:
- Returns the lower back to its former mobility;
- Well warms up and anesthetizes;
- It has a rather mild effect — neither a strong burning sensation nor a tingling sensation was found during application;
- Quite pleasant, not too strong smell.
Flaws:
- It is necessary to use this tool with gloves, or after treating the skin, you will have to wash your hands thoroughly, since the ointment tastes very bitter.
Ointment Nikoflex
3. Nurofen Express
Such a drug exclusively for external use is made on the basis of ibuprofen, a strong anesthetic of synthetic origin. It can be combined with fixing dressings or bandages made only from natural fabrics. When using airtight orthoses, a strong burning sensation is often observed, and the gel must not be applied under occlusive tight dressings. The drug does not affect the reaction rate at all, so it is suitable for people associated with driving vehicles or working where high concentration and attention are required. It is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription, but specialist advice is required, since allergic reactions to individual components of the product or individual intolerance are not uncommon. The gel copes well with the symptoms of diseases such as rheumatism and arthritis, but it cannot eliminate the cause of the disease. The highest therapeutic concentration of the active substance is observed in all layers of the skin approximately one day after application, which indicates a long-term effect of the drug.
Approximately 10-15% of ibuprofen reaches the foci of inflammation, and it accumulates in the synovial capsule and soft tissues surrounding the damaged joint. It practically does not enter the systemic circulation. Almost in full, this drug is processed by the cells of the liver and kidneys, part is excreted by bile acids. If necessary, it can be used against severe bruises, if the top layer of the skin has not been damaged. The gel helps to fight the occurrence of bruises, hematomas, the action in this case is aimed at restoring blood vessels. Supplied in a convenient aluminum tube containing about 50 g of gel. Economical consumption — one package will last for a long time.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost of funds;
- No pungent odor;
- Warms well, but does not bake;
- Effectively helps to cope with pain from arthritis and rheumatism, with the formation of bruises;
- Consumed slowly;
- It has a long lasting effect.
Flaws:
- It is made only from synthetic products, which can cause allergies;
- The therapeutic effect is observed only in the fight against bruises, with more serious ailments, only a symptomatic effect.
Nurofen Express
2. Fastum gel
It is an external remedy for combating pain in the lower back, back and joints, where the function of the main active element is performed by the synthetic substance ketoprofen. This is a special analgesic compound with anti-inflammatory effect, belonging to the group of non-steroidal substances. It is available in different forms — injections, tablets, ointments and so on. Absorption is carried out through the surface layers of the skin, and this composition even enters the blood vessels, but in small quantities. Ketoprofen allows you to get rid of the symptoms of hernia, osteochondrosis, relieve pain in the muscles, ligaments, lymph nodes. He actively fights against puffiness, however, he is not able to rid the human body of the cause of the disease. In addition to ketoprofen, the gel contains neroli and lavender oils, as well as trolamine. With the help of these substances, the products acquire a pleasant aroma, and their action is also aimed at further enhancing the action of ketoprofen.
They also have a cooling and soothing effect and quickly relieve joint stiffness and muscle tension. A maximum of such a gel is allowed to be used daily for two weeks with a frequency of application no more than 2 times a day. It should be borne in mind that this remedy does not have a warming effect. However, it is not suitable for people with sensitive, inflamed or damaged skin. It is strictly forbidden to apply on open wounds.
Advantages:
- Effectively helps, has a long-term effect;
- Easy to apply;
- The unpleasant smell is completely absent;
- Includes both synthetic and natural compounds;
- It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and cooling effect.
Flaws:
- It costs much more than similar drugs;
- Positive dynamics is observed approximately after the second application (depending on the sensitivity of the skin).
Fastum gel
1. Voltaren emulgel
It immediately has a triple effect on the focus of pain — it relieves inflammation and swelling, relieves pain, and also accelerates the recovery of the joint, tissue or cartilage if combined with other therapeutic drugs. It is sold exclusively in pharmacies, a prescription is not required, it is produced in aluminum tubes of various sizes — from 20 to 150 g. The composition contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound diclofenac diethylamine. Unlike other means, the action of which is aimed at cooling or warming the tissue, the substance allows you to fully get rid of the pain syndrome due to the direct effect on the focus of inflammation. The structure of the gel is such that it is almost instantly absorbed through the skin, getting directly to the diseased bone, muscle or cartilage tissue. It is allowed to apply to children over the age of 12 years with a frequency of 3-4 times a day. The required amount of the drug directly depends on the size of the painful area.
The gel is produced on a water-alcohol basis, which contributes to a slight cooling effect. The duration depends on the positive dynamics and indications for use. If even after two weeks the pain has not disappeared, you should consult your doctor. You can use this composition not only for back pain, but also for sprains, sports injuries, rheumatism, inflammatory processes in the tendons, and so on.
Advantages:
- It is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving no greasy marks on the surface of the clothes;
- The smell is almost imperceptible, disappears instantly;
- Actively fights pain and inflammation;
- Has a slight cooling effect.
Flaws:
- Quite expensive;
- Has high consumption.
Voltaren emulgel
plasters
3. Bee plaster
This unique product is an invention of centuries-old Chinese medicine. With its help, you can quickly and for a long time get rid of painful sensations in the joints, restore their former mobility and prevent the recurrence of the disease. The therapeutic effect, unlike tablets and injections, is local, the effect of the patch is directed directly to the inflamed focus. The patch strip includes several layers — the lower film covering the second layer, which contains the active substance, as well as the upper protective layer, which does not allow the drug to evaporate from the skin surface. The beeswax contained here, under the influence of the heat of the human body, begins to melt and penetrate deeply, reaching the tissues. The impact on the focus of the disease is long, since the patch can be worn without removing it for a long time.
Active substances are delivered to the inflamed area in small doses, but this happens continuously. A positive effect is observed within the first hours after gluing. The pain syndrome quickly disappears, the joints regain their former flexibility and mobility. This patch is able to cope with many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The instructions say that you can stick it not only on a sore spot, but also on special biologically active points. In any case, the surface of the skin must be dry and clean. If the area is decent, you can stick several patches at once.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Long-term positive effect;
- Able to fight a large number of diseases;
- Can be worn for a long time;
- Active substances are supplied to the inflamed area continuously, but in small doses.
Flaws:
- At first, a not too pleasant burning sensation may be felt, but it disappears in just half an hour.
bee plaster
2. Nanoplast Forte
As a basis, a thin, but very flexible plate is used here, which is produced on the basis of hypoallergenic materials that have passed all the necessary clinical tests. A very fine powder, which is a mixture of rare earth metals, is applied to it from the inside. The therapeutically active components of this product are microscopic in size, which allows them to take full advantage of their positive characteristics. The adhesive base is reliable, you do not have to fear that the patch will peel off at the most inopportune moment. Before gluing such a tool, it must be held in the palms of your hands for some time so that it acquires the temperature of a person’s body. This will help launch the nanoparticles, which will start emitting infrared waves. With their help, it will be possible to thoroughly warm up the diseased area.
The patch is characterized by a complex effect on the human body — it has an anti-inflammatory effect, has good analgesic qualities, activates blood flow in the affected area and accelerates the flow of lymph, quickly removes muscle spasm. The restoration of the functioning of the musculoskeletal system occurs in just a few hours. Nanoplast allows you to get rid of the consequences of sports injuries, removes the symptoms of dystrophic processes in the joints and cartilage, which often occur with arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis and hernia.
Advantages:
- There is no burning sensation;
- Does not leave marks on the skin;
- Produced using innovative technologies;
- Acceptable price;
- Effectively copes with pain syndrome.
Flaws:
- There are only three pieces in the package — you have to buy regularly.
Nanoplast Forte
1. Miaolaodi
It contains about 30 medicinal herbs used in Chinese traditional medicine, in the central part of the patch there is a neodymium magnetic disk. It not only creates a magnetic field, but also emits infrared rays, which, in combination with transdermal therapy, help to quickly relieve inflammation and pain in the muscles, connective, bone and cartilage tissue. With the help of this tool, it is possible to start the processes of rapid restoration of tissues and ligaments. It helps to get rid of rheumatic and post-traumatic pains. The natural components of the composition, being under the influence of a constant magnetic field, pass through the surface of the skin much faster and actively interact with the inflamed area. With their help, blood circulation improves, the walls of blood vessels become more permeable, metabolism is accelerated. They also stimulate the production of joint fluid, increase its viscosity and lubricity.
It is allowed to use such a patch for a long time, until the last traces of the disease disappear. Usually six patches are enough for this. Moreover, each of them can be worn for up to three days. One package of such a remedy will just be enough for a full course of treatment.
Advantages:
- Quickly relieves even severe pain;
- After the course of treatment, all the symptoms and causes of the disease go away;
- The original composition that does not contain synthetic compounds;
- Magnetic waves not only deliver active substances to the affected area faster, but also rid it of free radicals, which can also cause serious harm.
Flaws:
- The skin needs to be cleaned very carefully — the patch is quite heavy, often peels off.
Miaolaodi
Tablets
2. Meloxicam
It is produced both in the form of tablets and in the form of ampoules for intramuscular injection. This non-steroidal drug allows you to actively fight inflammation directly in the joints. The drug is characterized by an active anti-inflammatory effect, allows you to get rid of fever by lowering body temperature. It should be noted that this product, regardless of the form of release, has a low price. The tablets also contain lactose, cellulose, sodium citrate and a number of other components. They have the shape of a flat cylinder, the color is usually yellow. The drug blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are actively synthesized in the inflamed area. The active substance is evenly distributed over the tissues of the human body, due to which it is characterized by a prolonged action, it seeps well into the synovial fluid.
The drug does not allow lipids to oxidize and free radicals to form. Also, it does not change the structure of the cartilage and has a restorative effect. With its help, you can get rid of pain arising from arthritis, rheumatism, lower the temperature, regardless of the nature of its origin, and even remove inflammatory processes of the infectious type. The best result was noted in the fight against arthritis and arthrosis. Take a tablet once a day with meals, drink plenty of liquid.
Advantages:
- Low price with a quick positive effect;
- Several forms of release;
- Fights inflammation at the cellular level;
- Sufficiently long-term effect of the drug.
Flaws:
- There are a number of serious contraindications and side effects.
Meloxicam
1. Nimesil
By and large, this is not so much a tablet as a powder for preparing a suspension, however, in terms of its effectiveness, this remedy is largely superior to almost all tableted drugs. One sachet contains two grams of granular powder, where nimesulide acts as the main active compound — 0.1 g of the total mass. In order for the substance to be absorbed much better and faster, maltodextrin, ketomacrogol, sucrose and citric acid are used as additional components. The action of this drug is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, in addition, it has an excellent antipyretic property. The active substance inhibits collagenase and metalloprotease, due to which the cartilage tissue begins to actively recover. When the patient takes this medicine, histamine production is reduced — this helps to overcome swelling.
In the blood plasma, the volume of lithium ions increases. Do not combine the drug with selective inhibitors, as this may cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Tolerability of the drug is good throughout the course of treatment. The positive effect is observed for 6 hours. It is allowed to use this drug in case of any pain syndromes, regardless of their origin.
Advantages:
- Before taking, it dissolves in water, resulting in a cloudy whitish suspension with a pleasant orange flavor;
- It is used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drug;
- It copes well with both the symptoms of joint disease and its cause;
- Pretty long lasting effect.
Flaws:
- Quite expensive;
- There are contraindications and side effects.
Nimesil
In conclusion, a useful video
So we have finished considering the most famous remedies for lower back pain. Once again, we want to remind you that our article is for informational purposes only, it is not a call for the purchase and use of the medicines indicated here — only the attending physician can allow you to do this. If you already have some experience in using some of the drugs included in this review, then share your impressions and the effect obtained from their use with other readers in the comments to this article.