The article contains more than 70 of the best ointments for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: NSAIDs, warming, massage, homeopathic, with snake and bee venom, combined.
Low back pain has reached the level of a “non-infectious epidemic”, as it affects 84% of the adult population of developed countries. The main part are patients with chronic pain who need not only medications, but also psychotherapy. How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis? In case of exacerbation, drug treatment or surgery will help (it all depends on the diagnosis), and in the future, physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy, physical therapy and a healthy lifestyle will help prevent the development of the disease.
Ointment for lumbar osteochondrosis is an excellent addition to other treatment methods
Pain and inflammation are the main symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis of the spine - cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral.
The best external remedy for pain of this origin is an ointment or gel.
Treatment does not only involve the use of these drugs; the disease requires complex measures. But for quick relief of pain, external remedies are very suitable in combination with tablets, injections, and therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis using external agents
The choice of medications to treat a disease should always be made by the attending physician. The use of certain medications depends on the patient’s condition, the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of each person. External preparations have the strongest and fastest effect in combination with means for internal use.
The drugs differ from each other in the active substance, mechanism of action and release form.
There are warming, anti-inflammatory, homeopathic, and agents that restore cartilage tissue. Depending on the form of release, ointments, creams and gels are distinguished.
The ointment has a thick and greasy consistency, due to which it remains on the surface of the body for a long time and has a long-lasting effect. The gel is made on a water basis. The advantage is their rapid penetration to the source of inflammation and rapid therapeutic effect. Creams, in turn, are absorbed into the skin more slowly than gels, but have additional softening properties.
The advantage of use is their local effect on the site of inflammation, which eliminates side effects.
Which ointment is better?
What ointment to use for lumbar osteochondrosis? Each patient finds the best ointment for himself through trial and error. There is no universal recipe, since everyone has their own pain threshold and characteristics of the disease. It is impossible to say that any one ointment will help everyone. In any case, this local treatment method should not replace the main course of therapy.
As a rule, ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work flawlessly: Voltaren, Ketonal, Diklak, Nise.
For thoracic and cervical osteochondrosis, pain-relieving ointments work better, especially if application is combined with movement: Fastum-gel, Analgos. These ointments and gels have a thin base structure, are easily absorbed, leaving virtually no traces.
For lumbar osteochondrosis, especially old ones, ointments based on snake venom help well: Viprosal, Salvisar. The pain goes away gradually, but for a long time, and swelling and inflammation also decrease little by little.
General rule: the closer to the skin the inflammatory focus is, the faster the ointment will act.
What effect do medications have?
The use of ointments will achieve the following effects:
- quickly relieve pain, inflammation and swelling;
- slow down the progression of the pathological process;
- restore damaged cartilage tissue.
Basically, ointments are aimed at improving blood circulation in the damaged area, improving metabolic processes and restoring the mobility of the spinal column.
These drugs promote the supply of oxygen and nutrients to damaged cells and tissues.
What is osteochondrosis, symptoms
Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, which is characterized by degenerative disorders in articular cartilaginous tissues . The disease can develop not only in the joints, but most often degenerative processes are localized in the intervertebral discs.
Symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis are chronic, pain does not go away, and systematically gets worse.
In addition to aching pain syndromes in the back with osteochondrosis, accompanying symptoms of the disease are almost always observed :
- numbness of the limbs;
- aching sensation in the legs and arms;
- spasm of muscle tissue in the back;
- decreased range of motion, which is limited by pain;
- damage to the nerve endings of the vertebrae;
- loss of sensitivity in the affected area.
Osteochondrosis is almost always accompanied by pinched nerve roots
Depending on the localization of degenerative processes, pain syndromes can spread to the corresponding parts of the body:
| Type of disease | Symptoms |
| With cervical |
|
| During breastfeeding |
|
| For lumbar |
|
Depending on the severity of the disease, changes may have parallel pathologies in the form of the growth of hernias, the development of spondylosis and other pathological processes.
Where and how to apply ointments?
External products are applied directly to the damaged area. The skin in this area should be clean and dry. Be sure to wash your hands before applying. Squeeze out a small amount of the medicine and rub in circular movements until the ointment is completely absorbed. After this, it is important to insulate the area, wear a shawl or a warm woolen jacket.
It is not recommended to use external medications if the skin is damaged or if there are infectious and inflammatory diseases at the site of application. Before using warming or irritating agents, a sensitivity test should be performed. If irritation and allergies occur, it is recommended to change the drug and seek help from a specialist.
Doctors strongly recommend adhering to the established course of treatment.
Since with prolonged use of drugs from the NSAID group, substances can accumulate in the body and cause unpleasant side effects.
Is treatment with ointments effective?
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis with ointments alone. They provide superficial pain relief, but the main effect is activation of tissue blood circulation. Capillary blood flow improves for two reasons: the effect of the pharmacological substance and the massage movements with which the ointment is rubbed.
Advertising for many external medications is replete with statements - and vivid pictures - that the active ingredient in the ointment penetrates, like an arrow, right into the source of pain and deals with all the problems there. This is a marketing ploy, and nothing more. Many studies have proven that fat-soluble poisons and mercury compounds can penetrate through intact skin, and from drugs - nicotine, nitroglycerin, caffeine and salicylic acid.
Most ointments have more of a distracting effect than a healing one
Alcohol, hormones and medications from the NSAID group can also penetrate the skin, but only very slowly, because the only way available to them is simple absorption.
All other substances undergo molecular transformation in the skin and are acted upon by skin enzymes.
Substances that nevertheless enter the general bloodstream unchanged through the capillaries enter primarily those organs in which the blood flow is constantly at a high level. These are the heart, liver and kidneys. Residues reach the source of inflammation.
If you move after applying the ointment, the likelihood of the medicinal substance getting into the place of pain increases - simply due to increased blood flow during muscle contraction.
Therefore, all external remedies have a distracting effect rather than a truly therapeutic one. However, you still want to rub the sore spot, and doing this with ointment is much more pleasant.
Massages with ointments
Ointment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be used during a massage session. For this purpose, fat-based products are used, as they can have a long-lasting effect on the body. Preparations with herbal components are mainly used, since they are the safest for the body and are approved for long-term use.
Article on the topic: Review of injections for osteochondrosis
A massage session should only be performed by a qualified specialist with certain skills and abilities.
Self-massage will not work in this case.
What medications are used for osteochondrosis?
Most often, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used for inflammation of the spine. To eliminate pain in osteochondrosis, medications are used that are aimed at relieving pain syndromes, eliminating dysfunction of the spinal roots, and stopping destructive processes in pathologically developing parts of the spine.
Use medications:
- anti-inflammatory drugs (tablets, intramuscular injections, gels, rubbing creams, ointments);
- muscle relaxants (tablets);
- vasoactive agents (drops in the hospital).
Other auxiliary agents may be used as prescribed by a doctor : anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioid analgesics. These products can only be purchased with a prescription from a neurologist if there are appropriate indications.
Pay attention to the following articles:
- Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical back
- Find out the causes of headaches and dizziness with osteochondrosis of the neck by clicking on the link
- Find out how to eliminate tinnitus with cervical osteochondrosis using folk remedies here
Anti-inflammatory ointments
This group of drugs effectively eliminates pain, swelling and inflammation. They also affect the permeability of the vascular wall, thereby accelerating the flow of medicinal substances to the problem area.
They help relieve patients from stiffness and improve the mobility of joints and the spine.
Nurofen . The medicine contains ibuprofen, which has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to the release form, the drug begins to act within a few minutes after application. It is forbidden to use by pregnant, lactating, patients with skin damage and various rashes, prone to allergies. Price: 250-290 rub.
Diclofenac . The drug is of an older generation, but its effectiveness is not inferior to other drugs. It is also produced in gel form for external use. The active substance inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators and effectively eliminates the symptoms of the disease. It is not recommended to exceed the permissible course of treatment. Contraindicated in case of intolerance to substances, allergic manifestations, skin damage, pregnancy. Price: 57-110 rub.
Indomethacin . Helps relieve pain, morning stiffness and improve spinal mobility in thoracic osteochondrosis. It is not recommended to use in hypersensitive patients and children under one year of age. Price: 45-70 rub.
List of drugs for osteochondrosis in the form of ointments
The most effective drugs for osteochondrosis have a positive effect precisely because of the unique composition and ability to act on the deep layers of the affected tissue.
Below is a list of the most effective ointments for osteochondrosis
The most popular are:
| Group of drugs | Name | Description |
| Anti-inflammatory drugs | Voltaren | The active ingredient is diclofenac sodium. Relieves inflammation and swelling of tissues, has an analgesic effect. |
| Nurofen | Contains the active substance ibuprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, relieves inflammation and reduces limitation of movement. | |
| Ibuprofen | The active substance is ibuprofen, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. | |
| Ketonal | The active ingredient is ibuprofen. | |
| Vasodilators, warming agents | Nicoflex | The main component is capsaicin, which penetrates deeply into tissues, promoting vasodilation and improving blood microcirculation in blood vessels. |
| Finalgon | The active substances - nonivamide, nicoboxil, have vasodilating properties, warming and activating metabolic processes in tissues. | |
| Capsicam | The active ingredient is benzyl nicotinate. In addition to vasodilating properties, they have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. | |
| Apizartron | It has an active substance - bee venom. Has an analgesic and pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. | |
| Viprosal | The active component of the ointment is dry viper venom. The ointment has a warming and analgesic effect. | |
| The group of chondroprotectors includes agents that replenish the structure of cartilage tissue | Chondroitin-acos | The active substance is chondroitin sulfate. The product improves calcium metabolism in cartilage tissues and accelerates tissue regeneration. |
| Chondroxide | Contains sodium chondroitin sulfate. In addition to its regenerating effect, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. | |
| Chondroitin | The active substance is chondroitin sulfate, similar to the drug Chondroitin-akos. | |
| The most common complex remedies for thoracic osteochondrosis include | Dolobene | It contains active substances - sodium heparin, dimethyl sulfoxide, dexpanthenol. Relieves swelling, has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect, promotes the regeneration of connective tissue. |
| Fitobene | Contains active components similar to dolobena, which together cause a similar effect. | |
| Common preparations based on herbal ingredients are | Traumeel S | Contains a complex of plant components, including calendula extract, arnica, echinacea, symphytum. The complex remedy relieves inflammation, swelling and helps relieve pain. |
| Goal T | The ointment contains solanum dulcamara, symphytum, sulfur, toxicodendron, arnica and other natural remedies that help normalize the content of synovial fluid in the joints, have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic agent, and accelerate metabolic processes in cartilage. | |
| Larkspur | Contains extracts of comfrey, bodyagi, camphor, bee venom, menthol, golden mustache. The combination of components has an anti-inflammatory, healing effect, affects cartilage tissue and improves microcirculation in tissues. |
Homeopathic ointments
The products in this group have a natural composition and almost do not cause allergic reactions. They also relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
They have a high level of safety and are approved for long-term use.
Traumeel . Produced by a German company and used to treat various inflammatory processes of organs and tissues, it is also widely used in the postoperative period to relieve swelling and heal the skin. Contains extracts of arnica, echinacea, calendula, chamomile and many other plants. Do not use only if you are hypersensitive to the components. During pregnancy, the use of the drug is permitted only after a doctor's permission. Price: 470-520 rub.
Target-T . It contains a large number of plant extracts and is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Do not use if you are hypersensitive to the active ingredients. Price: 630-680 rub.
Bishofite . It contains all the necessary minerals and is available in gel form. The drug is quickly absorbed and does not leave marks on clothes. Approved for use in children and adults. The use of the gel is prohibited if you are hypersensitive. Price: 72-83 rub.
Massage
This group is created on a plant basis, is not included in the official pharmacopoeia, and is sold in pharmacies as a biological supplement, or more online. Used for massage and manual therapy.
- Sabelnik, dietary supplement, extracts of cinquefoil, arnica, nettle, a mixture of essential oils, chondroitin and glucosamine - from 60 rubles;
- Larkspur, dietary supplement, complex of essential oils of medicinal plants - from 70 rubles;
- Dikul massage balm, not included in the pharmacopoeia, dietary supplement, contains a natural oil-wax complex;
- Revmalgon, dietary supplement for external use, a mixture of essential oils, chondroitin and glucosamine – from 300 rubles;
- Radiculite balm – from 60 rubles;
Radiculitis balm is often used for massage and lower back pain. - Comfrey gel, dietary supplement, Doctor Theiss, contains comfrey extract, a mixture of essential oils - from 150 rub.
Be sure to read: TOP 50 best ointments for osteochondrosis: with bee and snake venom, painkillers, homeopathic, warming
Warming, painkillers
The therapeutic effect is achieved by irritating the skin and improving blood supply to the damaged area. They have a distracting effect, thereby eliminating pain and reducing the inflammatory process.
It is important to be careful during the treatment process, as some drugs in large quantities can cause burns.
Finalgon . Contains two active components that have a healing effect. It is necessary to apply a small amount of ointment using an applicator, as the ointment has a strong warming effect. Should not be used by children under 12 years of age, hypersensitive patients, or used on delicate and sensitive skin. Price: 330-378 rub.
Capsicam . The Estonian drug contains dimexide, camphor, turpentine and nonivamide. Thanks to its thick base, the drug can have a long-lasting effect. Should not be used by children, pregnant, lactating women or sensitive patients. Price: 340-390 rub.
Nayatoks .
The main effect is achieved through snake venom. The product warms up well and eliminates pain. Compared to other drugs, it has more contraindications: exhaustion, tuberculosis, vasospasm, hypersensitivity, pregnancy, childhood, lactation, fever, insufficient blood supply. Price: 220 rub. Article on the topic: We provide instructions for using the drug Betaspan
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These substances have found wide application in osteochondrosis, as they quickly and permanently relieve severe pain and swelling. Massive advertising also contributes to the popularity of this group. Imported brands are advertised - and actively sold - while domestic products contain exactly the same active ingredient.
There is no need to purchase products from popular brands, since domestic ones are much cheaper.
The drugs improve motor activity (mobility in the lower back), relieve pain and inflammation in the intervertebral discs, back joints, and when nerves are pinched by spinal structures (vertebrae, osteophytes, cartilage). With long-term use, side effects are possible.
- Diclak lipogel with diclofenac, the most famous non-steroidal drug - from 300 rubles;
- Voltaren emulgel with diclofenac – from 230 rubles;
- Ortofen - from 50 rubles;
- Olfen gel with diclofenac, made in Switzerland – from 300 rubles;
- Ketonal with ketoprofen - from 120 rubles;
Ketonal is a good pain reliever for a sore lower back - Ketoprofen – from 70 rubles;
- Flexen, made in Italy, contains ketoprofen - from 220 rubles;
- Febrofid, produced in Poland, contains ketoprofen lysine salt - from 250 rubles;
- Febrofid – from 400 rub.;
- Bystrum gel, contains the same ketoprofen - from 460 rubles;
- Artrosilene, made in Italy – from 180 rubles;
- Valusal, made in Latvia – from 300 rubles;
- Nise, contains nimesulide - from 110 rubles;
- Nimesulide gel, produced in Russia – from 120 rubles;
- Nimulid, made in India - from 250 rubles;
- Sulaydin, made in Spain, contains nimesulide - from 115 rubles;
- Rapten, contains diclofenac, manufacturer Serbia - from 330 rubles;
- Dolgit, contains ibuprofen, made in Germany - from 160 rubles. for 50 g;
Dolgit has a local decongestant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect - Amelotex, contains meloxicam - from 120 rubles;
- Finalgel, made in Germany, contains piroxicam - from 400 rubles;
- Piroxicam Verte, produced in Russia, contains piroxicam - from 150 rubles;
- Nurofen Express, contains ibuprofen – from 140 rubles;
- Airtal, produced in Spain and Hungary, contains aceclofenac - from 250 rubles;
- Ambenium-Trivium, Russia, contains phenylbutazone - from 150 rubles;
- Butadione, Hungary, contains phenylbutazone - from 50 rub.
Complex action drugs
This group includes products that have several effects at once (reduce pain, prevent blood clots, kill pathogenic bacteria, relieve swelling, heal damaged tissue and increase local immunity).
Dolobene . At the same time, it relieves pain, resolves hematomas, reduces swelling and heals tissue. Effective for injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Should not be used during pregnancy, young children, breastfeeding, liver pathologies, bronchospasm and hypersensitivity. Price: 370-450 rub.
Phytobene . It has a composition similar to Dolobena. It is not recommended to use for liver, heart and kidney diseases, pregnancy, hypersensitivity, lactation, ulcers and infectious skin diseases. Price: 200 rub.
Mataren plus . Contains meloxicam and capsicum extract. Thanks to its composition, the drug has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and warming effect. It is produced in the form of a cream, which additionally softens the skin. Do not use in children and patients with hypersensitivity to active substances, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers. Price: 260-285 rub.
With bee venom
Bee venom has a local irritant effect, resists inflammation, and provides secondary analgesia. Biological active substances stimulate the immune system and the endocrine system. Before application, the skin should be wiped with warm water to increase absorption. Contraindicated in case of allergies to bee products, tuberculosis and malignant tumors, purulent processes,
- Apizartron, made in Germany – from 270 rubles;
- Sofya, cream, not included in the pharmacopoeia, dietary supplement - from 330 rub.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are drugs that restore the structure of cartilage tissue, increase elasticity and prevent its destruction. All products are intended for long-term use.
They are most effective when used together with oral forms of chondroprotectors.
Chondroitin sulfate . Produced in the form of ointment and gel for external use. Do not use if you are hypersensitive to the substance, have wounds or damaged skin at the site of application. Price: 160-190 rub.
Chondroxide . The composition contains chondroitin sulfate, which slows down the process of cartilage destruction, thereby relieving pain. Available in the form of ointment, gel and cream with the addition of meloxicam (Chondroxid Forte). Do not use if you are hypersensitive to the substance. Price: 355-375 rub.
Chondrolone . It is produced in the form of a cream and is registered as a dietary supplement. It has an effective effect on the body and is often prescribed by doctors as part of complex therapy. Do not use the cream if you have allergic reactions. Price: 120-210 rub.
With snake venom
Snake venom has a complex effect - it relieves pain, relieves inflammation, warms up, reduces blood viscosity, and destroys pathogenic microorganisms. Ointments based on snake venom can help if the effect of medications is insufficient.
- Nayatox, contains cobra venom, made in Vietnam - from 220 rubles;
Nayatox - strong warming ointment - Viprosal, contains viper venom, produced in Latvia - from 230 rubles;
- Salvisar with viper venom, Russia – from 170 rubles;
- Alvipsal, contains viper venom, turpentine, camphor and salicylic acid, Russia - from 210 rubles;
- Snake oil for massage, dietary supplement, Thailand – from 800 rub.;
- Cream with cobra venom, dietary supplement, Thailand – from 1200 rub.;
- Balm “Hong Linh Kiot” from snake venom, Vietnam – from 270 rubles;
- Cobratoxan based on snake venom, dietary supplement, Vietnam – 230 rub.
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Ointments and traditional medicine
Traditional recipes for preparing ointments are effective and can be used as treatment and prevention of the disease. Ointment for osteochondrosis, prepared at home, is safe, as it has a plant and animal composition. And thanks to its short shelf life, it has no side effects on the body. When preparing such drugs, you must consult your doctor and take precautions.
Most ointments are prepared based on animal fat.
What to choose: ointment, gel or cream?
These dosage forms differ from each other in the base or carrier into which the active substance of the drug is introduced. Manufacturers select formulations so that the medicine and the base interact with each other in the best possible way. There is also an American site called IHerb, which sells high-quality ointments, but their cost may be higher than in Russia.
Ointments are made on a fat, hydrocarbon and silicone basis.
Fat bases are prepared from natural products - pork, beef and goose fat, vegetable oils, which are hydrogenated.
The hydrocarbon base is a mixture of liquid and solid hydrocarbons. The most famous are Vaseline, petrolatum, ozokerite, paraffin, ceresin.
Silicone are polyethyldioxalane, aerosil and other chemical compounds.
Gel acts faster than ointment or cream
Gels are a jelly-like form based on hydrophilic (water-attracting) macromolecules into which a drug is introduced.
Cream is a “water in oil” type compound, a mixture of fats, mineral oils, silicones, hydrocarbons, and alcohols.
There is no particular difference in the rate of release of medicinal substances from the base; it occurs somewhat faster with gels.
In the process of entering the market, each drug undergoes a complex and lengthy clinical trial process. The active substance is combined with the base on which it works better. Therefore, it makes no difference which dosage form to choose - they are excellent for osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Be sure to read: EVERYTHING about massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: is it possible to do it, technique, self-massage of the lower back at home, videos and pictures
How to prepare the ointment yourself?
Take 1 tablespoon of crushed hop cones and vegetable oil in the same quantity. Mix everything thoroughly and apply several times a day to the damaged area.
Mix the raw materials of celandine, calendula, mint, hops with vegetable oil. Apply the finished ointment with massaging movements towards the vertebrae. Then cover yourself with a blanket and lie down for 15 minutes. After this, rinse off the ointment thoroughly.
Mix a teaspoon of bay leaves and juniper needles with butter.
Let the ointment sit for a few minutes and then apply to the damaged area.
Self-cooking at home
Ointment for osteochondrosis can be prepared at home by adding those components that help better than others.
Unsalted rendered lard or natural butter are perfect as a base. These fats spread at human body temperature. The application of the ointment should be combined with movement to aid the action. The best thing to do is apply it and move around, at least walk and bend over at home. According to patient reviews, the following ointment provides a good analgesic effect.
You can add to the base:
- an ampoule of lidocaine - a external anesthetic, sold in pharmacies without a prescription;
- ampoule with analgin;
- mumiyo;
- a few drops of turpentine;
- honey;
- propolis;
- herbal decoction;
- honey;
- hop cone powder;
- essential oil of medicinal plants (sold in pharmacies and health stores).
Homemade ointment sometimes helps better than pharmacy ointment.
The base needs to be melted, then cooled, and only then the components should be added with constant stirring. If the mixture has curdled, then it is unusable - this means that the components are incompatible with each other. You should never add components to which you are allergic.
The finished mixture should be stored in the refrigerator. It is advisable to prepare a small amount for 7-10 days. With longer storage, the effectiveness of the mixture decreases, since no stabilizers are used. In addition, the base oil can oxidize (go rancid), which will change the chemical composition.
Other treatments
To successfully treat the disease, complex therapy is used, which includes:
- medications for internal or intramuscular (acute stage) use;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- therapeutic exercises;
- acupuncture;
- hirudotherapy;
- balneotherapy;
- Spa treatment;
- changing work and rest schedules;
- proper nutrition;
- organization of complete and comfortable sleep.
Watch a video on this topic
Prophylactic use
As a preventative measure, the doctor may prescribe the use of chondroprotectors. These drugs prevent the development of the inflammatory process, help maintain normal levels of calcium in the bones, improve the mobility of joints and the spine, and give elasticity and strength to cartilage tissue.
Therapy with external medications is effective only in complex treatment prescribed by the attending physician.
It is not recommended to self-medicate to avoid negative consequences for the body.
