Lidoderm AND Back Pain

Since back pain is such a common ailment, the need for relief from the pain is paramount to the sufferer. There has been much speculation about the efficiency of Lidoderm and its effect on back pain. Lidoderm is a topical medication that was developed to relieve the pain associated with shingles and created to cure Postherpetic Neuralgia; in addition it is also known to take the edge of lower back pain. Because it is very easy to use and the relief that it gives is instantaneous, Lidoderm has become one of the more popular methods of relief for sufferers of lower back pain.

What Are Lidoderm Patches

The Lidoderm patch is made up of a material that has a certain percentage of lidocaine and sticks to your skin. The normal amount of lidocaine in these patches is 5%. When you use this product you will remove the liner (a clear film of Polyethylene Terephthalate) and apply each patch itself to your skin. The patch contains approximately 700 mg of lidocaine as well as many other ingredients that give it the power to relieve you from pain, as it produces an effect that is very similar to the one you would get from a local anesthetic, however it will not give you the total sensory block of one.

The Function of Lidoderm Patches

The Lidoderm patches were created with the intention of providing relief from nerve pain after a shingles (herpes zoster) episode. This pain, normally known as Postherpetic Neuralgia produces sharp pains sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation. However Lidoderm patches have also been known to relieve back pain as well, offering the sufferer swift temporary relief to an otherwise debilitating condition.

How to Use Lidoderm Patches

In order to use the Lidoderm product you will want to clean and dry the area you will place the patch. The skin it is attached should be healthy without any sores, cracking or irritation. You will then remove the liner used to keep the patch clean and usable, and then you will apply it. The area you apply it to should be the one where you are experiencing pain. You should not use the patch for more than 12 hours; however you can use up to 3 patches at once, if the pain is severe. Once you have used the patch for the 12 hour period, be sure not to use it again. Remember also to discard the product so that small children or your pets do not accidentally swallow the Lidoderm patch.

Precautions for Lidoderm Patch Users

When using Lidoderm products you should always discuss your medical history with your health professional. This is especially important if you have experience an allergic reaction with other medications that contained lidocaine, additionally you will also want to discuss the possibility or pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding your child, so that protective methods can be taken. You should also inform your physician about medications you are currently taking to ensure that you do not experience drug interactions. Be sure to include herbal medications and over the counter drugs to that list because those may also cause dangerous interactions.

Side Effects

For some people who use the Lidoderm patch, there is a chance of experiencing side effects such as blistering or redness in the application area. In most cases these will go away within a couple of hours, however if it gets worse you may need to contact your physician. Other side effects (very rare) may include mood changes, confusion, and dizziness and maybe even drowsiness can occur, luckily this is not usually the case with this medication. In addition to these side effects some people are found to be allergic to the lidocaine and may experience some of the symptoms of having an allergy such as dermatitis, shortness of breath and shock as well as some skin sensitivities. If you should experience any of these problems, again it is very important that you contact your physician.

Conclusion

For many people using the Lidoderm patch is a great way to stop the back pain they may be experiencing. Use of this medication the proper way is easy and provides quick, temporary relief to the area under the application site. You will be able to cope with the back ache as this will numb the area so that you can get back to your normal every day activities. When you use this medication, there are very few side effects and no pills you must take; it is simply a matter of applying the patch and feeling better quickly.