BACK PAIN PATCHES ARE RISKY!
NEARLY 65 million Americans have experienced back pain, and many have reached for lidocaine patches in an attempt to relieve their agony. But experts caution the product’s effectiveness may be limited and warn the topical treatment has numerous potential side effects.
The prescription-strength patches are adhesive fabric pads containing a solution that’s 5 percent lidocaine. Similar items can be purchased over the counter containing 4 percent of the local anesthetic. Both formulations are meant to be used once and discarded.
Lidocaine binds to proteins in nerve cell membranes to knock out pain. The FDA has approved the prescription patches for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia — a complication of shingles affecting nerve fibers.
A 2004 study by a pharmaceutical company discovered people with moderate to severe low back pain found relief after using lidocaine patches for two to six weeks.
However, doctors point out the pads may not help individuals whose backaches are the result of inflammation. Additionally, experts say anyone dealing with lasting pain should consult a physician to identify its cause and the best course of treatment.
Possible application site side effects of the patches include burning sensations, blisters, bruising, redness, swelling, irritation and rashes.
Some users have also reported dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting and metallic or altered taste.
In rare cases, lidocaine can also cause methemoglobinemia — a potentially deadly condition in which the body’s tissues do not receive enough oxygen.
Contact your doctor if you experience any negative or concerning reactions to lidocaine products.