How does sciatica manifest itself? Radiculitis. Causes, symptoms and treatment of sciatica. Postponed spinal injuries

Our body feels and moves, our internal organs work in their own mode, without requiring volitional control from us. Everything happens, as if by itself, if not for one small "but".

When this small “but” breaks down, the whole harmony of the organization of the human body falls apart and it becomes obvious that the body is, first of all, the finest network of intertwined nerve fibers with a single control center.

Sciatica causes inflammation of the spinal nerves

Each nerve supplying a particular part of the body originates from the spinal cord (individual nerves - from the brain), and is responsible either for motor function, or for sensitive, or for ensuring the functioning of internal organs.

Before going beyond the spinal column, which is the bone case of the spinal cord, nerves with different functional loads are combined into a bundle or root (radiculus). The root, before disintegrating into branches, passes through the intervertebral foramina.

The inflammatory process that accompanies any damage to the nerve root is called sciatica.

The spinal cord has 5 segments, respectively, the spinal nerves emerging from one segment or another regulate a strictly defined area of ​​the body.

Having a general idea of ​​​​the structure of the nerve root, now you can find out what causes sciatica. The conventional wisdom that sciatica happens from a draft is only half true. In fact, hypothermia is one of the resolving factors, just like physical strain on the back muscles. The immediate causes of sciatica, in most cases, are diseases of the spine.

For more information about what sciatica is, see the video:

The first in frequency of occurrence, as a causative factor, is osteochondrosis. Even by the definition of a causal relationship, it is clear what is the difference between sciatica and osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral cartilaginous disc, as a result of which the height of the vertebrae standing one above the other decreases and, as a result, the intervertebral foramen narrows.

In the future, there is an infringement of the nerve root with impaired blood circulation and the development of aseptic inflammation. Thus, sciatica is a complication of osteochondrosis.
Other causes of sciatica can be:

• Deforming, which refers to vertebrogenic causes of damage to the nerve root, that is, depending on the state of the vertebrae;
• Injuries;
• Acute and chronic infectious processes. Especially often the infectious cause of inflammation of the nerve root is herpes zoster;
• Various neoplasms;
• Congenital malformations of the spinal column.

Acute or chronic process

An attack of acute sciatica occurs either for the first time, or characterizes the picture of exacerbation of chronic sciatica. The very definition of "acute" speaks of a vivid clinical symptomatology that occurs suddenly, without precursors.
Chronic sciatica is characterized by an endless series of improvements with exacerbations.

If we talk about the time division of an acute and chronic disease, then if the process is cured within a month, then we are talking about an acute course of the disease, if signs of suffering persist even after 4 weeks, then the pathological process takes on a chronic course.

How long an attack of radiculitis will last depends on the cause that caused the inflammation of the root, and on the concomitant pathology, and on the therapeutic measures taken. In most cases, with an uncomplicated course and the adequacy of the measures taken, the disease can be dealt with in 7-10 days.
But it is not possible to cope with the causes of radiculitis for such a period. For the most part, these are chronic diseases that require long-term and ambiguous treatment.

Clinic of the disease depending on the level of damage

Common symptoms of inflammation of the nerve roots are divided into three groups:

• pain;
• neurological;
• Muscular-tonic or reflex.

Pain in sciatica is acute, sharp, like an electric shock, localized on the side of the infringement and can spread along the nerve. The pain is often accompanied by paresthesias, ie tingling, burning or numbness of the supplied area of ​​the body and causes protective muscle tension.

Pain occurs due to inflammation of the nerve roots and causes muscle tension

The symptoms of cervical sciatica, in addition to those described above, include vertebral artery syndrome, which occurs due to infringement of blood vessels in the lumen of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, which is the cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency manifests itself with dizziness, headache, blurred vision, hearing, nausea to vomiting.

Given the fact that the brachial plexus originates from the cervical segment of the spinal cord, with cervical radiculitis, there is a weakening of muscle strength and muscle tone of the upper limbs, reflexes caused from the hands are reduced, and a “frozen shoulder” symptom appears.

Motor and sensory disorders are accompanied by autonomic disorders (dryness, pallor of the skin with an accentuated vascular pattern, a decrease in local body temperature) with the development of Horner's triad: constriction of the pupil, palpebral fissure and some retraction of the eyeball.

Symptoms of thoracic sciatica are manifested by pain between the shoulder blades, in the intercostal spaces and may be accompanied by a malfunction of the internal organs, which must be differentiated from true somatic pathology.

For thoracic sciatica, as well as for any other, the forced posture of the patient is characteristic (bending to the side of infringement of the roots with minimal physical activity), which reduces pain.

Thoracic sciatica may be accompanied by a disorder of the internal organs

Symptoms of radiculitis of the thoracic region often become a manifestation of nerve damage by the herpes zoster virus. In this case, and with any other infectious lesions with sciatica, the temperature rises. The height of the numbers depends on the pathogenic strength of the microorganism and on the reactivity of the sick organism.

Cervical-thoracic sciatica is accompanied by mixed symptoms of damage to both the cervical and thoracic nerve roots.

And yet, the maximum percentage of clinical symptoms of sciatica falls on the lumbosacral spine.
This fact is due to the large physical loads falling on the lower back.
It is not difficult for a person who is familiar with shooting pain in the lower back to explain what lumbar sciatica is, which among the people “walks” like lumbar sciatica.
Almost every fourth inhabitant of the planet is familiar with the sacral sciatica clinic. Regardless of at what level, at the lumbar or sacral, the nerve roots were infringed, the clinical picture will basically be the same.

What pains will be with sciatica depends on the speed and intensity of the onset of circulatory disorders in the spine. Backache characterizes an acute process with severe edema of the perineural tissues and a lack of blood supply to the nerve root.

Symptoms of sacral sciatica are familiar to many

In a chronic process, when there is some adaptation of the affected tissues to a lack of oxygen, the pain is dull and, depending on the degree of damage to the nerve fibers, a neurological deficit will come to the fore, manifested in muscle atrophy, disorders of independent movement and functioning of the pelvic organs.

If not treated, but simply dull the pain

The consequences of vertebrogenic lumbosacral sciatica can be:

• Paresis or paralysis of the lower extremities;
• Trophic ulcers of the skin of the lower extremities;
• Urinary and fecal incontinence;
• Sexual disorders.

The lower back is the site of referred pain.

Despite the fact that back pain is the main complaint with inflammation of the nerve roots, it should be remembered that the lumbar region is also a zone of pain projection in case of kidney damage.

Urolithiasis, pyelonephritis often signal themselves with back pain. But, to the question of how to distinguish nephroptosis from sciatica, there is no answer. Because nephroptosis, by itself, does not hurt.

And only in the presence of an inflection of the ureter, leading to acute expansion and inflammation of the pelvis, there is a precedent for differential diagnosis with sciatica.
Positive tension symptoms will speak in favor of sciatica. But even in this case, it is possible to exclude the parallel course of two pathologies only with a complete clinical and laboratory examination of the patient with inclusion.

Men and women with sciatica, is there a difference

Provocative questions include the question of the signs of lumbar sciatica in women. In these cases, more often it is not about the symptoms of sciatica in women, but about whether the lower abdomen can hurt with sciatica. The lower abdomen is a sacral female area and, hypothetically, it can be assumed that the source of pain lies in the infringement of the sacral nerve roots.

As a rule, sciatica does not manifest itself as pain in the lower abdomen.

But in practice, pain in the lower abdomen is caused by inflammation, often chronic, of the internal female genital organs.

The occurrence of sciatica during pregnancy can be assumed, due to an increase in the load on the lower back, in late gestation.

But the internal changes in a woman's body during pregnancy are multifaceted and their impact on the course of a particular disease is unpredictable.

In some cases, a pregnant woman gets exacerbation after exacerbation, jeopardizing the bearing of a child, and in others, the lower back reminds of itself only during labor.

If there are any pathological conditions of the spine that were detected before the onset of pregnancy, you should start attending water aerobics classes for pregnant women, sleep with special orthopedic devices, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid physical exertion that requires back strain.

If we talk about the second half of humanity, then the signs of sciatica in men do not differ from those in women, with the only caveat that the symptoms of damage to the nerve roots of the lumbosacral region include a clinic of impotence and erectile dysfunction.

Muscle clamp, as a result of negative emotions that have not been eliminated

Pain in the back (neck) is the main complaint with which people come for a diagnosis to an appointment with a neurologist. But, often the manifestations of radiculitis are controlled by psychosomatics.

It has been noticed that stress tension in persons prone to the accumulation of negative emotions is manifested by prolonged muscle spasms, all muscles that can only contract.

Muscular back clamps can lead to infringement of the roots, although not with such severe manifestations and consequences as if the cause was an organic pathology of the spine.

When a bath, as a lifesaver

In matters of treatment of acute conditions and at the onset of the disease, qualified assistance should be sought. But sciatica is often a complication of a chronic, long-term underlying disease.
And in this case, with an established diagnosis and mild manifestations (somehow shot through, sipping somewhere), it makes sense to try folk methods to alleviate your condition instead of absorbing impressive amounts of painkillers.
Do not forget about the bath with a birch or coniferous broom.

The bath will ease the pain of sciatica

And for those who doubt whether it is possible to bathe in a bath with sciatica, you can authoritatively state: “Not only is it possible, but it is also necessary.”. Again, remember the severity of the pathological process.

If the condition is acute, accompanied by a sharp pain syndrome, from which the gaze becomes numb, you should urgently consult a doctor.

Remember, heat dilates blood vessels, which can contribute to an increase in edema of perineural tissues and exacerbate the lack of blood supply to the nerve roots.

Prevention

Prevention of sciatica is the hygiene of physical labor and the avoidance of drafts. But everyday life is full of surprises and devoid of conventions, so sooner or later you can either get under a stream of cold air, or tear a heavy object off the floor, which will provoke another attack of sciatica.
In terms of longer-term prevention, it is important to compensate for the underlying disease that leads to inflammation of the nerve roots.

Hanging on the crossbar - a good prevention of sciatica

With osteochondrosis, to stretch the distance between the vertebrae and prevent compression of the roots, you can perform hanging on the crossbar, as a prevention of sciatica.

Conclusion

Radiculitis has no clinical features depending on the sex of the patient, with the exception of sexual dysfunction. Its manifestations fit into a certain structure of symptoms.

Clinical manifestations depend on the level of compression of the nerve roots, but do not depend on the cause that caused them.

Treatment of radicular syndrome should be started only after the examination and after listening to the recommendations of the attending physician.

Radiculitis is one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system.
Sciatica is an inflammatory process that involves bundles of nerve fibers extending from the spinal cord. Nerve roots can be pinched as a result of careless movement or injury. This is also sciatica.

Sciatica (or radiculopathy) is not a disease, but a term. It denotes a combination of symptoms: pain in the cervical spine, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness.

Causes of radiculitis.

In 95% of cases, sciatica is a manifestation of untreated osteochondrosis, and in the remaining 5% it is the result of an old spinal injury, it is possible that intervertebral hernia, wear of the spinal column and especially intervertebral discs, compression or infringement of the roots of the spinal nerves by the vertebrae between which they are located. The cause of such compression is various spinal deformities, which, in turn, may be the result of osteochondrosis.
Stress, infection, metabolic disorders, heavy lifting and awkward movements can provoke an attack of sciatica.

Symptoms of sciatica.

The main symptom is pain. The location of the pain directly depends on the location of the injury to the spine.
Sciatica is characterized by severe pain in the back and neck, which persists both during movement and at rest.

The cause of radiculitis can be osteochondrosis, hypothermia, spinal injuries, sudden movements, and even intoxication of the body as a result of an infectious disease.

There are three types of sciatica:

• cervical,
• chest and
• lumbar.

cervical sciatica characterized by severe pain in the back of the head and neck. Pain is aggravated by any movement of the head, for example, when coughing. There were cases when patients had nausea, hearing loss, change in gait.

With cervicobrachial sciatica there are severe pains in the shoulders, neck and arms. With chest - pain encircles the chest.

sciatica- This is the most common type of sciatica.
It is also called sciatica. This causes pain in the hip, foot, buttocks. Occurs against the background of arthritis, compression fractures, hernias, stenosis of the spinal canal, etc.

Diagnosis of sciatica.

Diagnosis of the syndrome is usually complex. It includes:
- a study at the doctor's office of reflex activity and sensitivity,
- radiography, which makes it possible to establish the degree of changes in the spine,
- MRI, CT determines the presence of root compression,
- electromyography (EMG) - determination of the degree of damage to nerve fibers
Radiculitis can only be diagnosed by an enemy neuropathologist based on an x-ray.

TREATMENT OF RADICULITIS.

Medical treatment .
The task of drug treatment is to relieve inflammation, reduce swelling of the underlying tissues and reduce pain.

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets and injections.
  For example, from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Movalis, Ortofen, Nimesulide, Voltaren, Ibuprofen, etc.
• Painkillers, anti-inflammatory and warming agents.
  Can be applied locally ointments, creams:
  Bee or snake venom, Hot pepper tincture, "Sustamed" with bear fat, "Viprosal", containing viper poison with the addition of fir oil, camphor and other substances , B vitamins etc.
  After applying the medicine, you can carefully wrap the sore spot with a woolen scarf.
  Within 1-2 days it is important to observe complete rest. But don't abuse them.

Topical agents, painkillers and warming ointments with sciatica, they cannot be effective enough, since they do not penetrate into the joints and do not reach the nerve endings.

• Give good result physiotherapeutic procedures, baths, heating and massages, however, they should be used with extreme caution and only on the advice of a physician.

It all depends on the cause of the sciatica. If the pain is caused by muscle spasm, a warm bath can alleviate the condition, and in the case of an inflammatory process, on the contrary, it will worsen. Massage in some cases can also do more harm than good, especially massage done by a non-professional.

Physiotherapy.
There are many physiotherapy techniques that improve blood circulation in the tissues adjacent to the root, reduce pain, and improve the conduction of impulses along nerve fibers.

Manual therapy and massage .
Helps relieve muscle blocks and muscle spasms.

IRT.
Acupuncture with the help of influence on biologically active
point helps to restore the process of conducting impulses along the nerve
fibers.

exercise therapy .
Dosed physical activity helps to restore
normal biomechanics of the spine and a normal stereotype of movements. With the help of exercises, it is often possible to relieve root compression due to the redistribution of load vectors.
Orthopedic products are of particular importance in the treatment and prevention of radiculopathy. This is about fixators of the lumbar spine, chest and lumbar corsets and orthopedic collars.

Prevention of sciatica is to prevent spinal injuries, hypothermia and drafts, timely treatment of infectious diseases. Physiotherapy exercises, playing sports within reasonable limits also contribute to the health of the back and serve as a prevention of sciatica.

A set of therapeutic exercises for radiculitis.

1. Put your feet together. Take your hands in the "castle" in front of the body. Raise your hands up, bend - inhale. Return to the starting position - exhale. Repeat 8-10 times.
2. Legs apart, lower your arms. Bend over with your cool leg and touch your knee - inhale. Straighten up - exhale. Repeat 5 times.
3. Legs apart, hands on the waist. Tilt the torso to the left, bending the right leg at the knee - exhale. Return to the starting position - inhale. 5 times in each direction.
4. Legs apart, on the width of the foot. Sit down. Stretch your arms forward - exhale. Straighten up, arms down - inhale. Repeat 8-10 times.
5. Lie on your back, arms along the body. Raise your left leg and arm at the same time - exhale. 6-7 times with each leg.
6. Kneel down, resting your palms on the floor. Raise up the straightened left leg, bend in the lower back - exhale. Lower - inhale. 5-6 times with each leg.
7. Legs together, arms along the body. Step gently and smoothly from toe to heel, and then stand on the whole foot. Hands simultaneously go one forward and up, the other back. Repeat 40-50 s.
8. Stand facing the chair, put the straight left leg on the seat, hands on the belt. Bend the left leg at the knee - exhale, unbend - inhale. Repeat 5 times in a row, then switch legs.
9. Sit on the edge of a chair, lean your hands on seat I from behind, do not bend your knees. Do "scissors" - moving your legs up and down without stopping.

The anterior part of the human spinal cord contains nerve cells responsible for movement, and the posterior part for sensitivity. Accordingly, the anterior, or motor, roots come out of it in front, and the posterior, or sensitive ones, in the back. They exit the spinal canal to the right or left through special openings, and then connect with each other, turning into vertebral nerves. The spinal nerves form plexuses and branch throughout the body.

With sciatica, the anterior and posterior roots are affected. Therefore, both movement and sensitivity suffer. In accordance with the affected part of the spinal cord, there are cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral sciatica.

Causes of sciatica

Inflammatory damage to the spinal roots can develop as a result of the following reasons:

• Malformations of the spine. These can be additional vertebrae, underdeveloped hemivertebrae, additional ribs, nonunion of parts of the vertebrae with each other. All this leads to compression of the roots and the development of the inflammatory process.
• a disease in which premature aging of the spine occurs, the destruction of the intervertebral discs.
• Injuries of the spine and their consequences: contusion of the spinal column, fractures and subluxations of the vertebrae.
• Hypothermia - most often it is not a direct cause of sciatica, but a factor provoking seizures.
• intervertebral discs. Especially if there is a displacement of the intervertebral disc to the side: in this case, it compresses the roots of the spinal cord.
• Infections: influenza and those caused by other viruses, syphilis, tuberculosis, etc.

Most often, the first attack of sciatica occurs after hypothermia, a cold, physical exertion, weight lifting.

Symptoms of sciatica

The main manifestations of sciatica are pain, impaired sensitivity and muscle weakness in the area of ​​the affected root. More specific manifestations depend on which part of the spine was affected.

With lumbar sciatica, pain occurs in the form of one of three types of seizures:

• Backaches. This is a severe pain in the lower back, which suddenly occurs during hypothermia, heavy lifting, intense exercise. It is so strong that the patient often cannot walk and move, freezes in the position that he took before.
• Lumbar ischialgia is chronic low back pain that can radiate to one or both legs. At the same time, the muscles of the lower back are tense, and the patient constantly takes a certain position in which the pain is not so strong (usually leans to the side). Numbness is felt in the area of ​​the affected root. The muscle tone of the legs is reduced, they become weaker and may decrease in size over time (atrophy develops).

Cervical sciatica manifests itself in the form of pain in the neck, at first usually only on one side. It intensifies during any movements, sneezing and. The muscles of the neck become tense, the patient tilts his head to the side to reduce pain. If cervical sciatica is caused by an intervertebral hernia, then the pain gradually spreads to the shoulder, arm, and chest. It intensifies at night, so that a person cannot sleep for a long time.

Thoracic sciatica manifests itself in the form of back pain, which can radiate to the arm. Violated sensitivity and movement in the hand, forearm, shoulder. Muscle tone is reduced. On the hand, swelling may occur (it becomes thicker than on the healthy side), increased sweating of the skin, a feeling of numbness, tingling.

What can you do?

If symptoms of sciatica occur, it is necessary to contact a neurologist as soon as possible. There are many traditional methods of treatment, but none of them is 100% effective. It is necessary to establish the cause of damage to the spinal roots and carry out the correct treatment. If this is not done, then over time the violations will increase and lead to disability.

What can a doctor do?

Radiculitis is treated by neurologists, surgeons (if the compression of the roots occurred as a result of a surgical disease). An examination is scheduled, which includes the following studies:

• Radiography. It helps to identify osteochondrosis and other pathologies of the spine.
• Radiography with the introduction of myelography. The contrast, which is injected with a needle, stains the roots of the spinal cord and allows you to better see them.
• Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are more accurate studies compared to radiography, which allow you to get layered and three-dimensional images.
• Study of the cerebrospinal fluid. Appointed according to indications.

Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause. All patients are prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, heat and irritants (heaters, wearing a woolen shawl on the lumbar region). With severe pain, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe affected root is chipped with anesthetics. To restore the function of the nerves, B vitamins are used, which improve blood flow.

With intervertebral hernia and some other diseases, if, despite the treatment, the pain does not go away, surgical intervention is prescribed.

After treatment of sciatica, sanatorium treatment is prescribed to prevent relapse.

Forecast

If treatment is started in a timely manner, the prognosis is favorable. It is possible to completely get rid of pain and restore all functions. If there is already a pronounced lesion of the spinal cord, then the prognosis is serious, patients usually become disabled, and recovery does not occur.

You will not surprise with back pains of the modern person. Sometimes they occur periodically and disappear without a trace, but often such painful sensations torment a person with an enviable frequency. It could be sciatica. What kind of disease is this, why does it occur, and what symptoms can a person have - this is what I want to talk about.

Terminology

First of all, you need to understand the concepts. So, radiculopathy or sciatica - what is it? These are severe pains that a person can feel not only in the back, but also in the cervical region. They can appear not only during movement, but also in a calm state of the body. It must be said that this is not an independent disease, but a complex of symptoms that are provoked by irritation or pinching. A neuropathologist deals with these problems.

Causes

Having understood the concept of "sciatica", what it is and how else this disease is called in medicine, it is necessary to talk about the reasons for its occurrence. So, at the very beginning it should be noted that this is the scourge of the elderly. Statistics show that approximately 10% of people over 40 know firsthand what it is. And the thing is that with age, the most important minerals are washed out of the body. And this is the main cause of various problems with the spine and paravertebral nerves. It should be noted that even a slight overload of the body or a small draft can cause a disease such as sciatica in older people.

But most often sciatica is caused by various forms of osteochondrosis. According to statistics, this happens in 95% of all cases. The reasons for this are degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and various complications of this disease. Also, sciatica can be the result of a spinal injury, tumors, diseases of internal organs.

Doctors also say that sciatica is one of the symptoms of an intervertebral hernia. Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canals) can also cause such irritation of the nerve roots.

Main symptoms

So, sciatica. What is it - it is clear. Now you need to talk about what symptoms accompany this disease.

1. Pain. With this disease, the pain can be both acute and dull. Very rarely, it is localized in one place, most often it gives to different parts of the spine.
2. Violation of sensitivity. With this disease, nerve fibers are damaged, which can lead to numbness in some parts of the body. Loss of sensation is often accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation.
3. Often, with this disease, nerve impulses are interrupted, because of which the muscles simply stop working normally. Muscle atrophy may even occur.

Type 1. Cervical sciatica

There are three types of radiculopathy. The first of them is cervical sciatica. From one name you can understand that it is localized in the cervical region. Symptoms are standard. The pain can be in any part of the neck, depending on where the affected nerve roots are located.

Type 2. Radiculitis of the thoracic region

The next type of radiculopathy is thoracic sciatica. From the name, we can make a simple conclusion that it is localized in the middle of the spine. Characterized by tingling, pain with irradiation, muscle weakness and numbness of the affected areas. It is worth saying that thoracic sciatica is extremely rare. This is due to the slight flexibility of this section of the spine. Potential causes are most often degenerative changes in the discs, herniated discs, stenosis, etc.

Type 3. Lumbar sciatica

So, radiculitis of the lumbar. In this case, the disease is localized in the lower back, in its lumbar part (this is where the center of gravity of the human body is located). Therefore, the problem may also be called sacral sciatica. Symptoms for this type of disease are the same as for the rest. It is important to note that this subspecies of the disease in medicine is called sciatica. The most obvious symptom in this subspecies of the disease is pain that spreads to the hips and buttocks. Lumbar sciatica occurs most often as a result of diseases such as arthritis, hernia, or degenerative changes in the vertebrae, and other problems.

Diagnostics

As mentioned above, sciatica is a set of symptoms, not a separate disease. However, with such problems, it is best to seek help from a doctor. So, the complex of his actions will be as follows:

1. Clarification of symptoms. The doctor will need to learn about the nature, intensity of the pain, its duration and distribution.
2. Next, the doctor will examine the patient. The procedure will take place with palpation of the affected areas. So the doctor will be able to determine the range of motion of the patient and the weakness of his muscles.
3. A neurological examination may be needed. In this case, the doctor will check the sensitivity and reflex activity of the muscles.
4. The doctor may also refer the patient for x-rays. This is necessary in order to identify degenerative changes in various parts of the spine.
5. Sometimes the patient is sent for a CT scan or MRI. These studies perfectly visualize the presence of root compression.
6. EMG. This study makes it possible to determine the degree of damage to nerve fibers.

Treatment

At the very beginning, it must be said that the treatment will depend on what kind of symptoms are manifested in this disease. And also from what caused sciatica. So, initially it is necessary to cope with the cause of the disease. As far as symptoms are concerned, medication will be aimed at relieving pain, inflammation and reducing possible swelling.

1. techniques are primarily aimed at along its entire axis. They also help to perfectly relieve spasm and pain, which is very important for the patient.
2. exercise therapy. Dosed physical activity is important for the body. They can help restore the biomechanics of the spine, as well as the normal pattern of movement.
3. Acupuncture. There is an impact on the biologically active points of a person with the help of special needles.

Massage

One of the most effective methods is precisely massage for sciatica. So, it's good if professionals can do it. However, otherwise, any member of the family can carry out these actions.

1. Stroking. This is the initial stage (takes about 3-5 minutes), is carried out in order to stretch the muscles and prepare them for more serious exercises.
2. Kneading. In time, this stage takes about 20 minutes. With these movements, blood flow and metabolism are accelerated. It also reduces swelling and muscle spasm. There are a lot of workout options. You need to choose the one that helps the patient the most.
3. Trituration. These movements should be carried out for approximately 5 minutes. They help eliminate stagnation and blockages in blood vessels, restore muscle tone. These movements are made with the fingertips, more intense than stroking, but not as active as kneading.
4. Stroking. The first and last stages are the same. However, in this case, the purpose of the action is to put the nervous system in order.

So, the massage for sciatica is over. However, the patient is not recommended to get up. You need to lie down for half an hour, covered with a blanket. After that, the diseased area should be wrapped with a warm scarf for two hours.

Medicines

You can get rid of some of the symptoms of sciatica with the help of medications.

1. Painkillers. Tablet forms: preparations "Nimesulide", "Ibuprofen". Injectable drugs: "Ketanov", "Dexalgin". Also very active is the Olfen patch.
2. Ointments for sciatica. Ointment "Bystrum Gel", "Fastum Gel", "Voltaren", "Diklovit".

Folk remedies

Such a problem as sciatica (symptoms) has already been almost completely considered. Treatment with folk remedies - that's what is also important to talk about.

1. Sheep's wool. Traditional medicine experts say that sheep wool clothing helps a lot. To cope with the problem, you need to soak a piece of woolen cloth in saline and attach it to your back. Wool with salt is able to "pull out" the pain.
2. Bath. You can help to cope with sciatica with the help of a bath. So, you need to go to the bathhouse, steam well, then you need to rub the affected area thoroughly with black laundry soap for 5 minutes. After that, you need to wrap yourself up and go to bed as soon as possible. The next day the pain is completely gone.
3. Garlic. You need to put three garlic heads in a saucepan, pour half a liter of boiling water, simmer for a couple of minutes on fire. From garlic you need to make gruel and put it all on the affected area. Attention: on the skin after this, there may be burns.
4. Rosemary. An ointment from this plant will relieve sciatica. To prepare it, you need to put two tablespoons of dry ingredients in a saucepan, pour five tablespoons of sunflower oil, then everything is heated (oil cannot be brought to a boil). After everything is poured into a jar, it is infused for 10 hours. Everything is filtered through gauze. The ointment is rubbed into the affected area in the morning and evening.

Radiculitis- a complex and severe disease that affects the nerve endings of the spinal cord. The disease does not occur suddenly, but, as a rule, is a logical consequence of numerous complications of spinal diseases.

In the vast majority of cases (about 95%) lumbar sciatica manifests itself as an advanced stage of lumbar osteochondrosis, and 5% remain on the consequences of injuries, hernia of a different nature, natural wear of the vertebrae and tissues of the intervertebral discs.

Causes

Radiculitis, or radicular syndrome, as it is also called, occurs due to the infringement of bundles of nerve fibers that are a continuation of the spinal cord. It can also occur due to compression of the spinal cord in various places.

This disease of the peripheral nervous system is typical for the age group over 30 years. Statistical data indicate that the lumbar and cervical spine are more often the locations of sciatica.

The lower back is most susceptible to this disease, since walking people imposes additional loads on this part of the spine.

The reason for the manifestation of radiculitis can be weight lifting, a sharp awkward movement, an infectious invasion. As a result of this, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is stretched or torn, the gelatinous component of the disc is squeezed into the crack and forms an intervertebral hernia.

Pathological bone growths and deformed discs compress both the spinal roots and adjacent tissues, forming a source of chronic pain.

Since sciatica is just a syndrome, and not an independent disease, it can be provoked by various reasons.

As you know, the spinal cord lies in the spine. Nerve endings depart from it, coordinating and controlling the work of the whole body. When the roots of the spinal cord become inflamed or compressed, there is a reason for the development of sciatica.

The main causes of radiculitis:

• hereditary diseases;
• hypodynamia;
• overload of the spinal system;
• pathological changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs;
• malignant formations;
• deformation of bones and joints;
• chronic stress;
• diseases of the genitourinary, cardiovascular and other internal systems of the body;
• hormonal disorders;
• failures in the metabolic system;
• weakness of the muscular corset;
• infectious invasions;
• unhealthy diet and excess salt.

It should be remembered that preventing the occurrence of sciatica is much easier than treating this serious disease for many years.

Classification

Radiculitis is divided according to various criteria:

1. The course of the disease:

• acute form- sudden sharp pain, usually due to injury or overload of the lumbar region. Stopped by painkillers.
• Chronic form- develops if the pain syndrome during an attack is removed, and further treatment is not carried out.

An acute manifestation is either the first symptom of sciatica, or another exacerbation of a chronic disease. The very name "acute" characterizes the suddenness and strength of pain. Chronic course is a long series of exacerbations and remissions.

2. Location of the pain syndrome

• cervical sciatica- disruption of the nerve endings of the cervical spine. In this case, pain can be felt not only in the neck, but also in the shoulder girdle, arms, and also cause headaches.
• Thoracic sciatica- an uncommon form of the disease. It is manifested by soreness, tingling and numbness in the intercostal region. The trigger mechanism of pathology is often tumor processes and viral infections.
• - leads to a curvature of the spine, against the background of a person's reflex behavior, when he seeks to hold a pose that will reduce pain.
• sciatica or sciatica- the most frequent manifestation of sciatica among patients in the age group from 30 to 50 years. Another characteristic feature of the occurrence of the disease in this area is the patient's profession, which involves working in adverse conditions regarding physical, temperature and other overloads.

Symptoms of sciatica

From the extensive list of symptoms of the disease, three main ones can be distinguished:

1. Pain syndrome. Dull or sharp pains can radiate to various parts of the body connected by nerve fibers with the affected area of ​​the spine.
2. Decreased sensitivity. Damage to the nerve endings causes partial numbness, burning, or tingling in the tissues.
3. Muscle weakness. Physiological changes in the nervous tissue leads to discontinuity in the conduction of nerve impulses, which disrupts the normal functioning of the muscles, up to complete atrophy.

Signs of sciatica

• change in gait, stiffness, uncertainty in movements;
• spontaneous flexion of the knee joint when a person tries to lie down or sit down;
• decreased sensitivity in the area of ​​inflammation;
• tingling and burning sensations in the soft tissues near the affected area;
• increased sweating;
• pallor of facial skin;
• weakening of muscle fibers;
• increased pain at night;
• dizziness;
• hearing loss;
• deterioration of the visual apparatus;
• malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary and cardiovascular systems.

It has very diverse characteristics - these are chronic pulling, aching pains, and burning intolerable pain syndrome, due to which the patient is practically immobilized.

Pain significantly changes the muscle tone of the neck, back and lower back.

The patient involuntarily strives for a position in which pain is minimized. A person can move in a half-bent posture, turn to the side or bend over.

The duration of the acute period of sciatica depends on the pathology that caused inflammation of the spinal cord root, and on the correctness of the therapeutic measures taken. The average duration of the symptoms of lumbar sciatica is 7-10 days, in accordance with the drugs used for back pain.

If you experience pain in any part of the spine, you should see a doctor immediately. Moreover, such pains can be a sign of diseases that are much more serious and dangerous than sciatica, for example, urolithiasis or malignant oncological formation.

With such pathologies, it is extremely dangerous to self-medicate at home, using the methods of warming rubbing, baths or compresses, which are categorically contraindicated in a number of disorders, with symptoms similar to sciatica.

Complications

The development of processes aggravating the syndrome depends on the cause of sciatica. Untreated severe pinching or inflammation of the nerve root can lead to rather serious complications.

Violation of the normal blood circulation in the spine due to osteophytes and intervertebral hernias often leads to spinal cord infarction, as a result of which the motor and perceiving functions of the body degrade, and disability of varying degrees occurs.

Ignoring the problems associated with the state of the spinal column translates chronic illness which is much more difficult to cure. And for many years, a person suffers from pain with short periods of remission.

With timely diagnosis of lumbosacral or other types of sciatica and medical treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, it is quite realistic to prevent the development of severe complications.

Diagnostics

Treatment of sciatica is within the competence of a neuropathologist. But if the course of the disease is complicated by injuries, intervertebral hernias, or is of a discogenic nature, the intervention of more specialized specialists may be required, such as:

• traumatologists-orthopedists;
• vertebrologists;
• neurosurgeons.

To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to medical examination, which includes a number of procedures:

• Clarification of symptoms- determination of the intensity and characteristic differences of the pain syndrome, its duration, the presence of sensitivity disorders.
• Physical examination- allows you to set the amplitude of movements and muscle strength at the present time.
• Neurological examination- the patient's reflex reactions, activity and sensitivity of various parts of the body are checked.
• Radiography- gives a complete picture of the ongoing degenerative processes.
• CT, MRI - allow you to accurately determine the degree of compression effect on the nerve roots.
• EMG- visualizes the nature and extent of damage to nerve fibers.

After identifying all the symptoms of lumbar sciatica, treatment is prescribed, medication and using various modern therapeutic technologies.

Treatment of sciatica

An acute attack of sciatica requires urgent professional help - drug relief of pain and providing a state of rest to the part of the spine affected by radicular syndrome. Usually, pain is relieved by muscle relaxants - painkillers with anti-inflammatory effects.

In order not to aggravate the patient's condition, it should be laid on a flat surface (in the absence of an orthopedic mattress, it is permissible to lay a board or other hard base) and ensure maximum immobility of the painful area.

After taking emergency measures to eliminate the pain syndrome, it is necessary to establish the cause of the pain and proceed with the planned complex treatment of the disease that led to the exacerbation or occurrence of sciatica.

Medical treatment

There are many drugs that differ both in effect and in the method of application:

• tablet preparations;
• injections;
• rectal suppositories;
• external preparations - ointments, gels, creams, patches.

With sciatica, anti-inflammatory and analgesic injections are used.

Depending on the cause and neglect of the disease, the doctor selects the best therapy option for each individual patient:

• "Reopirin" and "Voltaren" are prescribed for severe pain.
• Injections with B vitamins help in case of a prolonged course of the disease.
• Muscle relaxants "Riboxin", "Mydocalm" eliminate muscle spasm, squeezing the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
• Neurotopes "Milgama", "Neurobion" restore the normal permeability of impulses along the nerve fibers.
• Glucocorticoids "Medopred", "Lemod" are prescribed for a long-term absence of positive dynamics of treatment with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.
• Intravenous injections of "Relanium", "Dimedrol" and blockade with an increased dosage of vitamin B12 are used in the most severe cases.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block the production of prostaglandins that stimulate inflammation.
• "Finalgon", "Viprosal", "Apizatron", "Pepper plaster" are used as important components of complex therapy.

Ointments for sciatica

According to the action of the ointment are divided into three large groups:

1. warming;
2. painkillers;
3. anti-inflammatory.

• Ointments containing bee venom are distinguished by their multi-effect. They relieve pain, relieve inflammation and have a warming effect.
• "Viprosal" with gyurza snake venom penetrates deeply into tissues, relieves inflammation and soothes pain.
• "Finalgon" and pepper plaster have a strong warming effect, the burning sensation of the drugs increases with sweating.
• The belladonna patch is good for pain relief.

Rules for the use of external agents

Despite the apparent simplicity, this method of treatment also has its own characteristics that you need to know.

The procedure should be carried out with comfort for the patient:

1. Place the patient in a comfortable, relaxed position.
2. If burning warming ointments such as Finalgon or Tiger Ointment are used, make sure that the application site is not steamed and dry.
3. The doctor's hands should be warm and sensitive to the manifestation of the patient's painful reactions.
4. Depending on the intensity of the pain syndrome, rubbing is carried out from 5 to 20 minutes, as long as the patient can endure.
5. After applying the ointment, the sore spot must be wrapped with a soft warm cloth for better warming and rest.

Physiotherapy methods

After stopping an acute attack of sciatica, physiotherapy is prescribed:

• Paraffin applications, phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, darsonvalization- enhance the effect of drug treatment, increase the fullness of blood vessels and the strength of blood flow, relieve spasms and contribute to the prolonged action of painkillers.
• Massage- shown only during remission. Half-hour massage sessions should be carried out daily at the patient's home. Such a massage is performed strictly in the direction of the lymph flow. If you feel well, let's say self-massage, which includes kneading the neck, shoulder girdle or lower back with palms and fingers and rubbing the back and neck with a bath towel.
• Pharmacopuncture- a combination of pharmacology and acupuncture. Preparations of antihomotoxic action 1 time in 3 days are introduced to a depth of 5 mm in the zone of biologically active point. The method shows pretty good results and has no side effects.

Traditional medicine

With all the undeniable benefits of natural healing substances, some of them have such a strong effect that their uncontrolled use can lead to fatal consequences. Therefore, before treating sciatica with folk remedies, it is necessary to undergo a full examination and consult with your doctor.

Natural Pharmacy Recipes:

1. Black elderberry, chamomile, thyme and St. John's wort in equal proportions, pour cold water on a steam bath and prepare an infusion. At night, do hot compresses on the affected area.
2. Anti-inflammatory baths. Take 0.5 kg of crushed sweet clover, pour a bucket of boiling water, cover, wrap, let it brew for about half an hour. To take a bath, use the entire infusion at once, adding a little warm water.
3. birch leaves douse with boiling water and apply in the form of a compress on a sore spot, wrap up, keep from one and a half hours or more, if possible. The procedure must be carried out at least twice a day.
4. black radish grate, add a teaspoon of honey, 2-3 drops of vinegar (no more!), Lubricate the affected area with vegetable oil or cream, then apply a radish compress. In case of severe burning, remove the compress, wipe the sore spot with a damp cloth and consult a doctor.
5. A tablespoon of crushed aspen leaves or buds pour a glass of boiling water, leave for at least an hour and take 2 tbsp. 6 times a day. The leaves can also be used as a compress.
6. sawdust(only fresh!) pour boiling water for half an hour, then squeeze and make an application out of them on a sore spot, laying 2 layers of gauze between the skin and sawdust. Wrap with a soft cloth, cover warmly and try to sleep.
7. Take pure clay, add wine vinegar to it at the rate of 2 shares of clay 1 share of vinegar (not essences!). Apply the resulting mass in the form of a compress to the sore spot. The procedure is recommended to be carried out daily for 2 hours, or to rub the area of ​​sciatica with a mixture.

There are contraindications, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Preventive measures

Prevention of any disease is reduced to the elimination of the causes that create the conditions for its development. In the case of sciatica, these are:

• acquisition of correct posture;
• mobile lifestyle;
• proper nutrition;
• protection against hypothermia;
• avoidance of prolonged static loads;
• healthy alternation of work and rest;
• prevention and timely treatment of infectious diseases.

In order not to provoke an exacerbation of a chronic disease, you should:

• Refrain from sudden movements with a large amplitude and lifting weights. If the main work is associated with such loads, use a corset and special methods for safely lifting loads. For example, not leaning over an object, but sitting down to it.
• Do not stay in a bent/tilted position for a long time.
• It is prudent to insulate the lower back with a special woolen belt if work is to be done on the street or in a cold room.
• Reduce excess weight as a systematic load on the spine.
• Train muscle corset - exercise, fitness, swimming, dancing, yoga.

Summing up, we can state that in most cases, sciatica occurs due to inattention to one's health and ordinary laziness. Ultimately, it is these two reasons that lead to a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition and metabolism, hypothermia, overload, reduced tone, infection, development of osteochondrosis, self-treatment, deformities and sciatica.

There is also good news. Man is a living, open system, and it is never too late to start correcting past mistakes. Reconsider your lifestyle, decide what is important in it and get rid of the heavy burden of diseases forever.