Radiculitis as manifested. Lumbar sciatica: signs, diagnosis and treatment. Ointments for sciatica

Contrary to popular belief, sciatica is not an independent disease.

This symptom is often associated in people only with damage to the bone tissue of the spine, but in fact it indicates damage or pinching of the nerve roots of the spinal cord, provoked by injuries, diseases or inflammation.

Let us consider in more detail the syndrome called sciatica, its symptoms and treatment.

One of the most common questions among people with back pain: what is sciatica and how to treat it?

A symptom called sciatica is characterized by severe pain in the back, caused by inflammation or injury to the nerves of the spinal cord.

According to the area of ​​development and localization of the appearance of pain symptoms, it is divided into:

• Cervical;
• Thoracic;
• Lumbar.

Most often, signs of radiculitis appear in women, middle-aged people over 30 years old and in the elderly population.

The symptom is able to manifest itself both in an acute form, and in case of ignoring the causes of occurrence, acquire a chronic form.

It develops against the background of diseases that cause degenerative changes in the tissues of the spinal column, such as. This is also facilitated by various manifestations of posture disorders: lordosis, kyphosis.

Negative factors associated with the development of symptoms include inflammatory processes caused by injuries, muscle strain or infectious diseases.

Treatment of sciatica is to identify and eliminate the underlying cause of pain. Therapy, as a rule, requires an integrated approach with the use of medication and physiotherapy.

Cervical

The cervical region is the most mobile part of the spinal column. Painful symptoms of cervical sciatica appear when the position of the body in space changes.

Often, compression of the nerves in these weak and small vertebrae can cause other symptoms:

• dizziness;
• Violation of visual acuity and hearing.

Piercing pain can radiate to the shoulders and upper limbs - arms. In this case, they talk about the occurrence of cervico-shoulder sciatica.

thoracic

This type of syndrome, in terms of the nature of the manifestation of pain symptoms, is very similar in manifestations of intercostal neuralgia. Symptoms can manifest as acute attacks or periods.

The type of pain can be:

• Sharp, burning or dull pain in the area of ​​​​the ribs;
• Tick ​​of one or more muscles;
• redness of the skin;
• Increased pain with breathing, sneezing, coughing.

This symptom causes great discomfort to the patient, as it restricts the movement of the chest and prevents the patient from breathing naturally.

Lumbar

What is lumbar sciatica? Lumbar sciatica or sciatica has a variety of symptoms, and treatment requires an individual approach.

It is considered the most common pathology among people who complain of back pain.

It is characterized by compression of the nerve endings in the lower parts of the spinal column and is most often manifested by the following symptoms:

• Restriction in the movement of the lumbar spine;
• Piercing pain when bending and turning the body;
• Difficulty standing on toes or bending them;
• Violation of the sensitivity of the limbs.

With damage and pinching of nerve endings in the area of ​​​​formation of the sciatic nerve, the pathology is called -.

Sciatica can radiate pain symptoms to the lower extremities, namely: the hip joint, lower leg and foot.

Based on the data provided by the National Center for Population Health Statistics in the United States, the most common cause of loss of labor activity in a person under the age of 45 is back pain.

Every third person of this age has symptoms of sciatica caused by chronic causes.

The strength of the manifestation of the pain syndrome depends on the level of damage to the nerve roots and the place of their localization.

Symptoms of sciatica have signs of the pathology that causes it. In the vast majority of cases, the cause is osteochondrosis.

The main symptoms of radiculitis are as follows:

• Pain symptoms in the area of ​​damage localization: piercing or dull pain, burning sensation in the tissues at the site of inflammation;
• Stiffness in movements. Intuitive bending of the knees during sleep or when trying to sit or stand up. There may be numbness of the limbs, spontaneous elementary muscle movements - muscle tic;
• When cervical sciatica can be observed: dizziness, decreased visual acuity and hearing;
• Sacral sciatica - back pain often radiates with strong backaches in the legs or so-called.

There may also be redness of the skin, sweating, tingling and a feeling of "flies" under the skin.

The pain can both suddenly appear and subside. In the acute phase, symptoms may last from several days to several weeks.

The spinal column is the main axial part of the human skeleton. Consists of 24 vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs.

In addition to being involved in the movement of the trunk and head, one of the functions that the spine performs is to protect the spinal cord.

The spinal cord connects our brain with the rest of the body. There are sensory and motor nerves, some of which allow us to feel everything we do, while others allow us to perform various motor functions: walk, bend over, etc.

Nerve bundles branch off in different directions from the spinal cord, which in Latin are called “radicula” (root), and this is where the name of the symptom comes from.

So, sciatica is inflammation or damage to those very “radicula” that have arisen due to various factors. There is also another name - radiculopathy.

Due to age-related changes, a large physical load on the back or the development of pathologies such as osteochondrosis, thinning or damage to the intervertebral disc occurs.

As a result, the annulus fibrosus ruptures and the gel-like contents of the disc protrude and compress one or more nerve roots.

As a result of degenerative changes in the tissues of the spine, it is not uncommon to compensate for the thinning of the intervertebral disc along the edges of the vertebra, growths called osteophytes are formed.

In certain positions of the body, osteophytes can, as it were, close together, provoking a pinched nerve, and cause pain.

The main factors for the occurrence of pain symptoms, experts also include the following reasons:

• Violation of the static posture due to: osteochondrosis, lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis;
• Mechanical injuries of the spine;
• Infectious diseases. Some infections can damage the myelin sheath of a nerve, making it more susceptible to injury;
• Metabolic disease;
• Stress;
• The presence of osteophytes - bone neoplasms.

Causes of sciatica often causes banal hypothermia, including local. As a result, in the body as a protective reaction, muscle tremors begin.

As a result, the muscles involuntarily tighten to provide the body with normal heat production and thereby cause pain.

Effective treatment of sciatica depends on an accurate diagnosis. After an initial examination of the patient and palpation of problem areas, acute sciatica can be diagnosed.

But to identify the source of the cause of the pain, the specialist may prescribe the following additional studies:

• X-ray examination - allows you to identify the degree of degenerative changes in the bone tissue of the spine;
• Magnetic resonance or computed tomography - help to identify damage in the cartilage tissue and near the vertebral soft tissues;
• Ultrasound of the internal organs - is done in order to exclude the pathology of the internal organs - some of them have symptoms similar to sciatica.

Also, in addition to identifying the possible presence of an infectious agent, blood and urine tests can be prescribed.

To exclude the risk of cardiac pathologies, an electrocardiogram is prescribed.

To the question: how to quickly cure sciatica? There is no single answer.

This symptom has many causes, and treatment requires an individual approach to the patient, and therapy is prescribed on the basis of a specific diagnosis.

With the appearance of severe pain symptoms at home, the treatment of sciatica consists in restoring blood circulation in the affected area. To do this, you can use any warming ointments or do self-massage in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe focus for several minutes.

Attention! To the question: is it possible to do physical education with radiculitis? The answer is yes! But only after removing the inflammation. Moreover, the complete rejection of physical exercise leads to weakness of the skeletal muscles and increases the recovery time.

It is better, of course, to resort to the help of household members; the most similar procedure can be done more or less successfully if you have lumbar or cervical sciatica, but with the chest type, this procedure is practically impossible.

Drug therapy of various forms of the syndrome, including the treatment of lumbar sciatica - the most common. First of all, it consists in taking anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs to stop the inflammatory process.

Attention! In order to avoid aggravation of the condition, the treatment of sciatica with the help of certain types of massages is prohibited during the acute phase of the development of the pathology.

To relieve overstrain of muscle tissue, muscle relaxants are used and different types of physiotherapy are used: exercise therapy, warming up, massage, stretching of the spinal column, acupuncture.

An effective way is the complex use of ultrasound therapy and hydrogen sulfide baths.

How to cure sciatica if traditional medical treatments do not help? If therapy does not give positive results for 3-6 months, specialists may consider surgical intervention.

With a long unbearable pain syndrome, a specialist can prescribe the treatment of sciatica with the help of analgesic blockades.

They are made with a syringe. The analgesic is administered directly instead of focusing pain symptoms. This method is not considered a therapy for pathology, since it does not treat the cause, but is a tool for relieving pain.

Traditional medicine tells us how to treat sciatica of the lower back or, as people say, radiculitis. Some healers consider the Russian bath to be an excellent remedy that helps well with sciatica.

It is necessary to warm up the sore spot well and lie down to sleep well wrapped up. The next morning, according to reviews, the disease will recede.

Attention! It is forbidden to treat lumbar sciatica with the help of bath procedures during an exacerbation of the inflammatory process and without consulting a doctor!

Also, the lumbosacral type of sciatica is treated with burdock, birch or linden leaves scalded with boiling water. They are applied in a thick layer on the focus of pain, tied with a woolen scarf for 1-2 hours in the morning and in the evening before going to bed.

Traditional medicine can be a good complementary therapy to the main treatment. But only a specialist after conducting the necessary research can answer how to effectively treat sciatica.

In order to get rid of unpleasant pain symptoms as much as possible, it is necessary to deal with pathology by all available means. The most effective way to prevent is proper nutrition.

A diet for sciatica and some other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in conjunction with a physically active lifestyle, the diet can reduce the risk of recurrence of the pathology by almost half.

To do this, remember the following rules:

• Reduce salt and sugar intake as much as possible. These products contribute to water retention in the body. Any inflammation is accompanied by swelling, which inevitably causes pain, water retention in the body only exacerbates the situation. For the same reason, it is worth giving up hot spices, strong coffee and tea, etc.;
• For the process of repairing damaged tissues, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of protein. This includes the following products: chicken breast, low-fat cottage cheese, milk;
• To restore the nervous system, we increase the consumption of foods containing B vitamins and magnesium. These products include: leafy greens, green vegetables: bell peppers, cucumbers, white cabbage.

Also, do not forget about adequate calorie intake per day and maintaining a normal body weight. Excess kilograms lead to an extra load on the spinal column.

Remember - Sciatica is not a disease. What it is? This is a symptom, and the causes of the pathology can be different. What to do if you often began to pursue back pain?

There is only one answer - immediately consult a doctor to find out the reasons, especially if the pain syndrome radiates to the leg. This may indicate a pinched sciatic nerve, inaction in this situation can lead to disability.

Video about the symptoms and causes of sciatica:

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 suggest 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 section 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 out 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, 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.

Such a common diagnosis in neurology as sciatica is made to many patients. But what is it, and how to help a person suffering from his attacks?

Radiculitis, or, as it is customary to designate it in medical practice, radiculopathy, are terms that literally refer to a disease of the peripheral nervous system. It manifests itself in the form of an acute or chronic inflammatory process that occurs in bundles of nerve fibers that branch off from the spinal cord.

Radiculitis

There are several forms of radiculopathy:

• cervical;
• chest;
• lumbar;
• sacral;
• coccygeal.

Very often, several sections of the spinal column are affected simultaneously, and then the form of sciatica becomes mixed, for example, lumbosacral.

Cause

Experts see the main cause of discogenic radiculopathy (banal radiculitis) in irreversible, i.e. degenerative damage (or, more simply, wear!) of intervertebral cartilage discs.

Such a lesion is associated with the destruction of the fibrous ring, and the main reason for this is osteochondrosis.

For various reasons, the cartilaginous layer between the bones of the spinal column becomes thinner, which leads to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and infringement of nerve fibers.

It's important to know! In severe cases, abrasion occurs on the surface of unprotected bone tissue that experiences everyday stress.

Additionally, characteristic bone and salt outgrowths appear on the edges of the vertebrae, aggravating the pinched nerves during physical activity.

In addition, they irritate the nervous tissue in osteochondrosis and muscle contractions that occur during hypothermia, intoxication and trauma.

Symptoms

The first thing that a patient with sciatica feels is the appearance of acute pain in the inflamed area. In addition, the following are additionally noted:

1. violation of the sensitivity of adjacent parts of the body;
2. movement disorders.

In the absence of proper treatment, the disease becomes chronic, which is difficult to treat and is fraught with periodic exacerbations.

Depending on which of the five sections of the spinal column is involved in the inflammatory process, an attack of sciatica may differ in its clinical signs.

Related video:

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is carried out by medical specialists in a medical institution.

Including, the doctor resorts to such research methods as:

• computed and magnetic resonance imaging;
• radiography;
• scanning of the spinal column;
• blood and urine tests;
• ultrasound procedure.

Treatment

As well as setting the correct diagnosis, the appointment of adequate treatment is in the exclusive competence of the attending neurologist.

Like any therapy, the main goal is to eliminate the causes of the disease. For this, the patient, along with the relief of pain, produces:

• physiotherapy;
• therapeutic technique for stretching the spine.

When attacks of acute sciatica appear, the very first aid is expressed in providing a person with complete rest.
To do this, he is placed on a bed with a hard mattress, and unbearable pains are stopped with painkillers and a novocaine blockade is put. Additionally, anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out.

It's important to know! The symptoms of sciatica can be easily confused by a non-professional with signs of other serious diseases in which heating is contraindicated. Therefore, patients are strictly forbidden to make their own decisions about anesthesia and the effect of heat on the area of ​​pain.

In conditions outside the hospital, patients are recommended special ointments and rubbing agents, which are applied with light massage movements to the zones of the painful reaction. When performing massage or rubbing, it is important to ensure that the masseur's hands are not dry and cold.

sciatica

This is the most common form of the disease, since the lumbar region experiences the greatest mechanical impact when the body moves.

It's important to know! The largest sciatic nerve (or, as it is also called, sciatica) is located in the sacral region. Therefore, this form is very painful for patients.

Symptoms

The affected nerve roots of the lumbar and sacral sections make themselves felt with sharp pains in
relevant areas of the back:

1. lower back;
2. sacrum.

The clinical symptoms do not end there. Pain extends to the buttocks, with recoil throughout the lower extremities in:

• hip;
• shin;
• foot including heel.

A characteristic feature of such pains is their intensification during movement, so patients try to ensure their peace as much as possible.

In addition to pain, there are sensations of coldness of the legs, numbness of parts of the body adjacent to the spine, crawling, loss of pain and temperature sensitivity.

Treatment

With exacerbations, bed rest is indicated, but not longer than five days!

In general, the treatment of such a disease is extremely complex, aimed at both eradicating the causes and restoring the lost functioning of the spinal column.

Drug treatment includes the use of several groups of drugs:

• anti-inflammatory, - Diclofenac, etc.;
• local pain medications.

In addition, injections and tablets of vitamin-containing preparations of group B are shown.
Additionally, the patient is recommended therapeutic massage and special exercises restoring muscle activity (exercise therapy).

Quite justified is the treatment of lumbar sciatica at home with various folk remedies of both plant and animal origin, as well as clay applications.

Many patients resort to periodic wearing on the affected area of ​​such a proven folk remedy as a sciatica belt made on the basis of pure animal wool - sheep, camel, goats and even dogs.

Various ointments based on herbs and honey are shown, as well as mustard and pepper plasters stimulating microcirculation.

Of the means of physiotherapy, dynamic electric current and electrophoresis are used.

cervical sciatica

Cervical radiculopathy is formed around the age of forty as a result of irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical vertebrae.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of cervical and cervico-shoulder sciatica are intense pain in the back of the head, neck, transmitted to the shoulders and shoulder blades. Unilateral and sudden, the pain becomes more acute with movements of the head and hands, coughing and sneezing.

Advanced cases cause burning, tingling, loss of pain and thermal sensitivity in the skin of the hands. The muscles of the hands become inactive, weak.

Treatment

The treatment of this form of the disease is similar to the treatment of the lumbosacral region: they resort to drugs, physiotherapy and gymnastics in a complex way.

Thoracic sciatica

This is the rarest form of sciatica, most often caused by viruses, for example, leading to the disease shingles.

In addition, this form of the disease leads to:

• tumor processes in the chest area;
• adhesion formation.

Symptoms

Like other forms of sciatica, the symptoms of chest pain are expressed by tingling, numbness and pain in the spaces between the ribs - intercostal neuralgia occurs, which is especially aggravated by physical activity.

At the same time, patients complain of muscle weakness, especially in the chest area.

Treatment

The main treatment does not differ from the usual methods of treating a common form of sciatica, and can be supplemented by manual therapy methods, mud therapy and other specific methods in a sanatorium.

Alternative methods of treatment of sciatica

In any case, home treatment of radiculopathy should still be under the supervision of a medical specialist!

Almost all available for home relief of the patient's condition are natural painkillers.

herbal remedies

Many suffering from radiculitis attacks are well helped by horseradish treatment in the form of its tincture, prepared with one part of the juice of this burning root, and one part of water.

The solution is rubbed into the areas of greatest pain, and immediately insulated with woolen clothes to enhance the effect.

Fir oil

This wonderful herbal remedy is used in a course - for 10-15 days daily rubbing it into the skin of the back and legs.

The effect of the oil is enhanced if warming procedures were previously carried out, or the patient took a hot bath.

Nettle

In folk medicine, the treatment of radiculitis attacks with nettles is very popular. To do this, use fresh, green leaves, applying them to the surface of the skin.

In the winter season, dried leaves are useless; instead, nettles are frozen from summer.

mustard powder

This herbal remedy is traditionally used by applying pharmacy mustard plasters to the areas affected by sciatica, or by taking a mustard bath.

For a bath, about 350 grams of the powder is diluted with warm water, after which it is poured into a bath filled with warm water (39 degrees for women, and not higher than 42 for men), and stirred.

The bath is taken for about fifteen minutes. For patients with heart problems, the length of stay in a hot bath is reduced to five minutes.

burdock

The treatment of sciatica with burdock is successfully practiced, for which a fresh leaf of this plant is rinsed and fixed at the site of inflammation. Dried leaves are used in the same way in winter.

Black radish

The usual raw black radish also helps, which is rubbed on a fine grater, and applied in the form of gruel to the body, where the attacks are most felt. Pounded onions are sometimes added to the radish to enhance its medicinal qualities.

The application is kept for about forty minutes, after which the skin is wiped with a damp cloth.

If you use not gruel, but radish juice compresses, which are soaked in pieces of clean, dense fabric. Such compresses are applied to areas of the spinal column for a longer time - at least two to three days.

Potato treatment

To alleviate the patient's condition during mild attacks, two types of potato tubers are used:

• raw;
• boiled.

A gruel is prepared from raw potatoes, chopping it in any convenient way. Then it is diluted with the same volume of gasoline, applied to a thick cloth, which is applied to the lower back or thoracic region.

Withstand the compress for up to 16 minutes, after which the skin is wiped with a cloth moistened with water.

Boiled half a kilo of potatoes is mashed (without adding oil, salt and milk!), And mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda. The finished mixture is distributed over gauze, folded two or three times, and the sore spot is wrapped. A film is applied on top, and insulated with woolen things.

Ointment based on garlic

Preparing is simple: one weight of raw garlic is crushed, and mixed with two weights of rendered fat from the insides of a pig. The finished composition is stored in an opaque jar in the refrigerator.

The ointment is used every day, in a warm form, rubbing with massage movements into the affected areas.
Folk methods of non-vegetative composition n

Creolin

This is ordinary potter's clay, well-purified and safe.

When treating with creolin, it is combined with wine or apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1 to 1, or one to two, and the resulting viscous “dough” is distributed on the skin.

Clay remains on the body for up to two days, after which it is simply washed off.

"Furacilin mustard plasters"

A solution is prepared: a quarter of a tablet of furacilin is dissolved in fifty milliliters of water. Next, a full spoonful of bee honey is stirred in the solution, and mustard plasters are lowered into it.

The procedure is carried out at night: after keeping the mustard plasters for 15-20 minutes, they are removed, and a film and warm cloth are put in their place. So they sleep all night.

Natural honey

It is very useful to rub the area of ​​​​the spinal column with real honey, on top of which ordinary mustard plasters are applied, and they are kept, warming the area, for up to twenty minutes.

bee venom

Apitherapy is not limited to medotherapy! Quite effectively, strong attacks are stopped by bee stings, which secrete poison from their sting containing the biologically active substance apitoxin (about 0.3 grams in one bite).

In addition, when stinging, the tissue receives the enzyme adolapin, which is a natural analgesic, more powerful than its chemical counterparts.

In addition, bee stings:

• have an analgesic effect;
• start the natural processes of self-healing of the body;
• relieve muscle spasms;
• enhance blood microcirculation;
• remove inflammatory processes.

With the help of tweezers, the bee is seated on the skin, waiting for the bite, after which it is removed, and the skin is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to bee venom. To prevent this from happening, a provocative test is performed before treatment.

Unfortunately, the prospects for completely getting rid of sciatica are practically zero, since such a condition is difficult to treat. Usually the patient has to get used to the pathology, adapting to the new rules of life.

Radiculitis is a disease of the nervous system in which the roots of the spinal nerves are affected. Radiculitis, the main symptom of which is pain in the neck or back (depending on such a lesion), can also be referred to in medical practice as radiculopathy.

general description

With sciatica, irritation of the nerves occurs, provoked by a lesion for one reason or another of the intervertebral disc. In particular, such a lesion may develop due to degeneration (or more simply, “wear and tear”) of the area of ​​​​the outer disc ring, due to damage due to trauma, or a combination of both of these causes. Due to the weakness of the outer ring, a characteristic arching develops, which is accompanied by the formation of a hernia. Because of this, in turn, the central part of the disk, being softer in nature, can break through (this happens through the outer disk ring), thereby coming into contact with the spinal cord or with its nerves emanating from the side of the spinal column . Irritation of the nerves from the cervical discs against the background of a degenerative disease is cervical radiculopathy.

They also distinguish banal radiculitis (this is discogenic radiculopathy), they consist in motor, pain and autonomic disorders that occur against the background of damage to the spinal roots, which in particular occurs due to the relevance of such a disease in a patient as osteochondrosis of the spine.

Most often, the causes of sciatica are reduced to the influence of three main factors. In particular, this is the already noted osteochondrosis, herniated discs, as well as deforming spondylarthrosis. In addition to these factors, sciatica can also be triggered by certain diseases, such as tuberculosis, influenza, syphilis, brucellosis, rheumatism, cerebrospinal meningitis, tumors, neuroviral diseases of the radicular form (such as tick-borne encephalitis, etc.).

Radiculitis: symptoms

Symptoms of sciatica manifest themselves depending on the form of this disease, which is determined by the characteristics of the lesion in a particular area. In particular, sciatica can be cervical, thoracic or lumbosacral. In general consideration, it can be noted that the main symptom of the disease is pain, focusing on one specific area and accompanied by systematic “backache”, a backache is understood as a sensation that resembles an electric shock in manifestation. Later, such sensations as tingling and numbness, as well as a feeling of "goosebumps", noted in a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin, also manifest themselves. The area of ​​innervation of the affected root is marked either by a decrease in sensitivity in it or its complete disappearance (this applies to sensitivity to temperature or pain effects).

Cervical sciatica: symptoms

With cervical sciatica, there is a lesion in the cervical nerves of the spinal roots. The main and first symptom of cervical sciatica is pain in the neck, which manifests itself with additional spread to the muscles of the hands, this pain is one-sided. The emerging pain is sudden in nature, it can be noted when trying to bend the patient's head. An increase in pain is noted with an unsuccessfully perfect movement of the head or with the same inclination.

The sleeping position is chosen with considerable difficulty, night rest may be accompanied by stabbing sharp soreness in the arms and neck. The possibility of some weakening of pain sensations is allowed, which is achieved due to accurate tilts or turns of the head. Hands with cervical sciatica can significantly lose their inherent muscle strength, which can reach a state of absolute loss of their sensitivity.

The disease begins mainly at the age of 40 years and older, in many cases the course is protracted, accompanied by periodic exacerbations.

Thoracic sciatica: symptoms

This form of the disease is characterized by the fact that the area of ​​localization, as is clear, is located in the thoracic vertebral region. This form is diagnosed less often than cervical or lumbar sciatica. The main manifestations of symptoms in this case are pain, numbness and tingling in the intercostal space. Muscle strength is also subject to changes - it, accordingly, is reduced. Thoracic sciatica is also accompanied by the need to bend towards the affected spine while keeping the torso in the appropriate position, in addition, patients try to avoid any unnecessary movements that could increase pain.

The causes of this form of the disease lie in the impact, as a rule, of a viral infection (for example, it is herpes zoster), somewhat less frequently, degenerative-dystrophic processes become the cause of sciatica (already noted osteochondrosis, deforming spondylarthrosis). The disease, in addition, can develop against the background of compression exerted on the roots of the spinal nerves by an adhesive or tumor process.

Lumbosacral sciatica (aka sciatica): symptoms

Most often, sciatica manifests itself in this form. The main age group is patients aged 30 to 50 years. Another characteristic feature of patients susceptible to the development of this disease is their professional activity, carried out in conditions of unfavorable temperatures. The area of ​​localization, as is clear from the allocation of a specific form of the name of the disease, corresponds to the lumbar spine.

Lumbar sciatica in some cases is also defined as "sciatica". This definition corresponds to such a lesion of the sciatic nerve region, due to which there are pronounced pain sensations of a unilateral nature of the manifestation from the side of the thigh or buttock. These pain sensations are sudden and sharp, due to the intensity of their manifestation, it is extremely difficult for the patient to find a comfortable position for their reduction. Against the background of unsuccessfully performed movements, the symptoms of sciatica may intensify, and it is also quite difficult to find a sleeping position. During a night's rest, pain of a shooting nature, noted in the lumbar region or in the leg, may appear. Here, too, there is a decrease in muscle strength in the legs, which in some cases reaches a complete loss of their sensitivity.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of radiculitis is made on the basis of the results of a number of studies that a doctor can prescribe in this area. These include in particular the following:

• radiography - an x-ray of the spine in lateral and frontal projections, additionally, in accordance with the indications, an x-ray of the pelvis, hip joints and other areas can be taken;
• CT, MRI (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging);
• densitometry;
• scintigraphy - a procedure for scanning the skeletal system of the spine;
• Ultrasound of the retroperitoneal space, pelvic organs and abdominal cavity;
• laboratory tests of blood, urine.

Treatment

The treatment of radiculitis must necessarily be comprehensive, which means that it should be focused not only on eliminating the symptoms that bother the patient, but also on restoring adequate mobility of the vertebrae in combination with ensuring their proper functioning within the framework of the impact.

It is a generally recognized fact in the treatment of sciatica that it is necessary to provide a sparing home regimen. At the same time, staying in bed for longer than 2-5 days is highly discouraged - due to the early start of motor activity in combination with the gradual resumption of the standard physiological load, an earlier recovery of patients is achieved.

As for the concomitant recovery according to such a scheme of drug treatment, it is based on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, Diclofenac, Ortofen, etc.), B-group vitamins, painkillers, local warming agents. In addition to drugs in the treatment of sciatica, methods of physiotherapy (dynamic current, electrophoresis, etc.) are also used.

Treatment of the disease in the early stages may be the local application of cold or dry heat. Cold in this case is applied in the form of an ice pack applied to the lower back several times a day for up to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, both heat and cold are measures of individual effectiveness, that is, one of the options helps one patient, the other, respectively, the other, everything is strictly individual. Fixation of the area of ​​the lower body (lumbar bandage or circular tight bandage) can help in pain relief.

A separate place is occupied in the treatment of manual therapy, as well as physiotherapy exercises and therapeutic massage. Folk remedies for sciatica, with all their diversity, are mainly aimed at eliminating symptoms, more precisely, at eliminating pain.

Rubbing and ointments also play an essential role in the treatment, the only thing is that this procedure must be carried out correctly. So, when rubbing, it is necessary that the hands of the one who conducts it are warm. The sore spot is stroked upwards for about 10-20 minutes, if the pain is too intense in manifestation, then rubbing is carried out for about 5 minutes. Next, the sore spot needs to be “insulated”, wrapped up for warming up.

Treatment and prevention of the development of complications require the exclusion of sudden movements (tilts, turns), heavy lifting, prolonged unilateral loads and motionless sitting. It is also necessary to exclude hypothermia.

If symptoms appear that indicate a possible sciatica, it is necessary to contact a general practitioner and a neuropathologist (neurologist).

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Back pain currently affects a large part of the population of our country. But most back diseases have very similar symptoms or they are interconnected with each other and manifest themselves in a complex way. Particular importance is attached to such an ailment as sciatica, its treatment is currently effective and favorable. So, what the disease is, what symptoms it accompanies and how it is treated, we will talk further.

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Features of the disease

What is sciatica and how is it treated? Radiculitis is a disease that is characterized by damage to the roots of the spinal cord. These lesions cause severe or moderate pain, decreased motor function and muscle mass. Also in the affected area there is a decrease in sensitivity and reflexes.

What is dangerous?

The question of how to cure sciatica is very important. If left untreated, it can lead to various complications. The most dangerous are ischemia and spinal cord infarction. Sciatica can occur in any part of the spine. It is important that acute sciatica is not a separate disease, but a consequence of any problems in your body.

There are several types of disease. This classification was carried out depending on which part of the spine the inflammation of the roots occurred:

1. Cervical. Your neck hurts on one side, gives to the shoulder girdle or shoulder on the same side. The pain is aggravated by movement.
2. Thoracic. There is pain in the back on one side, it spreads along the costal arch.
3. Lumbar. There is intense pain when bending over, it radiates to the buttock and the back of the leg. The pain is one-sided, burning and severe.

Causes

Radiculitis cannot just happen. This disease occurs due to some change in the body. The most common causes of sciatica:

1. Damage to nerve endings, tumors in the nervous system, compression of nerve channels. Often, an intervertebral hernia provokes the appearance of an ailment.
2. Osteochondrosis. This is the most common cause of the disease. Most of the people suffering from it have manifestations of sciatica.
3. Spinal injury.
4. High physical activity. Due to overstrain of the muscles, their further inflammation and squeezing is possible.
5. Stress.
6. Hypothermia, viral infections.
7. Age. It can be explained by the fact that over time, minerals are washed out of the body, and this leads to problems with the spine and nerves.

Symptoms of the disease

The main symptom is pain. To understand and identify sciatica, you need to understand what kind of pain you are experiencing:

• at first it is very sharp, you experience the so-called "lumbago";
• severe pain persists throughout the acute period;
• in the place where the root is inflamed, you experience a burning sensation;
• pain may increase or decrease. It depends on what state you are in (rest or exercise).

Signs of radiculitis are the so-called night pains, when the pain intensifies at night and does not calm down for a long time. Another characteristic symptom is a decrease in sensitivity in the area of ​​the affected root (for example, a violation of the extensor function of the fingers). Such symptoms of sciatica as dizziness that appear in the afternoon, headache, aggravated by tilting or turning, and nausea should alert. With lumbar sciatica, patients report pain in the lower abdomen and when urinating.

Diagnostics

The good news is that diagnosing the disease is easy. What to do with sciatica? Go to the doctor, he will quickly diagnose and prescribe treatment for sciatica. The main detection method is palpation. Thus, a focus of intense pain is revealed.

1. X-ray. He can involve different departments, make several projections. Gives a complete picture of what the pathology is.
2. Tomography. The advantage of this procedure is that it allows you to determine not only the degree of compression of the root, but also the cause.
3. Electromyography. Necessary for diagnosing nerves and how impulses pass through nerve fibers.
4. Blood analysis.

If the result and a quick recovery are important to you, then only a doctor can help with this. Which doctor treats sciatica? First of all, a neurologist.

To mitigate disturbing factors, you can use traditional medicine. Compresses are very popular, which should relieve inflammation. They may include garlic, chamomile, white clay, etc. A sciatica belt can also help alleviate your condition.

How is the treatment carried out?

Treatment of sciatica should be comprehensive, simultaneously affecting all areas. It is not enough, for example, to relieve the pain syndrome, because without proper full treatment, the pain will definitely return. How to quickly cure sciatica? There are many treatment options, and which one to choose, the doctor will tell you.

Particular attention should be paid to preventive measures:

• maintaining correct posture;
• back strengthening;
• choosing the right mattress and pillow;
• compliance with safety rules when lifting weights;
• avoiding awkward postures when sitting and standing;
• moderate but regular exercise and proper nutrition;
• sciatica belt.

The role of diet in illness cannot be underestimated, since proper nutrition (often, but in small portions) will contribute to the timely and high-quality assimilation of prescribed drugs. In addition, both a sick and a healthy person should regularly change their sitting posture. You can get up and do the simplest exercises or just walk.

Medical pain relief

Possibly with anti-inflammatory drugs. The most popular are Diclofenac and Ibuprofen. The doctor may prescribe medicine in the form of injections, tablets and ointments. It depends on the severity of the pain and the stage of the disease. Drugs are also needed to reduce spasms in the area of ​​the affected nerve root (these include Robaksin, Metacarbomol). To relieve swelling of nerve formations, diuretics are used.

Novocaine blockades are used if the pain cannot be tolerated and lighter drugs do not bring relief. Often they inject novocaine with vitamins, they perfectly relieve an attack of sciatica. A solution of novocaine is injected directly into the damaged area. The resolving effect is achieved with the help of Lidaza. It is also possible to use spot preparations based on dextrose, glycerin and water.

In the complex, B vitamins and soothing tablets can be prescribed. The former are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, the latter are prescribed to relieve the moral burden in case of pain and stress.

Mechanical methods

They consist in applying a fixing bandage or a special corset. The essence of their use is that they fix the damaged area and protect against sudden movements. And for a favorable outcome of the disease, such rest is simply necessary. But you can’t wear such bandages all the time, as stagnation in the tissues and swelling are possible, so it’s better to take breaks.

This also includes a belt from sciatica. They are infrared, from animal hair, magnetic, from natural fur. A belt from sciatica is considered a fairly effective method of treatment. They wear it for a long time during the day, but breaks for rest are required.

Also effective:

Apitherapy

How to treat sciatica in this way? The healing properties of bee venom help the body release free reserves to fight the disease. Bee venom is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps to fight pain. The use of this method must be approached with caution, as there are many contraindications, in particular, allergic reactions. However, the method is effective and helps effectively, the course of treatment is on average 10-20 sessions, which are recommended every other day.

ethnoscience

It can be effective, but is usually used in conjunction with traditional methods. Among the most common methods are a garlic compress and a salt compress. The belt from sciatica will increase the therapeutic effect of this method.

Surgical intervention

It is carried out infrequently, it consists in decompression of the spine. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. This method is used only if a pinched nerve is diagnosed. During the operation, the cause of the infringement is eliminated mechanically.

It is important to remember that if you are diagnosed with radiculitis, then you need to monitor the disease even during remission. The positive point is that the acute period of the disease is successfully cured. Doctors recommend taking preventive measures every 4-6 months. Be healthy!

Video "Symptoms and causes of sciatica"

This form explains in detail what are the causes of the disease and its symptoms.