Sciatica symptoms and treatment at home. Sciatica - inflammation of the sciatic nerve: causes, symptoms and treatment Why chronic sciatica is not treated

Will be discussed in detail below. You will also learn about why this disease occurs and what its symptoms are.

Basic information

Pinching of the sciatic nerve, the symptoms of which are difficult to miss, as well as lumbar radiculitis, accompanied by pinching of the roots of the sacral region, are one and the same disease. The pain syndrome with it is localized in the thigh, lumbar region, foot and lower leg. It also gets worse when walking and coughing.

At the very beginning of the development of the disease, it occurs as lumbago, lumbodynia or lumboischialgia.

It should also be said that sciatica is synonymous with this pathological condition. In medical practice, it is also called neuritis, inflammation or pinching of the sciatic nerve. Its main symptom is lower back pain that radiates to the leg.

In the absence of proper treatment, the pain syndrome associated with this disease can be weak and unbearable. In the latter case, the sick person can neither sleep nor stay awake normally.

Main reasons

Why does sciatic nerve entrapment occur (symptoms of this condition will be presented below)? Modern medicine claims that such a disease may be associated with mechanical (for example, vertebral hernia, vertebral displacement or osteochondrosis) or temperature (for example, severe hypothermia) factors.

It should also be noted that in some cases this pathological phenomenon occurs due to a tumor, Reiter's syndrome, infection, etc.

In addition to the diseases listed, pain in the buttock radiating to the leg may be associated with the development of the following pathologies:

• Sciatica, accompanied by compression of nerve fibers by hematoma or post-injection abscesses.
• Sciatica, accompanied (including with syndrome
• Neuropathy associated with metabolic disorders (including alcoholism, diabetes, etc.).
• Injury to the sciatic nerve caused by improper injection, fractures of the femur and pelvis.
• Sciatica, which developed against the background of neuropathy under the influence of certain toxic substances.

Before I tell you about how to cure the sciatic nerve, I should tell you that adults most often suffer from this disease. Sciatica develops much less frequently at the age of 20-26 years. In addition, this disease can occur in the last months of pregnancy due to the fact that the load on the spinal column of the expectant mother increases significantly.

Other causes

Why does sciatica occur (symptoms and treatment of this disease will be presented below)? There are many reasons for the development of this disease. The most common factors are the following:

Location

Where does the sciatic nerve hurt? What is its location? Experts say that these are the two longest and largest nerves in the human body. They run on both sides from the lower back to the fingers of the lower extremities.

As a rule, when this nerve is inflamed, the patient begins to experience pain in only one of them, localized at the back of the thigh, as well as behind the knee along the calf, all the way to the foot.

Main symptoms

How does sciatica manifest? The symptoms and treatment of this disease are known to few. With neuritis, pain can be burning, stabbing, sharp and cutting. They can appear suddenly and disappear just as suddenly. In more severe cases, the inflammation is chronic.

Typically, such attacks occur after physical or emotional stress. They can also bother you after hypothermia.

Along the course of the nerve, with this disease, the sensitivity of the skin may be impaired and tingling, numbness, goosebumps, etc. may appear.

Medications

What injections are prescribed for a sciatic nerve that is pathologically inflamed? Non-steroidal painkillers are the most effective. They are drugs that can stop the action of the COX enzyme and have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

So what medications treat sciatic nerve? Drugs belonging to the mentioned pharmacological group are sold in all pharmacies. They usually use Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ortofen, Sulindac, Ceberex, Ketorolac and Naproxen. All of these drugs have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and have a negative effect on the kidneys, and also reduce blood clotting. In this regard, their use should be limited.

Also, for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a neurologist can prescribe vitamins (especially B vitamins), mineral complexes and medications that improve blood circulation and metabolic processes, and also relax muscle tissue.

Physiotherapy

For sciatica, even the simplest exercises are very effective. However, they should be performed only after the acute process has subsided, that is, during periods of remission.

Gymnastics must be done slowly and smoothly, without much tension.

In acute sciatica, the patient should observe. It is advisable to use a hard mattress. It is also necessary to limit physical activity (until the acute inflammation passes). In addition, it is possible to alternately use heating pads and ice, massage in the area where the pain is located, and other things.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Sciatica is a syndrome manifested by severe pain in the areas where the sciatic nerve passes. The syndrome is caused by compression of the spinal cord roots in the lumbar region or parts of the nerve itself. Since there can be many reasons for compression of the roots of the spinal cord and nerve, the manifestations of the syndrome, in addition to pain along the sciatic nerve, can also be very diverse and polymorphic.

Currently, the term "sciatica" is used only to designate the syndrome, and the disease manifested by its development is called lumbosacral radiculitis. Also, to designate variants of sciatica caused by different causes, the terms radiculopathy, radiculoischemia and radiculomyeloischemia can be used.

Sciatica (sciatic nerve sciatica)

Since the term “sciatica” itself is translated from Greek as “inflammation of the sciatic nerve,” the names “sciatic sciatica” and “sciatic nerve sciatica” are an example of excessive specification - that is, what is called “butter oil” in everyday speech. Therefore, such “common”, “expanded” terms are incorrect. After all, when they talk about sciatica, they always mean that the problem is in the sciatic nerve, since the very name of the pathology already contains an indication of this particular nerve.

Which nerve is affected in sciatica?

With sciatica, non-inflammatory damage (compression) occurs to the sciatic nerve, which is the largest and longest in the human body, since it starts from the sacral nerve plexus and passes through the soft tissues to the very feet.

Essence and brief characteristics of the disease

Sciatica is a non-inflammatory lesion of the sciatic nerve that occurs as a result of its compression in any area. Accordingly, the causes of sciatica can be any factors that lead to compression of the tissue areas through which the sciatic nerve passes, such as, for example, injuries to the legs, pelvis, lumbar or sacral spine, compression of the nerve during prolonged immobility, pinching by fibrous cords , tumors, hematomas, etc. Most often, sciatica develops in people aged 40–60 years, which is due to pathological changes accumulated in the body, which can cause compression of the sciatic nerve.

To clearly understand and imagine what causes the clinical manifestations of sciatica, you need to know how and where the sciatic nerve passes. This nerve originates in the sacral nerve plexus, which is located in the sacral region, next to the vertebrae. The nerve plexus is formed by the roots of the spinal cord, which are not located inside the spinal canal, formed by vertebrae standing on top of each other, but outside. That is, these roots are located on the sides of each vertebra and are very close to each other, as a result of which the area of ​​their localization was called the sacral nerve plexus.

From this sacral nerve plexus arises the large sciatic nerve, which then exits the pelvic cavity onto the posterior surface of the buttock, from where it descends along the posterior surface of the thigh to the lower leg. At the top of the leg, the sciatic nerve divides into two large branches, the fibular and tibial, which run along the right and left edges of the back of the leg (see Figure 1). The sciatic nerve is a paired organ, that is, it is present on the right and left. Accordingly, two sciatic nerves depart from the sacral nerve plexus - for the right and left legs.

Picture 1– Schematic representation of the sciatic nerve on the right.

With sciatica, as a rule, only one of the two nerves is affected, as a result of which the symptoms affect only the right or left limb.

The main symptom of sciatica is a strong and sharp pain that occurs on any part of the leg or buttock along the nerve. In addition, along the course of the affected nerve, paresthesia (numbness and a “pins and needles” sensation) and weakness appear on the posterior surface of the corresponding limb and foot. Paresthesia, numbness and weakness can persist for years, gradually progressing.

Upon examination with sciatica, pain is detected on the back surface of the leg from the side of the affected nerve, as well as neurological symptoms, such as decreased reflexes of the knee, Achilles tendon, Lasegue symptoms, etc. In about a third of cases, a person has increased sensitivity of the outer edge of the foot, in half of the cases - weakness muscles of the leg and foot. When trying to internally rotate a leg bent at the hip and knee, a sharp pain is detected in the buttock.

For diagnostics sciatica, an X-ray examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine are performed to determine at what level the spinal cord roots are pinched, as well as what caused their compression (tumor, hematoma, herniated disc, etc.).

For treatment For sciatica, various medications are used from the groups of antioxidants, metabolites, minerals and vitamins, agents that improve blood circulation and microcirculation, muscle relaxants and NSAIDs. In addition, as part of complex therapy, in addition to drug treatment, massage, physiotherapy, post-isometric relaxation, novocaine or hydrocortisone blockades are used. All means and methods of treating sciatica are aimed at eliminating compression of the spinal cord roots, as well as at relieving the painful manifestations of the syndrome for humans, such as pain, numbness and weakness of the limbs.

Causes of the disease

The causes of sciatica can be any condition or disease that compresses the roots of the spinal cord at the level of the lumbar spine or certain areas of the sciatic nerve. Such possible causative factors of sciatica include the following diseases and conditions:

1. Herniated disc in the lumbar spine (the herniated protrusion compresses the roots of the spinal cord, where the sciatic nerve originates, and thereby causes sciatica).

2. Infectious diseases (the sciatic nerve is affected by toxins secreted by pathogens):

• Sepsis (blood poisoning);
• Typhoid or typhus;

3. Intoxication with various toxic substances, such as:

• Alcohol (sciatica can occur due to chronic alcoholism or after one-time consumption of a large number of low-quality drinks);
• Heavy metal poisoning (mercury, lead);
• Arsenic poisoning.

4. Chronic systemic diseases in which unresolved toxic metabolic products are deposited in tissues:
5. Episodes of severe hypothermia of the body (as a rule, cooling contributes to the activation of a chronic infection, which, in fact, provokes sciatica).

Surgical treatment for sciatica, it is performed extremely rarely - only in cases where the syndrome is provoked by spinal tumors or herniated intervertebral disc, which impinges on the spinal cord or spinal cord roots. In this case, after pain relief, a planned operation is performed, after which the disease is completely cured, since its cause is eliminated. Also, surgical treatment of sciatica is performed in cases where, due to disruption of the sciatic nerve, a person suffers from severe urination and defecation disorders (for example, urinary or fecal incontinence).

Sciatica Treatments

For complex symptomatic, etiological and supportive therapy of sciatica, the following drugs are currently used:

• Medications(used to relieve pain, normalize microcirculation, sensitivity and mobility of the limb).
• Massage and manual therapy (used to relieve pain, relax and normalize muscle tone, as well as to restore the correct position of the vertebrae, as a result of which it is possible to achieve long-term remissions or even completely cure sciatica).
• Physiotherapy(used to improve microcirculation, conduction of nerve impulses, restore sensitivity and strength of muscle contractions and, accordingly, limb mobility).
• Acupuncture (acupuncture) is used to relieve pain, improve microcirculation and nourish both the tissues of the affected limb and the pinched roots of the spinal cord. By improving nutrition, the condition of the spinal cord roots and leg tissues improves, and as a result, the functions of the sciatic nerve are restored to normal.
• Physiotherapy– used during periods of remission to relax the muscles in the spine and improve blood supply to the spinal cord, its roots and the sacral nerve plexus.
• Apitherapy (treatment with bee stings) is used to relieve pain and relax muscles in order to eliminate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) is used to relieve swelling in the area of ​​a pinched nerve, as a result of which the volume of tissue decreases, the nerve is released from the clamp and begins to function normally.
• Sanatorium treatment (use of therapeutic mud, baths, etc.).

Drug treatment of sciatica

The following groups of drugs are used in the treatment of sciatica:

Massage

It is used during periods of remission and allows to improve blood flow to tissues and nerves, eliminate swelling and stagnation of lymph, relieve high muscle tone and relieve pain. For sciatica, massage is used in the lumbar and gluteal areas, as well as the back surfaces of the thigh, lower leg and foot. To obtain a good and lasting effect, it is necessary to conduct approximately 10 massage sessions lasting 30 - 35 minutes. It is recommended to combine massage with the application of ointments and therapeutic exercises.

Exercises (gymnastics)

It is recommended to perform therapeutic gymnastic exercises during the period of remission in order to prevent attacks of sciatica in the future.

So, gymnastics for sciatica includes performing the following exercises:

1. From a lying position on your back, pull your legs bent at the knees to your chest. Do 10 repetitions.

2. From a lying position on your back, lift your straight legs up, fix them in this position for a few seconds, and then lower them to the floor. Do 5 repetitions.

3. From a lying position on your stomach, lift your body on your hands, placing your palms under your shoulder. Do 5 repetitions.

4. From a sitting position on a chair, turn your body alternately to the right and left. Perform 5 turns in each direction.

5. From a sitting position on your knees, bend over with your arms raised above your head. Do 5 repetitions.

6. From a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart, tilt your body to the right and left. Perform 5 bends in each direction.

All exercises should be performed slowly and carefully, avoiding sudden movements.

Sciatica: gymnastics (recommendations from a specialist in physical therapy) - video

Sciatica: therapeutic exercises - video

Treatment of sciatica at home

At home, the only way to treat sciatica is to take medications. In principle, this, as a rule, is enough to relieve pain and achieve remission, but the lack of comprehensive treatment, including massage and physiotherapy, leads to the fact that attacks of sciatica recur sporadically.

What is it - one of the most common diseases among pathologies of the spinal and autonomic nerve plexuses is sciatica, or a disease with the usual name - sciatica.

It is characterized by a painful manifestation of the symptom complex in the area of ​​the sciatic nerves.

As a result of complete identity in meaning, sciatica is classified in medical practice as sciatic neuralgia or lumbosacral radiculitis.

What is sciatica?

In the human body, the sciatic nerves are the longest, occurring as a result of the connection of the spinal nerve roots with the nerve fibers of the last - the fourth and fifth, lumbar, and the first, second and third, initial sacral spinal roots.

Originating on a five-level segment of the lumbosacral region, each of them, going down the legs, branching along the way, is supplied with small nerve processes - the hips, legs and knees, feet and fingers.

And since the sacral spine bears the main load, then with various lesions that cause pinching, compression or irritation of the main trunk of the sciatic nerves or their roots, the irradiation of pain can spread to any areas along its “following”.

Causes of sciatica

Due to its location, the trunk of the sciatic nerves is susceptible to inflammation as a result of pathological processes occurring in adjacent organs located in the pelvic area - the lower intestine or organs of the genitourinary system. But the main causes of sciatica are various diseases and their complications:

1. 1) In most cases, neuralgia manifests itself as a complication as a result of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs - their deformation and flattening, overgrowth with osteophytes. The space between the vertebrae narrows, which leads to pinching of the sciatic nerve roots, causing inflammation and swelling in the surrounding tissues.
2. 2) – damage to the roots occurs as a result of ruptures of the disc membranes - fibrous rings of the discs, and protrusion through the rupture of the nuclei pulposus into the spinal canal. The formation of such hernias causes various types of injuries to the nerve endings.
3. 3) Instability of the spine - spondylolisthesis - as a result of displacement of the vertebral discs, or their slipping, as a result of thinning, compression or flattening occurs, sometimes of several roots that are part of the sciatic nerve, forming an inflammatory focus and swelling of adjacent tissues.
4. 4) As a result of facet joint syndrome - spondyloarthrosis - their main function is disrupted - stabilization and support of the spine. This process accelerates disc degeneration, and expansion of the facet joints leads to narrowing - stenosis of the vertebral spinal canal, from which the roots branch, resulting in damage to the sciatic nerve endings.
5. 5) As a result of spasm of the piriformis muscle, located under the gluteal muscle. The sciatic nerves running under or through it are stretched or irritated, causing radiating pain.

In addition to the main causes, the manifestation of inflammation is facilitated by:

• excessive loads;
• vertebral deformities;
• DM and tumor formations;
• arthritis and abscesses;
• exposure to extreme cold;
• infectious and gynecological diseases:
• fibromyalgia and thrombosis;
• tick-borne infections;
• Reiter's urethroculosynovial syndrome

Classification of the disease

In medical practice, sciatica is classified according to data that determines the location of damage to the sciatic nerves:

1. 1) With upper sciatica, the roots are affected, directly at the exit from the spinal canal.
2. 2) With moderate sciatica, the lesion is noted in the plexus area.
3. 3) With lower sciatica, extensive damage occurs not only to the trunk, but also to the branches of the sciatic nerves.

Considering the nature of the disease and the cause of its occurrence, the disease is divided into types:

1. 1) The primary type includes sciatica caused by: infections, as a result of hypothermia or intoxication.
2. 2) The secondary type of sciatica is provoked by diseases of tissues or organs located in close proximity to the sciatic nerves, their roots or plexus. Or for pathologies in the hip joints and bones.

Depending on the number of nerve lesions, the disease is divided into forms:

1. 1) Unilateral form of sciatica - determined by a single lesion.
2. 2) Bilateral form - includes simultaneous damage to both nerve branches

Symptoms of sciatica

Pain localized in the lumbar region and radiating to the lower part of the body are the main symptoms of sciatica. The pain varies in intensity. Descending along the sciatic nerve, they are accompanied by various manifestations:

• disturbance of sensitivity;
• “goosebumps” and tingling;
• burning and numbness;
• muscle weakness;
• pain even with minor movements

It is possible for sciatica and its symptoms to develop in a different scenario - without lower back pain, but with the presence of the listed symptoms. Or pain and the manifestation of these symptoms may appear only after reaching the level of the knees.

Shooting pain in the foot and toes, loss of Achilles and plantar reflexes, numbness of the surface of the lower leg and thighs indicates circulatory disorders in the radicular arteries of the first sacral segment, and the manifestation of paralytic sciatica.

In addition to such a disorder, radicular inflammation in the fifth lumbar segment provokes pathologies of motor functions of the limb and functions in the pelvic apparatus, which can lead to paralysis.

Diagnostics

To accurately diagnose the disease, various research methods are used to determine the location of the lesion and the nature of the disease, taking into account the symptoms. The diagnosis of sciatica is made based on:

• X-ray examination;
• Ultrasound, MRI and CT;
• manual diagnostics;
• neurological and electroneuromyographic examination;

A more accurate diagnosis, based on the manifestation of pain, is made on the basis of the following tests:

1. 1) Symptom of sitting - determining the patient’s ability to sit down after a supine position without bending the knee. Pain intensifies along the entire course of the sciatic nerve
2. 2) Lages symptom - determining the localization of pain by raising the straightened leg of a lying patient up. The disappearance of pain while simultaneously bending the leg at the knee indicates damage or inflammation in the sacrolumbar region.
3. 3) Sicard's symptom - determination of the affected segment by traction pressure when lifting the straightened leg in a supine position and simultaneous extension of the big toe - a symptom of tension, causing pain in the sciatic nerve along its entire path.

Treatment of sciatica

An important condition in the treatment of sciatica is early diagnosis and a well-designed treatment plan, taking into account the use of complex methods - medication and physiotherapy, aimed at eliminating the main cause provoking the disease and relieving the patient of clinical symptoms.

The first stage of sciatica treatment is aimed at relieving painful manifestations and reducing inflammatory processes with the help of anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Physiotherapeutic procedures - electrophoresis and magnetic therapy, UHF sessions

As additional purposes, according to indications, the following are used:

• acupuncture;
• manual therapy;
• electrical muscle stimulation;
• fixation of vertebrae with special belts.

The following methods should be applied in parallel:

• etiotropic therapy - to eliminate the source of the disease;
• antibacterial and antiviral therapy – for infectious causes of inflammation.

The second stage of sciatica treatment proceeds if conservative treatment fails. If the manifestations of sciatica are caused by mechanical damage to the nerve roots, intervertebral hernia or tumor, surgical intervention is inevitable.

These methods can be lumbar disectomy, laminectomy or microdiscectomy. The purpose of the operation is to eliminate the cause of compression on the root by removing part of the disc that is causing pressure or irritation of the nerve endings.

Prevention of sciatica and exercise therapy

The basis of prevention is an active lifestyle without bad habits. If your work involves sitting for a long time, you need to take short breaks to warm up and stretch your muscles. Avoid heavy loads on the vertebra. If possible, sign up for a yoga course. Avoid hypothermia. Women need to give up high-heeled shoes.

Gymnastics play a major role in restoring lost functions. Certain exercises improve blood circulation, which helps saturate the muscles with blood supplying them with oxygen and nutrients, which activates and normalizes metabolic processes. As a result, inflammation products disintegrate and are removed from the body. Even doing a few exercises a day will bring significant relief over time.

1. Exercise No. 1 – aimed at stretching the sacrolumbar muscles. You need to lie down on a hard surface. Extend your legs, slowly pull them towards your chest, bending your knees. Wait a minute and return to the starting position.
2. Exercise No. 2 – lying on your stomach and bending your elbows, slowly straighten them, rise, bending as much as possible, stretching your back. We stay in this position for 10 seconds and slowly return to the starting position.
3. Exercise No. 3 - lying on your back, tense your muscles as much as possible and press as tightly as possible to the floor surface.

Each type of exercise is performed ten times. To prevent attacks, focus on muscle stretching exercises.

Which doctor should I contact for treatment?

If, after reading this article, you think that you have symptoms characteristic of this disease, then you should

What is sciatica, how is it related to the patient’s neuralgic condition, why does it make life difficult for people sensitive to hypothermia, how to get rid of it? This question is asked by patients who have not escaped this disease. Let's try to figure out why this pathology is scary, how to protect yourself from it, and why treatment for sciatica is not always effective.

The disease neuralgic sciatica is a disease of the sciatic nerve, accompanied by aching pain, which, in the presence of inflammation, radiates to the lower back and thigh of the leg. At the moment of “shooting”, a person feels discomfort, it is difficult for him to stand on his feet and walk. The gait looks like a “hunched old man.” Signs of sciatica are easily recognized by limping, hunched posture, and leg dragging.

Every person suffers from back pain from time to time. According to adherents of Ayurveda, human thoughts are the cause of any problems in the body. The sources of energy are at the base of the spinal column. And all back diseases are a reaction to blocking energy channels.

The reasons for the clamping of energy centers are:

• problems of a sexual nature (sexual orientation, puritanism);
• deceit;
• abuse of drugs, alcohol, smoking;
• psychological trauma of an unsuccessful relationship between a man and a woman.

According to statistics, a third of the population suffers from some form of sciatica. Moreover, the age category of patients is different: young people aged 28–36 years, pensioners, men working in hazardous conditions. Sciatica also occurs during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, and in women for three to five years after the first birth.

For successful treatment, it is not enough to reconsider your behavior and change your daily habits. First of all, therapy involves an integrated approach to your psychological health, then to your physical health. Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve is often based on resentment and unwillingness to listen to your body. If you learn to live in harmony with your body, the causes of sciatica will go away as unexpectedly as they came.

The most common symptoms of sciatica are:

• drawing “lumbago” in the thigh, lower leg;
• pain in the right buttock, lower back;
• pinching of the sciatic nerve during sudden bending, turning, or raising the legs;
• loss of sensation in the right leg;
• discomfort in a lying, standing position, during squats.

When “lumbago” spontaneously occurs, a person cannot eliminate them on his own because he feels severe pain. Rubbing and massage do not bring relief. It is difficult to bend the legs and lower back, the right thigh is numb, tingling is felt in the lower back and lower leg. With sciatica, there is unilateral pain; rarely, the disease affects both legs.

Bruises, hypothermia, and clumsy movements injure the muscles, resulting in spasms, swelling, and blood stagnation. The brain receives an impulse about pain, an increase in blood pressure is observed, however, the muscles compress the vessels so much that it is impossible to avoid circulatory disturbances. An inflammatory process develops. Information about muscle damage comes to the brain from the area responsible for the site of inflammation, as a result of which, due to increased muscle inflammation, patients experience swelling. Trying not to change the position, a person strives to reduce the number of movements, but such an action leads to a different effect - stagnation of blood and the transition of the disease to the chronic stage.

Most common symptoms

The main sign of pathology in sciatica is pain. Other signs of the disease do not make themselves felt for a long time or are completely absent. When a person is first diagnosed with sciatica due to the cause of damage to muscle tone, the spasm lasts from 2 to 5 minutes, then the duration of the spasms increases and in critical situations can reach 8–10 minutes.

Important diagnostic criteria for sciatica are:

• Intensity of pain (pain can occur spontaneously and be clearly expressed, or it can be mild, short in time, without causing discomfort to the body). Severe pain makes every movement so unbearable that it is difficult for a person to stay in one position. Down to the sciatic nerve, the pain changes in intensity. Patients may feel as if the skin is numb, tingling, or crawling. In addition, pain may occur when performing minimal physical activity.
• The nature of the pain threshold (sensations can be very different: from sharp burning to intense with “lumbago”).
• Impact on other organs (most often the pain spreads to the lower back, popliteal fossa, buttocks, less often it occurs along the entire length of the leg, from the toes to the collarbone. Painful spasms may radiate to the lower back, or may be completely absent.
• Symmetry (discomfort, as a rule, is one-sided. Pain is felt either on the left or on the right side. Only in cases of an advanced form does the disease acquire irreversible consequences, which are accompanied by severe pain simultaneously on both sides, accompanied by “lumbago.”
• Frequency (depending on the form and stage of the disease, the pain is constant, with attacks, of a chronic nature).

Classification of sciatica disorders

Dysfunction of motor coordination, inhibition or absence of reflexes, loss of sensitivity are the main conditions that can occur with such a pathology as the treatment of sciatic neuralgia.

Sciatica has a negative effect on the nervous system (patients are characterized by neurostenosis, muscle atrophy, problems with sensitivity, limitation of movements, changes in muscle tone, neuralgia).

The most dangerous diseases that sciatica can subsequently lead to are:

• damage to the bones of the lower extremities;
• hyperthyroidism;
• disruptions in autonomic function;
• fragility of the nail plate;
• dry skin;
• distortion of skin tone.

Since sciatica is accompanied by compression of the sciatic nerve in the direction of the nerve fiber, patients exhibit symptoms in the form of neurological pathologies, nagging pain in the lower back, and tissue malnutrition.

Progression of sciatica without pain is less common. In such cases, there are pronounced symptoms of the disease, which manifest themselves in:

• pain radiating to the fingers;
• the occurrence of paralysis of the lower extremities;
• Achilles prolapse;
• numbness in part of the lower leg;
• absence of plantar reflexes.

Such symptoms indicate a dysfunction of the blood supply to the radicular arteries in the first sacral segment, as a result of which a type of sciatica occurs, such as paralytic. This is explained by concomitant radicular inflammation of the fifth lumbar segment, which “inhibits” motor processes, weakening the function of the pelvic apparatus and leading to immobility of the limbs (complete paralysis).

Characteristics of pain in sciatica

Often unbearable pain is the only sign of an insidious disease. This symptom is characterized by sharp “shots” of prolonged intensity, reminiscent of sharply inflicted knife wounds. Localization occurs along the nerve, affecting the back of the thigh, right buttock, popliteal cup, and back of the lower leg.

Attacks of pain can be periodic or constant. The strength and duration of pain depends on the form of the disease, the age of the person, and the dynamics of the disease. At the initial stage, sciatic neuralgia is accompanied by mild attacks of pain, so a person does not take this symptom seriously, thus ignoring the disease. The further development of sciatica is of a pronounced painful nature, intense pain exhausts the person, disturbing the mental state, because the patient tries to find any way to eliminate the unpleasant sensations.

Sciatica can be caused by uncomfortable postures when moving, lifting heavy things, and normal hypothermia. Prolonged spasm with sciatica makes it difficult for the patient to move, every step is difficult for him, minor changes in body position are fraught with severe pain in the lower back and hip.

Symptoms due to neuralgia

Neuralgic disorders are dangerous due to improper conduction of reflexes from the base of the spine to the affected leg. Symptoms of neuralgia do not depend on the duration of the disease, however, they are expressed differently, for example, patients may:

• the Achilles reflex decreases (the expression of the foot flexion function decreases or completely disappears in response to a hammer strike on the Achilles tendon);
• no reaction to the plantar reflex;
• intense tingling pain in the buttock occurs (usually observed when a person tries to cross his legs or place a limb bent at the knee joint on the inside of the shin of the second leg);
• the knee reflex weakens.

Once a person is faced with a condition such as sciatica, immediate treatment should be the main goal on the road to recovery. Otherwise, complications of the disease may cause disability. It is advisable to consult a doctor at the first discomfort, the pain is still weak, and the reaction to impulses is within normal limits. This guarantees the effectiveness of the therapy.

What are the dangers of poor coordination?

Infringement of the sciatic nerve is fraught with a decrease in sensory function and improper passage of impulses from the affected nerve. Such violations are accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. numbness of the foot, right thigh, right leg;
2. tingling in the lumbar region, reminiscent of “goosebumps”);
3. curvature of body position.
4. improper bending of the ankle and knee joints;
5. atrophy of the muscles of the back of the leg, thigh.

Externally, a person experiences a visual decrease in size and volume of the leg. Complete muscle atrophy can develop into paralysis only in the case of a serious condition of the patient, when sciatica causes complications on the spine.

As a rule, complete paralysis results in immobility of the leg in the hip area. Sometimes it happens that the patient, even with the slightest physical exertion, does not feel the leg in the foot, lower spine, or lower leg.

In severe forms of sciatica, accompanied by muscle atrophy, prolonged paralysis, reflex function disorders, problems with defecation, destruction of bone tissue of the hip and ankle joints, and urinary retention are possible.

When a person is struck by a disease such as sciatica, the main symptoms and treatment become more complicated. The disease develops quite quickly, as a result of which symptoms appear in various combinations. At the same time, different patients have different manifestations of sciatica. The exception is pain in the area of ​​one limb. Despite the different symptoms, most patients have similar symptoms, the main feature of which is localization in a specific area.

Treatment with medications

After diagnosing the disease, the question arises of how to treat sciatica so that the therapy gives the maximum result in restoring motor functions. Most often, patients try to relieve pain on their own by resorting to physical exercise, rubbing, and taking Aspirin. Sometimes such procedures are enough to return to normal life, but in most cases the pain becomes more active after a couple of days, and you can’t do it without a doctor. A preventive visit to a specialist should take place at least 2 times a year, regardless of whether the person has complaints or not.

Treatment with medications is the most affordable way. The patient goes to the pharmacy, buys medications, and takes them until the symptoms disappear. The first aid kit of people with sciatica is overflowing with pain-relieving ointments, gels, injections, and creams. In it you can find restorative vitamins and medicines intended for unexpected attacks.

Among the medications, the most practical and effective are:

• drugs for pain relief (Diclofenac, Amidopyrine, Tryptophan, Acecardol are sold without a prescription, relieve pain, inflammation, discomfort);
• chondroprotective medications (their action is aimed at restoring cartilage tissue, Arthro-Active, Teraflex, Advance, Chondroxide, Rumanol quickly eliminate the symptoms of sciatica, are quickly absorbed, and usually do not cause addiction);
• muscle relaxants (Diplacin, Mydocalm, Flexin are intended to eliminate spasms, normalize muscle tone, have a number of contraindications, their components contribute to addiction and dependence);
• nootropics (neurometabolic stimulating drugs) - Nootropil, Phezam, Pantogam affect the patient’s psyche, eliminating psychological problems that lead to sciatica; in this case, the treatment has side effects, constant use is addictive).

Do not forget that frequent use of medications causes addiction and side symptoms. Treatment of sciatica should continue as long as the course of therapy is prescribed by the attending physician.

Medicines quickly eliminate pain, improve the condition of joints, relieve stress, and normalize blood circulation. But in addition to this, they have a number of side symptoms, as a result of which patients become dependent on them. The disadvantage of medications is their ineffectiveness, because they do not eliminate the causes of the disease. With sciatica, it is quite possible to do without pills. This will require complex long-term therapy. How long will it take to eliminate the pain? If you strictly follow the doctor's instructions, recovery can follow quickly. On average, drug treatment for sciatica lasts 2–4 months, taking into account the characteristics of the human body and the severity of the disease.
You should not self-medicate, as this can harm your health by aggravating the process of sciatica. The right decision is to consult a doctor who will diagnose, identify the problem and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Ointments, tablets, creams are effective only at the initial stage of the disease. It is advisable to start therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ketanov, Naproxen-Acri, Dynastat, Celebrex.

Non-steroidal drugs should be taken with caution, because their incorrect use is fraught with exacerbation of ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastritis. Do not neglect to consult a doctor before using such products. Severe pain from sciatica can be eliminated with the help of painkillers such as Tramadol, Methadone, Ibuprofen, Fentanyl.

Also, in the treatment of sciatica, you can use phytotherapeutic agents, for example, based on bee venom, turpentine, hot pepper, camphor. They normalize blood circulation, relieve inflammation, and dull pain. The active components included in their composition contribute to irritation of skin receptors, as a result of which pain goes away. In the future, as a preventative measure, it is recommended to undergo a course of physiotherapy.

Alternative therapy

Modern medical institutions practice the simultaneous use of conventional and alternative medicine procedures for sciatica. Effectively help in the treatment of sciatica:

• acupuncture (aimed at relieving muscle fatigue, normalizing blood flow, eliminating spasms; prescribed strictly individually by the attending physician, has positive reviews from patients who, after undergoing a rehabilitation course, managed to eliminate symptoms and return to active movement);
• kinesiotherapy (the goal of this technique is to activate movements through constant muscle training; exercises are performed according to a special system with a daily increase in load);
• manual therapy (performed with the aim of relaxing spasmodic muscles, eliminating pain, muscle strain; involves a gentle influence of the chiropractor on the active points responsible for blocking a certain group of muscles; has positive results in eliminating the symptoms of sciatica).

Activity is an important component of life. Even minimal physical activity involves the work of the lower back muscles, ensuring the pumping of blood to the necessary organs and supplying oxygen to the cells. Kids are very active, they don’t sit still for a minute, making thousands of muscle contractions a day. For older people who do not play sports, it is difficult not only to run, but even to move. Their muscles are atrophied, their easy gait resembles “dragging” with their legs.

It is quite possible to cure sciatica if you take care of your health, promptly seek help from your doctor, follow the recommendations of specialists, and undergo periodic rehabilitation. Age is an indicator that cannot be adjusted, however, constant movement is a factor that significantly slows down the aging process of the body. You should not give up general strengthening vitamins, stick to a diet, or lead a healthy lifestyle. Movements against the background of general doctor recommendations can not only relieve patients from the symptoms of the disease, but also completely cure the disease.

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve also has a scientific name - sciatica or lumbosacral. At the initial stage, sciatica develops as lumboischialgia, low back pain, which is projected onto one or both legs. In later stages, the disease spreads to the thigh, lower leg, foot, and phalanges of the fingers.

This connection is explained by the fact that the listed areas are the location of the endings of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body, its inflammation can lead to disability.

Symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve

Sciatica is accompanied by sharp pain that does not allow a person to move or work normally.

Its first signs are:

• Drawing pain in the lumbar region.
• Rapid leg fatigue, aching.
• Cramps of the thigh muscles, calf muscles.
• Difficulty bending and straightening fingers and toes.
• Gait disturbance.
• Paresis of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles.

As inflammation develops, it leads to sharp pain on the back of the thigh, accompanied by numbness or, conversely, special sensitivity of the skin (goosebumps, tingling)/ Pain appears on one side, with pain radiating to the leg, but with bilateral sciatica, the pain affects both legs.

If pinched pain occurs when coughing or sneezing. Unpleasant, painful sensations begin to appear at night, interfering with sleep. A person takes an unnatural posture when walking: leaning forward, since in this position the intensity of pain decreases. When the head is tilted forward, pain in the hip and leg is also observed.

As a rule, pain tends to subside with subsequent relapses. After such a recurrent return, the pain does not disappear completely, remaining between the 5th lumbar and 1st sacral vertebrae. In addition to pain symptoms, the vegetative-vascular function of the body is also disrupted.

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The symptoms of this disorder are as follows:

• Increased sweating.
• Irritation and redness of the skin at the site of inflammation.
• Swelling of the skin at the site of the inflamed nerve.
• Severe pain can cause fainting.
• An increase in body temperature, in general, and at the site of localization of the inflammatory process in particular.

Separately, it is worth noting the symptoms of sciatica in people with diabetes. The manifestation of symptoms depends on the quality of diabetes treatment.

Severe sciatica is accompanied by urinary incontinence, since the nerve endings of the sciatic nerve are connected to the pelvic organs.

Inflammation not caught in time carries the risk of never restoring normal operation nerve to the end, even with aggressive treatment methods.

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Causes of inflammation of the sciatic nerve

Before starting treatment, the specialist must establish the cause of the inflammatory process. That is, why sciatica occurred. Sciatica causes mechanical irritation of the endings (roots) of the sciatic nerve.

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is not considered to be an independent disease, most often this is a syndrome. As a rule, this is a consequence of various kinds of disorders of the spine.

Doctors share the causes of sciatica:

1. Spinal diseases. Intervertebral disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, . All these diseases, to one degree or another, lead to pinching of the sciatic nerve canals. Osteochondrosis is considered the most common of all diseases.
2. Spinal tumor. Benign and malignant formations on the spinal column lead to displacement of the vertebrae and infringement of the nerve canal. Such a serious cause of inflammation is considered rare,
3. Viral and toxic lesions: organophosphorus substances, alcohol poisoning, the influence of occupational hazards.
4. Spinal injuries, which lead to displacement of the vertebrae, loss of elasticity of the ligaments, deformation of the spine and, as a result, pinching of nerve endings.
5. Infectious diseases, such as influenza, malaria, tuberculosis, typhus, scarlet fever.
6. Psycho-emotional stress, stress.
7. Less common causes are gynecological diseases in women. In men, sciatica can develop due to inflammation of the prostate. For intestinal constipation. During pregnancy, inflammation of the sciatic nerve can also develop. This occurs due to significant weight gain and additional stress on the spine.
8. Hypothermia, improper performance of physical exercises, large amounts of physical activity.
9. Muscle spasm.
10. Abscess.

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Methods for diagnosing sciatica

The very first diagnosis is drawing up a picture of the patient’s complaints and neurological examination. During the examination, the doctor checks the functioning of reflexes and skin sensitivity. By tapping the leg with a hammer, he checks for reflex disorders. In addition, using palpation, he assesses the condition of the muscles, determines whether there are muscle spasms and how much the nervous system is affected and skin sensitivity is impaired.

Also helps in making a diagnosis Lasegue diagnostics. The doctor asks the patient to raise his leg while lying down. When performing such a movement, pain in the lumbosacral region is activated.

The specialist has several such diagnostic tests in his arsenal:

• Biceps femoris strength test.
• Test to determine the strength of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles.

After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe laboratory tests: biochemistry and general blood and urine tests. This is done in order to exclude the patient from HIV disease and toxic effects on the body.

Determine that the cause of inflammation was radiculitis or osteochondrosis X-ray will help. This is the most common and effective way to determine the cause, since for the most part sciatica occurs as a consequence of osteochondrosis.

But if the reason lies in a herniated disc, then X-rays are replaced by computed tomography, which will give a complete and clear picture of pain. The doctor also prescribes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in the case of HIV disease or uncontrolled use of chemicals (steroids), a radioisotope scan of the spinal column will also be relevant.

If the disease is prolonged, you will also need consultation with a rheumatologist and vascular surgeon.

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First aid for sciatica

If you feel sharp, burning or cutting pain in the lumbar region, the first thing to do is call a doctor from the clinic.

• Antispasmodics. Drugs such as “Nise”, “No-Shpa”, “Spazmalgon” “Bral” will help reduce the intensity of pain, and in case of uncomplicated inflammation, completely neutralize it.
• Antihistamines which will prevent the development of skin irritation and swelling. In addition, these drugs have a certain sedative effect. Among the most famous: “Suprastin”, “Tavigil”, “Zirtek”. Please note that Suprastin also has a hypnotic effect.
• A diuretic drug will also help prevent the formation of edema. Furosemide has proven itself to be an effective and safe medicine. But it should be taken only during periods of exacerbation of inflammation.
• Since sciatica is of an inflammatory nature, it would be justified to take anti-inflammatory drugs such as Diclofinac, “They exist in the form of ointments that are applied to the site of inflammation and in the form of tablets that are taken orally.

When visiting a doctor, it is necessary to clearly and fully describe all pain and symptoms so that the doctor can prescribe the right treatment for you.

Treatment of inflammation of the sciatic nerve

After the diagnosis has been carried out and a complete picture has been drawn up and a diagnosis has been established, the doctor prescribes the first treatment procedures and medications.

Sciatica is treated by applying a set of measures, which include:

• Drug treatment.
• Therapeutic gymnastics, massage, manual therapy.
• Physiotherapy, reflex therapy.

Drug treatment includes taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They help temporarily relieve pain. As a rule, such drugs are sold in pharmacies without prescriptions, but there are drugs that require a prescription, including: Seractil, Motrin, Tolectin. You can buy aspirin without a prescription.

In cases where non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have no effect, stronger drugs are prescribed, which are classified as steroids.

Also for sciatica Injections of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Since the injection is placed as close as possible to the sciatic nerve, this procedure should only be performed by an experienced specialist. This procedure is also compared to a lumbar puncture.

The rarest drug treatment is treatment with opiates and opioids. These drugs contain morphine and opium, which are addictive, and therefore are prescribed by a doctor in the most extreme cases, with severe manifestations of pain. The drugs are available only with a doctor's prescription and are intended for one-time relief of severe pain. We covered the topic here.

• B vitamins can also neutralize acute pain, in particular vitamin B1, B6, B12.
• Taking Vitamin C, you help the body oxidize free radicals. Vitamin C also promotes the synthesis of corticosteroids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Vitamin E has the same properties.
• Vitamin D helps strengthen bones.
• Minerals are also included in the treatment process, such as calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, selenium. They regulate muscle tone and the condition of bone tissue.

We wrote about it here.

Drug treatment is carried out during an exacerbation and its main goal is to relieve or reduce pain. After the pain syndrome is neutralized, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.

There are several sets of exercises, which are designed specifically for sciatica. Basically, these complexes are aimed at developing the joints of the reed, relieving muscle spasms, and improving blood circulation. In addition, these complexes are indicated for the prevention of sciatic nerve neuritis.

• All movements are performed smoothly, without sudden lunges.
• Don't be too active when doing exercises. Do the exercises at a moderate pace. It is better to start with a minimum number of approaches, gradually increasing the load.
• The complex should only be performed under the supervision of an experienced exercise therapy instructor. which is how to perform the movements correctly. First of all, the main complex includes exercises in a lying, sitting and standing position. Massage is considered the safest treatment. There are two types of massage indicated for neuritis of the sciatic nerve.
• Massotherapy. This massage has several options. This is a can-vacuum, point-type. All of them are aimed at normalizing lymph circulation and activating mechanisms that restore intervertebral tissue. Massage also helps to normalize the mobility of the spine and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system and the circulatory system. Therapeutic massage is indicated as a prevention of sciatic nerve neuritis.
• Relaxing massage. Indicated for acute pain. This massage will relieve swelling and normalize blood flow from the site of inflammation. As a result, the pain will decrease.

Physiotherapy treatments include:

• UHF therapy.
• Paraffin therapy.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Electropheresis.

These physiotherapy devices are based on the effects of heat, current and magnetic waves. They help relieve swelling and normalize blood flow.

Traditional methods of treating sciatica

In addition to the basic treatment, the doctor can also recommend some traditional methods for treating inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

The most common include:

• Taking medicinal baths. Pine baths, baths with the addition of horseradish, with a decoction of diegel. Baths relax tense muscles, normalize the functioning of the nervous system and have a strengthening effect.
• Compresses. The most famous and effective compress is considered to be a compress with black radish pulp. A compress made from rye dough is also common.

All compresses are aimed at warming the site of inflammation.

• Infusions and decoctions. As a rule, infusions are prescribed to relieve pain, and decoctions help block the inflammatory process. Calendula, horse chestnut, chamomile, and birch buds help in the fight against this disease.
• It is also recommended to rub the inflamed area with badger or bear fat.
• It is recommended to steam the sore spot in a bathhouse with a birch broom.
• Stone therapy considered an excellent alternative to paraffin therapy. The stones are heated to the optimal temperature and placed around the site of inflammation, after covering the body with a thin cloth.

Sciatica as a chronic disease was first mentioned in the medical treatise by Dominico Cottuni, “Treatise on Nervous Sciatica” dated 1764. Today the disease is considered one of the most common neurological disorders.

It is important to know that in the initial stages it is much easier to neutralize inflammation than to treat deep-rooted inflammation. Therefore, you should not neglect the symptoms that appear. A timely visit to a specialist will help you maintain normal functioning of the sciatic nerve.