Sciatica pain what to do. Treatment of inflammation of the sciatic nerve at home. Drug treatment of sciatica

Inflammation or pinching of the sciatic nerve - a disease known since ancient times, is considered quite common today. There are many methods for treating pathology and eliminating its unpleasant symptoms.

Non-surgical therapeutic measures are considered the main methods of treatment, in particular, specially designed sets of physical and massage exercises, physiotherapy, medication.

The use of these methods allows you to achieve a positive effect, restore normal mobility, and, accordingly, improve the patient’s quality of life.

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How to treat sciatica: basic methods of treating the disease

To reduce the risk of developing pain (exacerbations) of sciatica, the patient should follow simple rules relating to his daily life:

1. Avoid staying in one position for a long time.
2. Monitor your posture, in particular, the straight position of your back.
3. Do not experience excessive physical exertion associated with lifting heavy objects.
4. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
5. Do not sit (sleep) on a surface that is too soft.
6. To eliminate pain, you can apply a heating pad with ice to the affected area.

Drug treatment

Physiotherapy

At moments when the painful sensations recede (remission period), it is recommended to perform.

Important! Movements during exercise should be as smooth and slow as possible.

Several effective exercises:

1. Starting position – lying on your back, arms extended along the body. Bend your legs at the knees and slowly lift them, pulling them towards your chest.
2. Starting position too, straighten your legs, slowly lift them up, stay in this position for a few seconds, return to the starting position.
3. Push-ups help a lot, but it is recommended to lift only the chest area.
4. While sitting on a chair, perform alternating turns of the body to the right and left.
5. In a standing position, tilt the body in one direction and the other.

Attention! The duration of classes and the number of approaches are determined by the doctor based on the patient’s level of physical fitness and the condition of his body.

A famous doctor knows how to cure sciatica, who developed his own approach called Dr. Bubnovsky's method, about which you can find out in detail.

Physiotherapy (magnetic therapy)

Magnetotherapy is the effect of a magnetic field of variable or constant intensity on the affected area. When the procedure cannot be used listed below:

1. Alcohol, drug addiction.
2. In the presence of cancer.
3. In case of damage to the skin in the area subject to direct exposure.
4. In childhood.
5. During pregnancy and lactation.

The effect of a magnetic field helps to normalize blood circulation in the area of ​​the sciatic nerve, restore nutritional processes, and improve the general condition of tissues. At the same time, the inflammatory process decreases, swelling is eliminated, and pain becomes less pronounced. Typically, 10 procedures are enough to achieve a positive effect.

Helper Methods

An addition to the main treatment may include. And in this article you will find out whether it is worth contacting. If you don’t want or have the opportunity to see a doctor, then check out what you can do.

How long does it take to treat?

Is it possible to heat it?

Doctors strongly do not recommend heating areas of the body in which there is an inflammatory process., since temperature exposure in this case can only increase inflammation, and, consequently, aggravate the unpleasant manifestations of sciatica. On the contrary, when painful sensations occur, It is recommended to apply a cooling compress to the affected area of ​​the body.

Important! The cooling compress should not be prolonged, as excessive hypothermia can negatively affect the condition of the area.

Video

Useful video about the treatment of pinched or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or ishasa in short.

Treatment methods for sciatica are numerous and varied; the choice of one or another of them is made by the doctor based on the cause of the development of the pathology, its manifestations, and the general condition of the patient’s body. Most often, these therapeutic measures are used in combination, this makes it possible to reduce the duration of the course of treatment and achieve the desired effect in the shortest possible time.

It's important to remember that treatment must be timely, because the sooner the patient seeks specialized help, the higher the chances of a successful outcome.

In the human body, the thickest and one of the longest is the sciatic nerve. Its inflammation or pinching is called sciatica (that's what it means in Latin: sciatica). This nerve consists of a bundle of fibers that connects the spinal cord to the lower limbs. The nerve begins at the end point of the spinal cord - the sacral plexus. Branching out, it descends along the right and left buttocks, calves, to the very end of the feet. If the nerve is damaged in any way, it results in varied and painful symptoms.

This pain cannot be confused with another. It originates in the lower back and spreads densely below, into the buttocks and thighs, periodically shooting unbearably. It can move all the way to the toes, or radiate into them. At the point of onset, the pain may feel as if a hot nail is piercing the body. All this is done by just one inflamed nerve, about one centimeter thick.

By the way. For a nerve, a centimeter is a lot. In addition, they have their own anatomical features. It not only bifurcates below the waist, but has numerous branches all the way to the end of the legs. Thanks to it, the lower limbs can move.

It is this nerve that ensures full motor ability of the lower extremities, their activity and functioning. In a healthy, non-inflamed state, despite its impressive size, a person does not feel the sciatic nerve, since it does not make itself known. But as soon as it becomes pinched or inflamed, the burning pain makes you become interested in anatomy and think about this organ.

1. Sometimes the pain is aching and severe, sometimes sharp. The sensation intensifies if you make sudden movements, lift heavy objects, sneeze or cough.
2. With a pain syndrome, it is difficult to find a position in which it would hurt less, but a person still tries, intuitively taking a forced position.
3. In addition to pain, sleep is disturbed, and there is a constant feeling of discomfort.
4. Numbness and tingling of the legs may occur.
5. The legs become “wobbly” and give way when walking.

Causes of sciatica

The sciatic nerve can become pinched and inflamed for several reasons. The main sign that gives a clear idea that not everything is all right with the sciatic nerve is pain.

By the way. To better imagine the nature of the pain, just remember toothache. Their nature is identical - in both cases the nerves become inflamed. But if the dentofacial zone has thin strings of nerves, inflammation of the centimeter sciatic nerve causes pain, intensified several times.

The pain can be constantly present in the entire leg (usually sciatica is a one-sided disease, but there is also bilateral inflammation), or it can be localized in the thigh or buttock and shoot into the heel.

The main reason that the sciatic nerve is inflamed is that it is pinched. It can be caused by a variety of factors, from an awkward jump to bone deformation due to a herniated disc. Often sciatica is caused by an infection or becomes a complication after ARVI or flu.

By the way. Diseases such as scarlet fever, typhus, syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, gonorrhea, and brucellosis can provoke inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

If there is a purulent inflammatory process in the area of ​​the spine or lower torso, the infection can cause inflammation of the nerve. Also, sciatica is often a complication of joint diseases, such as coxarthrosis, in which deformation of the bone tissue occurs in the hip joint. With this type, the pain can be “wandering” from the hip to the knee, which makes diagnosing the disease difficult.

Risk factors.

1. Incorrectly given intramuscular injection in the gluteal region.
2. Injury.
3. Hypothermia.
4. Having flat feet.

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Symptoms and diagnosis

The first sign is pain, which is where it all begins. At first it hurts in the lower back, as with lumbodynia, so at the initial stage the pathology can be confused.

By the way. Pain is often preceded by injury; in this case, it is easier to diagnose the disease if the patient tells the doctor that he was injured and how it happened. An attack can also be triggered by muscle strain, overexertion, overwork or stress.

1. After a dull aching pain begins to be felt at the point of initial localization - the lumbar zone - a feeling of discomfort appears in the hip area. This is not yet a painful sensation, but only discomfort, but it goes down, is felt under the knee and in the toes on the side where the nerve is damaged.
2. The next possible symptom is a change in muscle sensitivity. It may simply decrease, or manifest itself as a sensation of “pins and needles”, tingling, or numbness.
3. Then comes the peak of the pain syndrome, when piercing pain affects the soft tissues of the gluteal and femoral area.
4. When the body is tilted, the pain intensifies and becomes unbearable. Sometimes it shoots out like an electric shock.
5. If the patient is artificially immobilized, the pain decreases, but does not stop completely.
6. In places where the pain syndrome is localized, muscle tightening and tissue inflammation occurs.

Read also, detailed information about treating illness at home with compresses, rubbing and massage, in our new article -

Diagnostic measures are carried out by a neurologist; it is he who should be contacted if the pain syndrome intensifies, or if the pain lasts more than two days. The neurologist will pay attention to the following indicators:

• the Achilles reflex is reduced (the foot does not bend if you hit the tendon above the heel);
• reduced knee reflex (weak movement of the leg when hit under the knee);
• altered plantar reflex;
• from a lying position the patient cannot lift the affected leg;
• increased pain during palpation when pressure is applied to Vallee's points;
• the gait changes, the patient drags the sore leg (it bends poorly);
• the patient feels weak when walking;
• muscles atrophy;
• There may be malfunctions in the functioning of organs located in the pelvis.

To confirm instrumental diagnosis, X-rays and computed tomography are performed. Magnetic resonance imaging may be prescribed if it is necessary to examine the conduction of neural impulses.

Physiotherapeutic devices

Treatment: home remedies

It is unlikely that you can survive this disease “on your feet” without consulting a doctor. Self-diagnosis, and even more so self-medication, is also not worth engaging in - complications from untreated sciatica can later lead the patient to the operating table or to a wheelchair. But this does not mean that the disease is subject only to inpatient treatment. Sciatica can be successfully treated at home using complex therapy prescribed by a doctor.

Table. Treatment regimen for sciatica.

Folk remedies

When treating sciatica, you should not neglect the extensive experience of traditional medicine. The treatment procedure can take place in two directions simultaneously or alternately - oral administration and external use.

Important! Before starting treatment with traditional medicine, it is necessary to coordinate their use with. Taking medications internally can cause problems with the stomach, kidneys, liver and other organs. External use may cause allergic reactions.

Ingestion

External use

For external use, numerous forms are used: compresses, rubbing, applications, baths.

Baths

1. Herbal decoction: calendula, chamomile, fir oil. The water should not be hot, the duration of the bath should be a third of an hour.
2. Grind raw horseradish root and place in a gauze bag. Place in a bath filled with water (one bath – 100 g of horseradish). Stay in the water for no longer than 5 minutes.
3. Place a kilogram of young pine shoots in three liters of boiling water, heat for ten minutes, leave for four hours and pour into the bath. Immerse yourself in it for a quarter of an hour.

Rubbing

1. Prepare an infusion of vodka (300 g) and white acacia (100 g of dried flowers) for a week. Then rub into painful points. Instead of acacia, you can use white Persian lilac.
2. Mix black radish juice with honey 3:1 and rub on sore areas.
3. Infuse fresh (not dried) bay leaves (20 leaves) in a glass of vodka for three days.

Applications

1. Heat natural beeswax in the microwave or in a water bath until it becomes soft. Quickly form a plate out of it, place it on the painful area, cover it, and insulate it overnight.
2. Form a flat cake from dough mixed with flour and liquid honey. Use as wax.
3. Grate potatoes, about 500 g, drain the water, pour a tablespoon of kerosene into the cake. Place between two gauze and place on your back, first lubricating the skin with oil.

Compresses

1. Boil a mixture of nettle leaves, black currants, and burdock root in half a liter of sunflower oil, add one hundred grams of salt and use for compresses.
2. Apply a cabbage leaf scalded with boiling water as a compress.
3. Mix turpentine with water 1:2 and apply gauze soaked in the mixture to the body for a quarter of an hour.

Treatment of sciatica requires compliance with certain rules during the course of treatment. You should not spend more than two hours a day in a sitting position. It is necessary to switch from heels to low comfortable shoes. Be sure to monitor your diet to ensure there is enough vitamin in your diet, especially B. Sleep on your side.

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In the future, it is necessary to take preventive measures so that the attack does not recur.

Video - Treatment of sciatica at home

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This nerve trunk begins in the lumbosacral part of the spinal cord. It then passes through the buttock, emerges on the back of the thigh and descends down the leg, giving rise to smaller nerve branches that innervate the muscles, skin of the lower limb, hip and knee joints. Due to such a large size of the zone of influence of the sciatic nerve, pain, numbness and other symptoms of sciatica affect not only the lower back, but also almost the entire leg from the buttock to the foot.

Causes of sciatica

Sciatica cannot be considered as an independent disease. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is almost always a sign or consequence of other ailments. Let's look at them:

Sciatica quite often occurs in expectant mothers in the last months of pregnancy. This is due, firstly, to the unpreparedness of a woman’s musculoskeletal system for the load that is a growing belly. And, secondly, with the pressure of parts of the fetal body on the nerve roots in the lumbar and sacral area. As labor approaches, the incidence of sciatica increases. To prevent this, gynecologists recommend that their pregnant patients do special gymnastics, swimming, wear a bandage, watch their posture, and sleep on a comfortable orthopedic mattress.

Symptoms of sciatica

All patients complain of pain, which is first localized in the sacrum area, and over time falls lower and lower along the back surface of the leg. The intensity of these pain manifestations may vary. Some patients feel pain both during movement and at rest. Others notice the appearance of discomfort only when bending, turning the body, lifting the affected limb, after a long period of standing, walking or sitting in an uncomfortable position. In the most severe cases, the patient cannot move at all due to severe pain. The nature of the pain can be pulsating, burning, shooting, stabbing.

In addition to pain, patients are concerned about numbness of the skin, tingling sensation, and muscle weakness in the leg. Impaired mobility of the hip and knee joints may be present. This is due to the fact that the sciatic nerve innervates these structures, and also to the fact that patients reflexively spare their leg.

The described symptoms, as a rule, appear only on one side, that is, where the pinching occurred. But, if the pathology of the spine is not limited only to the right or left side, both legs can be involved in the process at the same time.

Which doctor should I contact for sciatica?

If the symptoms described above appear, you should contact a neurologist. It will not be difficult for a doctor to make a diagnosis of sciatica based on the patient’s complaints and neurological examination data. But determining the cause of the development of this pathology will be much more difficult. Here you cannot do without a more extensive examination, including:

• . If an infectious-inflammatory process develops in the body, characteristic changes will certainly appear in the blood.
• pelvis and spine in different projections.
• or - according to indications.
• Electroneuromyography – determination of the passage of impulses along a nerve fiber.
• on rheumatological factors. Rheumatological diseases can mimic sciatica.

Complications of sciatica

Doctors can influence almost all causes of sciatica and, accordingly, stop squeezing the sciatic nerve. The exceptions are malignant tumors and serious deformities of the spine, which cannot always be eliminated through surgery, but fortunately these are rare. Therefore, the main thing for sciatica is to get diagnosed in time and begin treatment. Then the prognosis will be favorable.

If the pathology is started, part of the nerve trunk may die, which, of course, will affect the area innervated by these fibers: the skin will become insensitive, the muscles will stop moving and gradually atrophy, etc. The final outcome of this development of events is the patient’s disability.

Treatment of sciatica at home

In the acute period, the main goal of treatment is the maximum possible elimination of compression of the sciatic nerve and pain. The patient is prescribed complete rest and bed rest, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy. In addition, neurologists prescribe vitamin complexes and drugs that improve the conduction of nerve impulses to such patients. In case of severe pain, a sciatic nerve block is performed with novocaine or other anesthetics.

The following is used as anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of local and systemic action. If the pain is severe, intramuscular administration of drugs is preferable.
• Ointments and gels with irritating and anesthetic effectiveness.
• Muscle relaxants. These drugs reduce muscle tension and thereby reduce compression of the nerve trunk and the intensity of pain.
• Hormonal agents (in severe cases).

An integral part of the treatment of patients with sciatica is physiotherapy. It promotes a rapid resolution of the inflammatory process, reduces the severity of pain and muscle spasm. To free the sciatic nerve from pinching, patients are shown manual therapy and massage courses. After the acute symptoms have subsided, it will not be superfluous to physical therapy classes.

If the pinched nerve cannot be eliminated by conservative methods, patients undergo surgery - the tumor is removed, the hernia is sutured, etc. After such surgical interventions, patients require long-term rehabilitation to consolidate the results of treatment. In addition, to prevent the disease from returning, patients should listen to doctors’ recommendations and change their lifestyle, habits, and attitude towards physical activity. Movement is the best medicine for the spine.

Remember: If the sciatic nerve is pinched at least once, this can happen again, so you must definitely consult a doctor and get diagnosed. Self-medication for sciatica can only give an imaginary positive effect, but you can truly recover only under the guidance of a qualified neurologist.

Zubkova Olga Sergeevna, medical observer, epidemiologist

Sciatica is a pain syndrome in the area of ​​the sciatic nerve. It is often called lumbosacral sciatica. The disease appears due to compression of the root in the spinal cord in the lumbar region. Sciatica usually occurs only after age 30. It is necessary to know the main causes of the disease, as well as possible treatment methods.

The disease can begin as a result of such pathological conditions:

• Hernia in the intervertebral region;
• Infectious diseases in the body. These include influenza, typhoid, tuberculosis, syphilis and malaria;
• Poisoning in the body due to alcohol intoxication;
• Manifestation of gout and diabetes;
• Severe hypothermia of the body;
• The appearance of osteophyte in the vertebrae;
• Benign and malignant tumors in the spine;
• Manifestation of spondylolisthesis.

Main symptoms of the disease

The main symptom of sciatica is severe pain in the back. Depending on the stage of the disease, attacks can be chronic or sporadic. The pain can be of varying strength and often has one location.

It is also necessary to know other symptoms that may occur with sciatica:

1. Loss of sensation;
2. Movement disorders;
3. Muscle atrophy;
4. Problems with the reflex system;
5. Changes in skin color;
6. Dryness of the whole body;
7. The skin becomes thinner;
8. Nails become thinner and crack;
9. The patient experiences excessive sweating.

Neurological symptoms of sciatica

During a neurological examination of the patient, doctors may detect the following symptoms characteristic of sciatica:

• Decreased Achilles reflex;
• Decreased plantar and knee reflexes;
• Lassegue's sign, which is characterized by severe pain in the hip;
• Cross syndrome with severe pain in the leg.

At the first symptoms of sciatica, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin comprehensive treatment.

Methods for diagnosing sciatica

Doctors first refer the patient for an x-ray. This diagnostic method will help detect sciatica immediately. However, it must be remembered that radiography is prohibited during pregnancy, severe obesity and psychological anxiety of the patient.

Computed tomography can be used for diagnosis. The study will show the exact causes of sciatica and make a three-dimensional model of the lumbar region indicating the pain zone. During pregnancy, this type of examination is also prohibited.

Doctors often prescribe magnetic resonance imaging examinations. The procedure will show precise images of the tissues, spinal column and discs. It will be possible to see three-dimensional images of the spinal cord and understand the extent of the damage. MRI will help to see the condition of the vessels, roots and nearby tissues.

In rare cases, diagnosis by electroneuromyography is prescribed. The procedure will help to see nerve conduction and show the patient's sensitivity at the moment of movement. Special electrodes will be placed on the muscles to record the passage of impulses along the nerves.

Treatment methods for sciatica

To completely cope with the disease and relieve pain, it is necessary to use complex therapy. The doctor prescribes the following treatment methods:

1. Taking pills;
2. Massage treatments;
3. Physiotherapy;
4. Acupuncture to active points;
5. Osteopathy;
6. Application of therapeutic exercises;
7. Traditional methods of treatment;
8. Procedures using beneficial mud and leeches.

Only a doctor can prescribe the exact procedures and dosage for taking the pills. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable.

Treatment with drugs

Most often, doctors prescribe non-steroidal drugs to relieve severe pain. It will cope with this task perfectly. It must be taken in tablet form or given as an intramuscular injection. You can use combined non-steroidal drugs, as their effect will be more active. Here are some of them:

• Andipal;
• Pentalgin;
• Tempalgin.

These medications should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor in the exact dosage indicated.

Also, to relieve an attack of inflammation, medications are prescribed, which include Diclofenac. This is an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. The doctor may prescribe Voltaren and Rapid for sciatica.

To restore the functioning of the nervous system, it is necessary to take vitamin complexes. To treat the symptoms of sciatica, drug B1 and B6 are used.

To distract the nervous system from pain and dull the attack, irritating medications are used. These include Turpentine ointment and Camphor gel. The medications will irritate the skin and relieve pain from the nerve root. In addition, the beneficial substances in the composition will restore blood circulation and have a positive effect on swelling and the inflammatory process.

At the most extreme stage of an attack, a Novocaine blockade is prescribed to the painful area. The drug contacts nerve receptors and reduces the manifestation of pain impulses. Only a doctor should perform injections. He will inject Novocaine into the required point and will be able to accurately adjust the dosage. Such blockades are not prescribed if there is an individual intolerance to the drug.

Use of medicinal ointments

To relieve the symptoms of sciatica, topical ointment therapy should be used. Such medications speed up the recovery process and relieve severe inflammation.

It is necessary to use warming ointments to increase blood circulation in the painful area. Medicines will dilate blood vessels and enhance tissue nutrition. After applying the ointment, swelling and pain disappear, and the healing process accelerates. Warming ointments include, and. The drug should be applied twice a day to the painful area. The course of therapy lasts no more than 10 days.

Pain-relieving ointments relieve severe inflammation and swelling. The doctor may prescribe Butadione and Ibuprofen for treatment. The medicine is applied to the skin 3 times a day in a thin layer. The course of treatment is determined by the doctor.

Massage treatment

At any stage of sciatica, massage treatments can be used as treatment. But in order not to harm the body, you must follow these rules:

1. At the time of pain in the lumbosacral area, massage is done on the buttock and thigh;
2. If sciatica worsens, you should not use harsh or sudden massage movements. Doctors allow only slight vibrations and pats;
3. After relieving pain, you can do acupressure and cupping massage of the damaged area;
4. During the procedure, it is recommended to use natural essential oils;
5. During a massage, you can take medicinal warming ointments
6. The duration of a standard massage is half an hour;
7. The course of treatment consists of 10 massage procedures.

After massage treatment, blood circulation and muscle tone will improve in the pain area. The procedure perfectly relieves swelling and inflammation. After the massage, active biological components are formed in the tissues. They speed up the healing process, relieve pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture treatment

Acupuncture has proven effective for sciatica. The doctor will insert thin stainless steel needles into active areas of the skin. After the procedure you can see the following results:

• Endorphins enter the skin, which relieve pain;
• Tissue regeneration increases and immunity improves;
• The vessels dilate and the blood circulation process improves;
• The edematous condition is completely eliminated.

It must be remembered that acupuncture is not performed for infectious diseases in the patient, as well as for cancer. Do not insert a needle if the skin is damaged.

The use of therapeutic exercises

When sciatica worsens, it is forbidden to make sudden active movements. Doctors prescribe only bed rest. However, after the pain attack is relieved and the general condition improves, gymnastics is prescribed. Here are some exercises to treat sciatica:

1. Exercise No. 1. Lie on your back and slowly pull your legs toward your chest in a bent position. Do 8 times;
2. Exercise No. 2. Lie on your stomach and begin to lift your body as if doing push-ups. Make movements slowly, without jerking. Repeat 7 times;
3. Exercise No. 3. Stand straight and tilt your body to the right and left. Number of repetitions – 10 times on each side;
4. Exercise No. 4. Lie on your back and lift your legs straight up. Hold them in the air for a couple of seconds and slowly lower them. Repeat 7 times.

Therapeutic exercises should only be prescribed by the attending physician. It determines the types of exercises and their quantity per day. It is necessary to perform the first 2-3 workouts under the supervision of a specialist. Otherwise, an attack of sciatica may worsen sharply.

Prevention of disease

To prevent sciatica from manifesting itself in the body, it is enough to follow simple preventive recommendations:

• Give your body a moderate amount of exercise every day. It is enough to just walk so that pain does not appear. Remember that during exercise, muscle tone improves and the nervous system activates. You can play sports under the supervision of a trainer. Give preference to yoga, swimming and Pilates;
• If you have a permanent sedentary job, take short breaks to stretch your back. When sitting for a long time, you need to wear a corset. Also purchase a high-quality chair with orthopedic properties;
• Sleep on a quality mattress. It should not sag from body weight or be too rigid. It is important that the surface at the time of sleep is perfectly flat, without bumps or sags. It is recommended to purchase an orthopedic pillow and mattress;
• Try not to lift heavy objects after illness. If you need to lift a heavy object, then be sure to squat and bend slightly in the process. At this moment, your back should be straight. Distribute any weight evenly between two hands;
• Follow the rules of nutrition, avoid overeating. Add fruits, vegetables and grains to your diet. Try to avoid fast food, spicy and fried foods. Drink plenty of water per day;
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Complications of sciatica

If sciatica pinches the sciatic nerve for a long time, it negatively affects the patient’s entire body. Blood circulation in the muscles decreases, complications occur in other internal organs. Sciatica can lead to the following negative consequences:

1. The skin in the painful area becomes very thin and dry;
2. The muscles gradually atrophy, their sensitivity decreases;
3. Fingernails and toenails become brittle and weak;
4. If the pain radiates to the limbs, then muscle strength in the legs may decrease;
5. The patient's gait changes and mobility in the knee joint disappears;
6. Severe paresis occurs, all movements are limited;
7. Problems with the functioning of the pelvic organs; the patient may experience incontinence or urinary retention.

To prevent dangerous consequences, sciatica must be treated at the first manifestations. It is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations as a whole to speed up the recovery process.

Surgery for illness

If sciatica is detected at an advanced stage, then conservative treatment may no longer be effective. The doctor will definitely prescribe surgery if sciatica begins to develop into the following stages of complications:

• The occurrence of a malignant tumor in the vertebral area;
• Manifestation of a benign tumor;
• Disturbance in the functioning of the pelvic organ;
• Long-term pain that is not relieved by medications for more than 5 weeks.

The operation is prescribed individually to each patient after determining the exact diagnosis. In some cases, surgical intervention is strictly prohibited. Here is the full list of contraindications:

1. Problems in the respiratory and cardiac systems;
2. Any trimester of pregnancy;
3. If the patient has had an infectious disease for more than 2 weeks;
4. Diabetes.

Postoperative period

If the operation to treat sciatica is successful, there is no need to immediately stop treatment. The doctor must prescribe additional procedures in the postoperative period. Follow these recommendations to prevent sciatica from recurring in the spine:

• Attend treatments prescribed by your doctor. Magnetic therapy or electrophoresis is usually used. You can go for a relaxing massage and do therapeutic exercises. The duration of each procedure is determined by the attending physician;
• After surgery, you must wear an orthopedic corset to stabilize your back. It should be of medium hardness. Duration of wearing is 2 months. Only a doctor can select the necessary model for each patient individually;
• Gradually increase the load on the spine and avoid excessive activity after surgery. You can start swimming in the pool, then the load will be evenly distributed over your entire back;
• After major surgery, the patient must be taught how to sleep, get out of bed, and lie down correctly. This is done to ensure that the disease does not worsen again.

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.

Read about here.

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, typhoid, 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, 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, in case of 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.

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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 make 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.