Sciatica, or sciatica, is irritation in the back, lower back, legs, or buttocks. Discomfort manifests itself as a sharp and aching pain. Most often, inflammation worries people over 30 years of age. A quarter of the world's population complains of back pain, of which 20% are cases of inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
The nerve itself is one of the largest in the human body. It is he who has increased sensitivity and becomes inflamed more often than others. The reason is simple - the sciatic nerve is responsible for the mobility of the lower extremities, that is, for walking, running, squatting and other movements performed daily.
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a serious matter that requires immediate treatment. The nerve originates in the pelvic area and extends to most parts of the lower body. It covers the area from the lumbar region to the foot, which is half of the human body.
Why does pathology occur?
Doctors consider primary and secondary neuropathy. The primary cause is injuries, infectious diseases and hypothermia. The list of reasons that can cause a secondary type of illness is much more extensive. These include:
- disc displacement;
- neoplasms of any nature;
- osteochondrosis;
- protrusion;
- osteophytes;
- spasmodic muscles;
- curvature of the ridge;
- tunnel syndrome;
- intervertebral hernia;
- post-injection suppuration.
Surgical intervention
When traditional treatment methods fail, leg pain when walking and other symptoms persist for more than 8 weeks, surgery is performed. The choice of a specific type of intervention depends on the root cause of the pathology.
When inflammation is caused by a herniated disc, microdiscectomy is prescribed. This is a minimally invasive intervention that is performed using a special microscope. The surgeon’s task is to remove the hernia without damaging healthy bone structures.
If the pathology is associated with trauma or narrowing of the spinal canal, laminectomy is recommended. With its help, it is possible to relieve compression of the roots and sciatic nerve. During the operation, the doctor makes an incision and moves away the muscles and fatty tissue. Then a part of the vertebral arch is excised. For decompression, it is necessary to additionally remove the formation compressing the root.
Symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve
Pain, which can even occur due to lifting a heavy bag or hypothermia, night attacks are the main indicator of sciatica. In addition to the sharp shooting pain syndrome, doctors advise paying attention to:
- “pins and needles” and numbness from the buttocks and below;
- constipation, urinary incontinence;
- weakness and gradual muscle atrophy, limping.
When a person moves or stands for a long time, pain is more disturbing. During attacks, redness of the skin, swelling, chills, and sweating are quite possible. At first, the pain syndrome is not very expressive, but gradually becomes so strong that there is a danger of loss of consciousness. It almost hurts for a person to breathe. If the disease is not treated, the entire leg will suffer: it will become cold, bending and unbending it will be problematic, and then the ability to move the foot and toes will be lost.
Physiotherapy and massage
In addition to the course of medications, physiotherapy is prescribed. Their action is aimed at restoring metabolism in the affected area, improving blood circulation and stimulating muscle fixation. The following procedures are considered the most effective:
- traction;
- phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- paraffin therapy.
It is better to do the procedures in courses of 7 sessions, then take a break. If necessary, the treatment is repeated or a different method of exposure is chosen.
Massage for sciatica improves lymph flow and blood supply. Contraindications to its use include purulent tissue damage, skin diseases, and spinal injuries. There are several types of massage for the inflammatory process:
- Relaxing. Prescribed during periods of exacerbation.
- Medicinal. They do it for the purpose of prevention.
- Vacuum. It is performed using special cans.
- Spot. The impact is carried out at acupuncture points. Performed with fingertips.
Massage should only be performed by a qualified specialist.
Pinching symptoms
Doctors consider several syndromes that indicate that the patient has a pinched nerve.
- Lesera – straight leg does not rise;
- Sikara – pain intensifies if a person bends the foot;
- landing - it is impossible to take a sitting position yourself.
It hurts to walk and squat, but if you lie down or sit with your legs spread wide apart, it goes away. Signs of inflammation and pinching of the sciatic nerve are quite expressive, but they can still be confused with other diseases:
- spondylitis;
- myeloma;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- phlebothrombosis;
- arterial insufficiency.
Causes of sciatica
The sciatic nerve originates in the spinal cord and continues to the phalanges of the toes. In the knee area it bifurcates: one part is responsible for the innervation of the lower leg, and the other for the foot. This structure also provides sensitivity to the muscles of the lower extremities. It regulates the connection of the tissues of the listed areas with the central nervous system.
What can cause a person to get a cold in the sciatic nerve? Symptoms of the problem appear after a long stay in a draft, in cold water or due to hypothermia of the entire body. The inflammatory process can also be caused by infringement of this structure. A similar situation occurs with degenerative lesions of the spine.
Among the main causes of inflammation are the following:
- hypothermia of the body;
- infectious diseases (tuberculosis, herpes zoster, influenza, etc.);
- spinal injuries;
- osteophytes;
- diabetes;
- gout;
- heavy metal intoxication;
- spinal canal stenosis.
A sedentary lifestyle, predominantly sedentary work, and heavy lifting can contribute to the development of inflammation.
How to make a diagnosis
The disease is determined by a neurologist based on the results of motor tests that reveal the presence of the syndromes described above. But laboratory and instrumental studies are still necessary. As a rule, they are limited to x-rays in two planes. It may be necessary to obtain a more clear picture of the condition of the spine. In this case, a tomography will be prescribed. A radioisotope scan is done if a tumor is suspected.
When a person has inflammation of the sciatic nerve, treatment at home is not always acceptable, because the disease can manifest itself in such a serious form that the patient is prescribed bed rest in a hospital setting. Nerve-related illnesses must be taken seriously or you may lose your ability to move.
An immediate visit to a doctor is necessary in the following cases:
- severe numbness that prevents you from moving;
- increased body temperature;
- transfer of pain to other locations;
- incontinence of metabolic products;
- swelling in the lower part of the ridge.
Clinical picture
If a person has a cold of the sciatic nerve, the symptoms of the pathology appear gradually. First they manifest themselves in the form of discomfort in the lower back, tension in the legs. As the disease progresses, they are supplemented by shooting, sharp pain while walking and bending. This is the most common sign of a pinched sciatic nerve. The pain radiates down the leg in some patients even at night when trying to roll over again. During physical activity, discomfort increases. The person gets tired quite quickly and complains of general malaise. His appetite worsens and restrictions in his movements appear. There may be a decrease in the sensitivity of tissues at the site of the lesion, which is accompanied by a feeling of “pins and needles” and numbness.
As a rule, inflammation appears on one side. Bilateral lesions are rare, and each movement is performed with great effort. Spasm of the gluteal muscles is observed.
Neglecting treatment and ignoring symptoms can lead to serious consequences:
- muscle tissue atrophy;
- lack of reflexes in the lower extremities;
- problems with urination and bowel movements.
When it becomes impossible to relieve pain in the leg while walking on their own, patients seek medical help.
How to treat inflammation of the sciatic nerve
Treatment measures are aimed at:
- relieving the patient of pain;
- improved sensitivity of the limbs;
- restoration of leg functionality.
To achieve this, they resort to methods of traditional and alternative medicine. Treatment begins with pain relief. Then physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and manual therapy come into play. In parallel, the rich experience of traditional medicine can be used.
Medicines prescribed for the treatment of sciatica include the following groups of drugs:
- non-steroidal;
- corticosteroids;
- vitamin complexes;
- biogenic stimulants;
- muscle relaxants;
- decongestants;
- angioprotectors.
External means are widely used - warming creams and ointments, which contain snake or bee venom, hot pepper, camphor, turpentine. Massage for inflammation of the sciatic nerve helps improve blood circulation and restore muscle tone.
A huge role in restoring leg functions belongs to physiotherapeutic procedures, for example, magnetic and laser therapy, electrophoresis, and dynamic current treatment. Various types of physical exercises, selected for a specific patient, reduce muscle spasms and strengthen the body.
To heal at home, you will have to be patient, since sciatica responds better to the efforts of professionals. There are cases when the disease started precisely because of insufficiently active therapeutic measures. The more complex the case, the more effective drugs have to be prescribed. So, if non-steroidal drugs do not help, although a person takes them for a long time, steroid drugs are prescribed, which have significant side effects.
In many clinics, in addition to the main treatment, patients undergo courses:
- acupuncture;
- ozone therapy;
- herbal medicine;
- cupping and vacuum massage;
- stone therapy;
- treatment with leeches;
- cauterizations.
Many recipes for compresses, lotions, and tinctures have been developed. But it is better not to try them on yourself without consulting your doctor. The doctor knows where and how they can help or harm. Therefore, it is necessary to consult.
Spa and hydrotherapy is an excellent way to improve overall health and regulate various pathologies, including inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the symptoms and treatment of which, due to their diversity and complexity, require long-term and careful attention.
If therapeutic methods do not produce results, the nerve has to be decompressed. This is done surgically.
It is not enough to know how to treat sciatica, that is, inflammation of the sciatic nerve. It is necessary to be aware of how to protect yourself from such a serious, life-spoiling and health-robbing illness.
Among the preventive measures, doctors recommend the following:
- do not freeze;
- strengthen immunity;
- lift weights correctly;
- develop posture;
- sleep on hard mattresses;
- beware of sudden movements.
A healthy body significantly increases the likelihood that the spine will work correctly, and the nerve roots will avoid inflammation and will not be pinched.
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First aid
Many people only guess about the causes and symptoms of sciatica until inflammation occurs. A pinched nerve occurs suddenly and is almost impossible to predict. In such a situation, a person needs emergency help:
- He must be placed on his stomach. It is better to choose a hard and flat surface (for example, the floor). A sagging bed can only make the situation worse. You should place a cushion or small pillow under your chest.
- The lower back must be freed from clothing. Apply any anti-inflammatory ointment to the inflamed area. Every home medicine cabinet contains Diclofenac, Nimesulide or Ibuprofen.
- After the pain has been relieved, the person should be turned onto his back and a pillow should be placed under the lower back.
Heating pads, warming compresses or rubbing cannot be used for sciatica. At the initial stage, this can aggravate the course of inflammation and worsen the patient’s condition.
General treatment recommendations
During the course of therapy and after its completion, the patient is recommended to:
- maintain bed rest during exacerbation of pathology;
- It is forbidden to lift weights or play sports;
- swimming is allowed if the water temperature is more than 20 degrees;
- You should not stay in one position for a long time;
- It's better to give up alcohol.
If a person has already caught a cold on the sciatic nerve, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and begin treatment immediately. Prevention of relapses comes down to strengthening the back muscles, monitoring posture, and an active lifestyle.
Source
What causes lower back pain?
Most often, a pinched lower back takes you by surprise: it becomes painful to move, and the person panicsly tries to figure out what to do. This condition can be avoided by knowing in advance what reasons lead to an unpleasant ending. Here are some of the most common factors:
- Inadequate physical activity. For example, lifting heavy weights, especially in people with little training.
- Displacement of the lumbar vertebrae, dislocation, and other dangerous back injuries.
- Hypothermia, prolonged exposure to low temperatures (for example, in water).
- Neoplasms of various types.
- Osteochondrosis. Calcification of bone tissue and thinning of the cartilage of the intervertebral discs lead to a reduction in the distance between the vertebral bodies. Because of this, the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord are pinched.
- Protrusion of an intervertebral disc into the spinal canal (protrusion) or outward, with a herniated intervertebral disc. Even if the integrity of the cartilaginous ring is preserved, mobility is greatly affected.
- Overweight. Additional kilograms increase the load on the spinal column. The process develops in a similar way when carrying a child, when additional kilograms and a shift of weight forward, onto the stomach, can lead to compression of the nerves.
- Lack of vitamins and minerals. It occurs due to poor nutrition and leads to degenerative changes in the bones, including the development of osteoporosis.
- Incorrect posture, scoliosis, stoop.
- Sedentary work, lack of mobility. An uncomfortable sleeping place, leading to an unnatural posture in which the spine cannot fully straighten.
Signs of a pinched nerve in the lower back occur with pathological changes in the spine and intervertebral discs. The condition can be provoked by infectious diseases, degenerative changes in bone and cartilage tissue. Tolerating the sensations and hoping that it will go away on its own, or to self-medicate, is dangerous. It is necessary to find out why the disease occurred. Therefore, you need to contact doctors who specialize in treating the spine and joints. They recognize the problem in time and find a way to keep the patient healthy.
Diagnostics
A neurologist diagnoses and treats sciatica. He studies the nature of the pain syndrome, under what circumstances it occurs, and how long it lasts. In addition to pain, the presence of sciatica is determined by the symptoms of Sicard and Lasegue. The first involves pain in the popliteal fossa when trying to bend or straighten the foot, the second means pain in the lower back, back of the thigh and lower leg when lifting a straight leg in a lying position. Both symptoms appear when the nerves of the spinal roots are tense, as is the soft tissue surrounding them.
To determine the cause of sciatica, especially in cases where symptoms persist for 6 weeks, the following is prescribed:
- computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to identify structural abnormalities leading to sciatica and spinal stenosis;
- electrodiagnostics to determine the degree of damage to the nerve roots and differentiate the pathology from other conditions with a similar clinical picture.
But, despite the high information content of these research methods, they are contraindicated for some patients. MRI is not possible if:
- the patient has metal implants or devices (for example, a pacemaker);
- the patient has a fear of closed spaces;
- the patient suffers from epilepsy;
- the patient is in position.
In this case, an ultrasound is prescribed: the procedure has no contraindications, it can be used many times during the course of treatment, the images give a fairly clear picture of the condition of the soft tissues.
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A little about massages
If you combine various treatment methods with massage, you can achieve improvement quite quickly. The main thing is to first eliminate the pain, and then attend sessions with a massage therapist, since if there is discomfort, the desired effect will not be achieved.
It is important to choose the right massage therapist. He must have an appropriate document confirming the availability of the necessary skills. If the massage technique is incorrect, it can seriously harm your health.
Massotherapy
Usually the course of massages is quite long, but it needs to be completed completely to get the desired effect. As a rule, you will have to visit a massage therapist at least 10 times . Massage stimulates blood circulation, enhances tissue nutrition and helps release the sciatic nerve, and therefore improve the condition. Further, even after healing, it is necessary to periodically repeat the course to avoid relapses.