Radiculitis, hernia or osteochondrosis: how to distinguish and how to treat

As a result of decreased physical activity, people are increasingly suffering from musculoskeletal diseases. The inability of the back muscles to properly support the spine leads to pinching of the nerve endings between the vertebrae, which is accompanied by severe pain. Therefore, the treatment of radiculitis is a pressing issue for medicine in the 21st century.

What is radiculitis, features and mechanism of development

Radiculopathy (“popularly” - radiculitis) is a “radicular syndrome” with symptoms characteristic of damage to the nerve endings of the spinal cord.

Radiculitis is manifested by autonomic and motor disturbances with pronounced shooting pain along the nerves involved in the pathological process.

Radiculopathy affects more than 15% of the world's population over the age of 45 years. The disease is typical for both women and men, but in the latter it appears earlier. Radiculitis is characterized by an acute course of the disease, but transition to a chronic form is also possible and is characterized by periodic exacerbations.

The development of radiculitis occurs due to compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord due to the development of pathological processes in the spinal column and adjacent tissues. The spinal nerve is a union of anterior (motor) and posterior (sensory) nerve roots that emerge from a vertebra. If at least one root or an entire nerve is pinched, a person feels an acute shooting pain, which is an attack of radiculitis.

There are two stages of development of radiculitis:

1. Neurological. It is characterized by sudden acute pain and is accompanied by increased sensitivity in the area of ​​the inflamed nerve and nearby tissues. There is a feeling of muscle tension in this area.

2. Neurotic. The sensitivity of the affected tissues completely disappears, the person does not feel touch, the skin becomes numb, while pain and muscle tension remain.

Diagnosis of thoracic radiculitis

Establishing a correct diagnosis involves an analysis of complaints and an initial examination of the patient:

• palpation: by applying pressure in the chest area, the doctor finds out the location of the disease;
• percussion: using tapping, the doctor excludes pulmonary diseases, whose symptoms are similar to those of radiculitis;
• Auscultation: Listening is a reliable way to exclude heart disease from the list of probable diagnoses.

Having carried out these actions, the professional doctor already has the opportunity to establish a preliminary diagnosis. To confirm it, the patient may be prescribed the following diagnostic measures:

• a general blood test to identify the inflammatory process in the body;
• radiography, through which the segment of the spinal column that causes pain is specified;
• MRI of the thoracic region, which detects pinched spinal roots and determines the degree of nerve compression.

The use of a set of diagnostic measures guarantees the correct diagnosis, and therefore the correct therapy.

Types of radiculopathy

Classification of radiculitis in domestic medicine is made according to the area of ​​localization and is divided into:

1. Primary form (cervical, lumbar and thoracic radiculitis)

2. Secondary form (thoracolumbar, cervicothoracic, lumbar radiculitis).

The disease was assigned an ICD-10 code - M54.1, which denotes brachial, thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral radiculitis. Thoracic radiculopathy is considered the rarest type, cervical radiculopathy is much more common, and lumbosacral radiculitis is diagnosed in 80% of cases.

Types of radiculitis

Radiculitis is usually distinguished by the localization of the inflammatory process. So, they distinguish:

• lumbosacral radiculitis (the most common);
• cervical radiculitis (sometimes cervicobrachial radiculitis is also distinguished, in which pain also occurs in the shoulders and arms, aggravated by movements in the limbs of the upper belt, when turning the head and coughing;
• thoracic radiculitis (less common).

As for the forms of the disease, there are acute and chronic forms. The vast majority of cases of acute radiculitis end with its transition “to chronicle” with periodic exacerbations (if the patient does not comply with the preventive recommendations of the attending physician).

Lumbosacral radiculitis

Lumbosacral radiculitis manifests itself with acute pain in the lumbar region. The pain syndrome intensifies with:

• long walking or sitting;
• bends;
• body turns.

With this disease, patients often complain that they have bent over and are “jammed”; they can only get up with difficulty and through pain. The pain is similar to an electrical discharge that shoots sharply through the sacrum. With radiculitis of the lumbosacral region, 3 characteristic types of pain are observed:

• lumbago is an acute pain that occurs suddenly with sudden, jerky physical activity (for example, when sneezing) and lasts from several minutes to several days. It can also be provoked by a wardrobe that is not suitable for the weather - with overheating, hypothermia of the sacrum, or sitting in a draft, the pain can intensify. Also, a similar type of pain is observed with spastic tension of the lower back muscles (which indicates an imbalance of the load along the spine), displacement of the vertebrae or intervertebral hernia;
• sciatica - shooting, burning or stabbing pain radiates to the sciatic nerve, can respond in the back of the thigh and even the calf muscles, up to the foot. The limbs become noticeably weaker, and muscular dystrophy may occur. A characteristic sign of sciatica is that it can be simultaneously accompanied by tingling and numbness in the area of ​​the affected nerve.
• lumboischialgia is a burning or aching pain, which is characterized by gradual intensification, as well as its localization in the gluteal muscles and the back of the thigh. It does not reach the feet, but can occur in both legs at the same time.

The intensity of any pain varies - from tolerable and rare to unbearable and constant, which prevents the patient from sleeping and moving.

The first symptoms of the disease often appear with sudden weight gain, pregnancy, or unsuccessful lifting of a load.

In a calm state, stage 2 lumbosacral radiculitis can make itself felt by a feeling of numbness, insensitivity of the skin to temperature or physical influence, and tingling in the soft tissues. At the same time, the back muscles weaken, and it becomes increasingly difficult to hold it straight.

The severity of symptoms and treatment of lumbar radiculitis depends on the area of ​​​​the lesions - inflammation can affect one root or numerous nerve plexuses that are located in the sacral region.

Thoracic radiculitis

Thoracic radiculitis is extremely rare, since due to the ribs and chest, the vertebrae in this part of the spine are not mobile. And therefore, they are less likely to get injured.

Pain from thoracic radiculitis can radiate to the shoulders, arms and even resemble heart spasms. It is accompanied by a feeling of stiffness, especially when trying to take a deep breath. In this case, patients characterize the sensations emanating from the affected nerve as an acute, sharp pain - as if a needle or knitting needle is being driven into the chest and then suddenly pulled out. Often the feeling of pinching in the intercostal spaces is attributed to intercostal neuralgia, missing the onset of radiculitis.

A feature of thoracic radiculitis is the so-called. girdle pains that make patients think about damage to internal organs (heart, liver, pancreas and others). Indeed, deterioration of innervation can affect their work, but the root cause lies in pinched nerve roots.

Thoracic radiculitis often makes itself felt at night, especially when trying to roll over to the other side. They usually affect middle-aged and older people with poor posture.

Cervical Radiculitis is one of the most common types of radiculitis.

Cervical sciatica

Among all cases of radiculitis, cervical radiculitis ranks second in occurrence, second only to lumbar radiculitis. In 95% of cases, the pathology occurs against the background of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The peak incidence occurs at the age of 50 years, while every 20th patient eventually loses his ability to work. With cervical radiculitis, a whole complex of symptoms occurs:

• pain in the neck (especially when turning, tilting the head, moving the shoulders) and throughout the upper limbs, including the inner surface of the arm);
• stiffness in the neck, which is especially acute after sleep, a working day, or stress on the neck;
• headaches associated with spasms and deterioration of blood supply to the head;
• hearing and vision impairment, dizziness, coordination problems associated with compression of the vertebral arteries supplying the brain;
• unsteadiness, unsteadiness and uncertainty of gait;
• atrophy of the shoulder muscles

Pain in the back of the head with cervical radiculitis can be observed in people with spinal curvature, physical inactivity and computer work after 25 years. The inflammatory process with cervical radiculitis may be accompanied by deterioration in cognitive functions (it becomes more difficult for patients to understand or remember something). Patients usually find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, so they often suffer from insomnia.

Symptoms and signs

Treatment for radiculitis is selected based on the symptoms present in a particular patient. The distribution of pain directly depends on the location of the damaged nerve. With lumbar radiculitis, there is numbness and tension in the pelvic organs and lower extremities, while cervical radiculitis manifests itself with headaches and impaired consciousness. An attack of sciatica usually occurs suddenly and affects only one side of the human body. In this case, you can reduce pain by taking a certain position of the body in space, and coughing and sneezing can greatly increase the pain.

Symptoms of cervical radiculitis

Before starting treatment for radiculitis in the cervical spine, pay attention to the following manifestations:

1. Presence of pain in the back of the head and neck.

2. Presence of burning, numbness or tingling in the affected area.

3. Prevalence of pain (half of the arm or to the fingertips).

4. Hypersensitivity.

5. Restriction of the ability to move the affected parts of the body.

Analysis of these signs gives the doctor an idea of ​​the strength of pathological changes and allows for more accurate selection of therapy.

Symptoms of thoracic radiculitis

Treatment of thoracic radiculitis begins with diagnosing the functioning of internal organs, primarily the heart, stomach and lungs. This is due to the fact that pain from compression of the nerve endings of the spine in this area can be disguised as various diseases. Main symptoms:

1. Hypersensitivity.

2. Decreased muscle tone.

3. Weakening of reflexes.

Symptoms of lumbosacral radiculitis

When choosing treatment methods for radiculitis of the lumbosacral region, the doctor pays attention to the nature and distribution of the pain syndrome. Radiculitis can occur as follows:

1. Lumbago. When the lower back hurts directly.

2. Lumboischialgia. In addition to the lower back, the hip, sacrum and lower leg are affected.

3. Sciatica. The pain radiates to the buttock and leg in the direction of the sciatic nerve.

Radiculitis. Treatment, prevention

Radiculitis is a fairly common disease of the peripheral nervous system. The disease is based on damage to bundles of nerve fibers, the so-called nerve roots extending from the spinal cord. Any damage or inflammation is radiculitis.

Causes of radiculitis

The main reliably established reasons are:

- disc herniation in one of the parts of the spine - narrowing of the spinal canal - narrowing of the canal where the nerve root is located - trauma - tumor - degeneration of the vertebral discs - osteophytes (a bone spur, a growth that is not normal for a healthy skeleton, is a full-fledged bone mass that is formed in as a result of the protective reaction of the spine to overload) An attack of radiculitis can be triggered by metabolic disorders, infections, heavy lifting, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or awkward movement. Those at risk of developing radiculitis include professional athletes, people engaged in heavy physical labor, summer residents, as well as people leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Types of radiculitis

Most often, the disease develops acutely and for the most part becomes chronic with temporary exacerbations. Depending on the location, radiculitis is divided into four types.

• Lumbosacral radiculitis, characterized by damage to the roots of the sacral spine. In this case, pain occurs and intensifies with movement, bending, and walking. This is the case when you bend down to tie your shoelaces, but you can no longer straighten up, because it causes severe pain. This case of radiculitis is most often encountered in medical practice.

• Cervicobrachial, characterized by pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. The pain intensifies when moving the arms or head, and also when coughing.

• Cervical sciatica will make you suffer from pain in the neck and back of the head. Head movements increase the pain.

• Thoracic radiculitis. Of all the types of radiculitis, this is the rarest. Accompanied by pain in the intercostal spaces.

Still, the common and main symptom of radiculitis for any part of the spine is shooting pain (as from an electric shock) at the site of the lesion along the nerve.

Later, numbness and tingling may appear at the site of the lesion. Pain and temperature sensitivity may decrease or be completely absent. Muscle weakness and vascular disorders are observed.

Treatment methods for radiculitis

Treatment for sciatica depends on the severity of symptoms. In the acute period, strict bed rest (preferably on a hard bed) and the use of anti-inflammatory and painkillers are necessary.

It is better to treat radiculitis comprehensively, combining traditional medicine and medical practices with folk remedies. In general, the treatment process is carried out with the help of medications, physiotherapy, manual therapy, acupuncture, exercise therapy and folk remedies.

In especially severe cases, with a pronounced clinical picture or in the presence of persistent pain, surgical intervention is required.

Treatment of radiculitis with medication

The essence of treating radiculitis with medications is to relieve muscle spasms and eliminate pain. Unfortunately, drug treatment for radiculitis is temporary. To consolidate the results of treatment, it is necessary to undergo a course of exercise therapy and take advantage of the possibilities of physiotherapy, manual therapy or acupuncture.

In the treatment of radiculitis, narcotic analgesics are used medicinally - muscle relaxants (metacarbomal and cyclobenzaprine). Simple analgesics, such as paracetamol, panadol, aspirin, ifuprofen (nurofen), pentalgin, baralgin, will also help relieve pain.

Now, more about non-drug treatment of radiculitis. Physiotherapy helps improve blood circulation in tissues,

adjacent to the root, improve the conduction of nerve impulses along nerve fibers, and also reduce pain.

There are many techniques for treating sciatica using physical therapy, such as ultrasound, electrophoresis and dynamic current. Massage and manual therapy can relieve muscle spasms and blocks, which also helps reduce pain.

Acupuncture is designed to restore the process of conducting impulses along nerve fibers by influencing biologically active points of the body.

Exercise therapy is designed to help restore the natural biomechanics of the spine and normalize movements. Sometimes, with the help of exercises, by redistributing the load on the muscles, it is possible to relieve compression of the spine. Exercises help increase the elasticity of muscles and ligaments, and can also stop degenerative processes in the spine, which allows you to increase range of motion.

Regular exercise is a good prevention of relapses of radiculitis. Exercises on simulators give the greatest effect.

Aerotherapy is a complex effect of hardening, swimming, sun treatment and air exposure on the patient’s body. Aerotherapy gives good results in the treatment of radiculitis.

Air procedures are the simplest form of hardening. Air baths have a chemical, mechanical and temperature effect on the body. The sea and forest air are especially healing. For the greatest effect, it is better to take air baths undressed.

The beneficial effects of solar procedures will only occur if they are carried out correctly. The average course of treatment is 20 - 40 procedures, with a break every seventh day. It is recommended to sunbathe in the morning, in the shade of greenery, and no more than two hours a day.

If there is not enough sun, especially in the northern regions, you can drink a decoction of St. John's wort before the procedure, which will increase the effect of sunlight on the body. Sun therapy should be stopped if one of the symptoms appears: increased heart rate, dizziness, loss of appetite. In any case, you should not sunbathe until you get burns or sunstroke.

Contrast showers and bathing are considered useful procedures for radiculitis. Contrast shower stimulates skin cells, blood vessels and nerves

endings, which is important for patients with radiculitis. In addition, a contrast shower has a hardening effect.

Swimming will have the greatest effect in a natural body of water, where the same temperature of water and air is not maintained throughout the year. In addition to the strengthening effect on the back muscles from swimming, here you can also get all the benefits of hardening.

Diet for radiculitis

Everyone knows that food greatly affects the condition of the body. To prevent attacks of radiculitis, it is recommended to adhere to a diet. You need to eat little by little 4 - 5 times a day.

The diet should contain a lot of fiber, vegetables and fruits are healthy. Tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, carrots, and cabbage are especially useful. As for fruits, you should often eat bananas, dried apricots, prunes, persimmons, pomegranates and citrus fruits.

Black elderberry is very useful for radiculitis. In addition, you need to give up fatty meat, strong meat broths, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, salty, smoked, and spices.

It is unhealthy to eat flour and sweets. You need to eat fish 2-3 times a week. Porridges are healthy, especially oatmeal, rice and buckwheat. They recommend eating peas, beans, and corn.

Prevention of radiculitis

In order for painful attacks of radiculitis to be as rare as possible, it is necessary to engage in the prevention of radiculitis. After all, it is easier to prevent illness than to suffer from piercing pain.

Prevention of radiculitis consists of several important areas.

* Do not forget to prevent osteochondrosis

* Prevent pathologies of the spinal cord and spinal column

* Maintain posture (keep your back correct)

* Treat infectious and colds in a timely manner

* Avoid hypothermia.

* Avoid prolonged positions in uncomfortable positions, prolonged static loads, heavy lifting and very sudden movements.

* Avoid beds that are too soft, where the spine is in the wrong position all night and the back does not rest (it is best to have an orthopedic mattress, or at least any good hard mattress)

* Do not forget to do gymnastics, including therapeutic exercises. Correct physical activity is of great importance in preventing the disease and treating radiculitis. We must remember that moderate physical exercise relieves tension from the muscles, trains the muscular frame and strengthens the spine.

Complex exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (non-acute forms): 1. Warm-up Warm-up is a normal walk on the full foot, and then on the toes and heels. Moreover, it is necessary to walk until a feeling of warmth appears. 2. Relaxation of the cervical spine You need to stand up straight, with your arms hanging freely along your body. Then you need to tense your arms and hold the tension for 30 seconds, while you need to straighten your back and lower your shoulders and shoulder blades. Then the pressure should be released and the arms should be allowed to swing freely. 3. Swing your arms back You need to stand straight, while your body should be lowered parallel to the floor. Then you need to stretch your arms to the sides, but you don’t need to stretch your shoulders towards your ears, you should try to move the top of your head forward, while at the same time lowering your shoulder blades towards the spine. You have to imagine that your shoulder blades are your wings. Next, you should make a “swing” - forcefully pull the shoulder blades towards the spine, during this movement the straight arms move slightly back. You should not move your arms due to inertia, you should try to work with your back muscles. Exercise therapy complex for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine: 1. Warm-up Warm-up for this exercise therapy complex is the same as for exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Exercise “Boat” To perform this exercise, you need to lie on your stomach, then lift your chest off the floor, and your arms should form perpendicular to your back. Then you need to try to move the shoulder blades one towards the other, with sharp angles reaching towards the spine. At the same time, you should try to move your hands back a little. It is necessary to feel the tension only in the muscles of the back, and not in the arms.

LH complex (therapeutic gymnastics) for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: 1. Warm-up The warm-up in this exercise therapy complex is similar to the warm-up in the previous complexes. 2. Tilting the pelvis You need to stand up straight, while your knees and hips should be relaxed, and your arms should not be strained. Next, you need to tighten your buttocks, as if tilting your pelvis inward. The goal of this exercise is a completely flat lower back in profile. This movement must be performed slowly, vertebra by vertebra. 3. Rotation of the pelvis It is necessary to perform movements that allow you to twist the pelvis to the right and left, while gradually pushing forward either the right or the left thigh. This movement is similar to an element from oriental dances. When performing this exercise, the upper body should be fixed in a stable position, the chest should swing, but you should not bend forward and backward at the waist. 4. Exercise “Cat-Cow” To perform this exercise, you need to get on all fours so that your thighs are strictly perpendicular to the floor and your palms are under your shoulders. Then you should relax your muscles and bend your lower back down, while stretching the neck area and moving your head back. In this position, you need to stretch for 20 seconds, and then perform the opposite movement, arching your lower back upward, and aim your thoracic spine towards your hips. All exercises of these exercise therapy complexes for osteochondrosis must be performed regularly, systematically, but before starting classes, you should consult a doctor.

Information provided based on publications of the NewsMedical website, Russia

Physiotherapist FTO Aleinikova N.E.

Development of radiculitis in childhood

Children are at risk of developing sciatica due to constant use of computers and reduced time for physical activity. The modern rhythm of life and the stress of studying lead to the inability to fully move during the day, which leads to weakening of the back muscles. In children, cervical and thoracic forms of radiculitis are diagnosed due to the development of scoliosis. It is necessary to instill in your child a love of sports and monitor posture from an early age. At the first signs of spinal curvature, you should contact a pediatric orthopedist, who will prescribe the necessary set of therapeutic measures. Due to their age, children manage to overcome the disease forever.

Radiculitis during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body is subjected to double stress. To ensure the normal development and functioning of a growing embryo, a large amount of nutrients is needed, the volume of blood circulating in the body increases, and weight increases. Untrained back muscles cannot cope with the increasing loads on the spine, because a woman needs to maintain balance. This leads to the need to bend forward and entails curvature of the spine. Reducing the space between the spinal discs can lead to pinched nerve endings and the development of radiculitis. It is important to lead an active lifestyle long before pregnancy to protect yourself from possible complications. Attacks of radiculitis during pregnancy can increase the tone of the uterus and lead to miscarriage or premature birth. No wonder they say that pregnant women should not be upset. Muscle spasms due to stress can also serve as a signal for the development of radiculitis.

Causes of radiculitis

The main cause of radiculitis is that the elastic intervertebral disc, which performs a shock-absorbing function and maintains a sufficient distance between the vertebrae, begins to receive less nutrients, dries out and cracks. Dehydration and wear of the disc leads to its height decreasing, the vertebrae begin to rub against each other, and osteophytes (bone outgrowths) appear on the edges of the vertebral bones. Because of this, the ridge ceases to be flexible and becomes ossified, and vulnerable nerve roots experience compression and injury.

Radiculitis is usually caused by:

• back injuries, incl. untreated and old;
• postural disorders (lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis);
• age-related and hormonal changes that reduce the strength of cartilage and bone tissue;
• osteochondrosis and osteoprosis;
• spondylosis deformans;
• protrusion and herniation of intervertebral discs;
• uneven load on the spine;
• hypothermia;
• vibration loads;
• stress and chronic fatigue;
• infectious diseases;
• tumors.

An uncomfortable bed for sleeping or a workplace equipped with poor ergonomics can also provoke symptoms of radiculitis - its development or exacerbation.

The risk group for the disease includes:

• people over 40 years old;
• representatives of professions associated with heavy physical labor (including professional athletes), as well as long stays in one field (especially office workers, truck drivers);
• people suffering from physical inactivity;
• patients with autoimmune diseases;
• men and women with excess weight, bad habits, metabolic diseases.

Diagnostics

Treatment of radiculitis begins with a visit to a neurologist. A specialist’s diagnosis includes an analysis of concomitant diseases, symptoms and the nature of pain. If necessary, additional studies are prescribed:

1. General and biochemical blood test. Shows the presence of inflammation in the body.

2. Radiography. It will help determine the presence of fractures, cracks and tumors.

3. Spinal puncture. Determines the acidity of cerebrospinal fluid.

4. Myelography. A contrast agent is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid, tracking the movement of which can detect disorders occurring inside the spine.

5. Ultrasound. Allows you to exclude diseases of internal organs and examine the condition of blood vessels.

6. CT. Able to accurately indicate the degree of compression of nerve fibers.

7. MRI. It is considered the most effective method in diagnosing radiculitis.

Diagnosis of the disease

Usually, it is not difficult for a neurologist to identify the presence of cervicothoracic radiculitis in a patient. However, the most important thing in diagnosis remains to identify the root cause of the development of the disease, since sometimes the initial cause may be the presence of a tumor or pathology of internal organs.

Pay attention to how diagnostics are carried out for radiculitis. Standard diagnostic measures remain x-ray diagnostics of the thoracic region (allows you to see changes in the thoracic region and identify the presence of osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spinal deformity, trauma, etc.).

In addition, the doctor will refer you to a computed tomography (CT) scan, which will allow you to obtain a detailed interpretation of the state of the bone structure, as well as identify the presence of an intervertebral hernia.

You will also need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which will visually show the condition of the soft tissues, assess the level of narrowing of the spinal canal, and also determine the size and structure of formations on the spine (hernias, tumors, hematomas).

In individual cases , ECG, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, gastroscopy, ultrasound of the pleural cavity , etc. may be prescribed.

First aid

An acute attack of radiculitis limits the patient's ability to move, so the person needs outside help. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Give the patient a painkiller in the form of a tablet or give an analgesic injection. Neuropathic pain cannot be tolerated.

2. Additionally, give a sedative to drink. Preference should be given to natural remedies (valerian, peony, motherwort). This will partially relieve the pain.

3. Place the patient on a chair in a position comfortable for him if it is impossible to ensure bed rest, otherwise, put him to bed.

4. Immobilize the painful part of your back with a tight belt (you can use a sheet, bath towel or corset).

5. Apply ointment or gel from the NSAID group to the sore area to relieve inflammation.

6. Hold the patient if necessary.

After the ambulance arrives, provide the patient with peace, and then help him visit a neurologist for further treatment.

Treatment

Treatment of radiculitis involves the need to limit the patient's physical activity. Refusal of any physical activity and a sleep regime are indicated during the acute course of the disease in the first few days. In this case, you need to ensure that the surface on which the patient lies does not bend under the person. The ideal solution would be an orthopedic mattress; if it is not available, plywood or any other solid base is placed under a regular mattress. The damaged part of the spine is fixed with an orthopedic belt or corset.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) are widely used to reduce pain. Intramuscular administration of painkillers is used for severe pain; in mild cases, it is enough to limit yourself to taking tablets and using ointments. If the pain is unbearable, then treatment of radiculitis cannot be done without blockade injections. After relief of the painful syndrome, further treatment and physical therapy are prescribed.

Long-term use of painkillers has a detrimental effect on the condition of internal organs. The mucous membrane of the stomach, liver and kidneys are severely affected. Therefore, it is important to treat the disease rather than stop the symptoms.

Modern methods of treating radiculitis:

1. Drug treatment.

2. Physiotherapy.

3. Medicines based on snake venom.

4. Therapeutic plasters and ointments.

Manual therapy has shown greater effectiveness in eliminating radicular syndrome. Massage and stretching of the spine allows you to release pinched roots, which leads to the elimination of the cause of the disease. It should be remembered that all actions with the spine must be done carefully, avoiding excessive pressure on the affected tissues. Stretching the spine by hanging on a horizontal bar is strictly prohibited. This can lead to complications.

Lumbar radiculitis is the most common form of the disease, which has bothered people since ancient times. Therefore, there are a huge number of folk recipes that can cope with the disease and chronic attacks. Non-traditional remedies should be used on the recommendation of your attending physician, who will be able to select the necessary prescriptions for your case.

Drug treatment of radiculitis

First of all, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and chondroprotectors are used for the medicinal treatment of radiculitis. If NSAIDs are ineffective, they are replaced with glucocorticosteroids (GCs), analogues of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

Conventional analgesics can also be used to relieve pain; in severe cases, the attending physician may prescribe lidocaine or another blockade (a local anesthetic is injected into the affected area, where it provides a prolonged effect for 21 days or more).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medicines that have analgesic (analgesic), antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Glucocorticoids

HA is usually prescribed in the form of injections for radical relief of swelling, inflammation and pain.

Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants

Medicines that reduce the tone of skeletal muscles with a decrease in motor activity up to complete immobility.

Although systemic blood microcirculation correctors can be prescribed for radiculitis, local preparations in the form of ointments and gels are usually used.

Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors (glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate preparations) promote the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue. They slow down degenerative processes in the spine, preventing osteochondrosis, the main cause of radiculitis, from progressing. Regular use of chondroprotectors in courses of 2-6 months can improve the flexibility of the spine, reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Unlike symptomatic drugs, chondroprotectors, such as Artracam, affect the structural cause of the disease. Due to the almost complete absence of contraindications, these drugs can be used even before the development of the disease, thereby taking care of all joints of the body from a young age.

Treatment at the Solnechny sanatorium

Diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system directly affect the quality of life. Often people turn to doctors when the disease is already in an advanced state, ignoring pain symptoms for a long time. Like any other disease, radiculitis at the initial stage is treated faster and easier. It is important to maintain spinal health at any age and respond in a timely manner to pain signals sent by the body.

The Solnechny sanatorium employs highly qualified specialists with extensive experience in the treatment of radiculitis. The use of modern methods and the latest equipment results in patients returning the ability to move easily and helps them forget about pain. Wellness holidays in Polesie also include manual therapy, hydrotherapy, diet therapy and climatotherapy. In addition to the treatment of radiculitis, the sanatorium provides services for the restoration of the spine after injuries.

Causes

Symptoms of thoracic radiculitis are usually caused by a number of serious diseases of the spine, which are characterized by compression of nerve endings:

• osteochondrosis in advanced stages;
• osteoarthritis;
• spondylosis;
• osteophyte;
• spinal canal stenosis;
• inflammation of the roots of an infectious nature, for example, with herpes zoster;
• spinal injuries, with displacement of the vertebrae.

Consequences

If left untreated, radiculitis becomes chronic and can bother a person throughout his life, worsening his quality of life and reducing his productivity. Possible complications:

1. Ischemic spinal cord infarction.

2. Blockage of veins and vessels located in the pathological area.

3. Development of paralysis of the upper and lower extremities.

4. Disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidneys and others.

5. Paresis.

6. Disability.

7. Psychological personality disorders.

To avoid negative consequences, consult a neurologist in a timely manner.

Classification

It is customary to distinguish two forms of radiculitis:

• acute - characterized by intense pain symptoms and lightning-fast development;
• chronic - characterized by exacerbations due to sudden movements or hypothermia, arising as a result of the lack of treatment for the acute form of the disease.

Depending on the location of the lesion, the following types of lumbar radiculitis are distinguished:

• lumbar - characterized by pain symptoms in the lumbar region, accompanied by pain and stiffness of movement;
• lumbosacral - accompanied by pain symptoms in the sacral area, which intensifies with walking and bending and radiates to the buttock, lower leg and heel.

Depending on the etiology of lumbar radiculitis, there are:

• primary - occurs as a result of inflammatory processes of the spinal root;
• secondary - occurs as a result of compression of the spinal root.

Forecast

The painful symptom of radiculitis can be successfully treated with physiotherapy and medications, but this is not enough. It is important to cure the disease that led to the development of radicular syndrome. This will guarantee that the attack will not happen again.

When the disease becomes chronic, it is important to maintain a period of rest for as long as possible, following the recommendations of the attending physician and adhering to preventive measures. The chronic form is characterized by less acute, rather aching pains that do not greatly limit movement and affect the performance of everyday tasks. In this case, the occurrence of “lumbago” is also possible if the inflammation of the pinched roots intensifies under the influence of pathological processes.

Proper nutrition for thoracic radiculitis

A nutritious diet is another important condition, remembering which you can prevent exacerbation of the disease or speed up recovery. Therefore, if you have radiculitis, you should adhere to the following nutritional rules:

• Consume more plant fiber: cereals, legumes, etc. At the same time, it is advisable to eat fruits and vegetables raw.
• Reduce consumption of fatty meat and lard to zero. Replace them with fish and liver (the latter should be eaten no more than 1-2 times a week).
• Avoid high-fat dairy products.
• Do not get carried away with baking; it is better to replace white bread with black rye or bran bread.
• Exclude salty, smoked and sweet foods, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks from the menu.

Prevention

An excellent prevention of radiculitis is therapeutic exercises, which are recommended to be performed daily, except during periods of exacerbation. Avoid hypothermia and stress, watch your weight, engage in swimming or other sports, try not to stand in a bent position for a long time and watch your posture. Throughout your life, adhere to the principles of a healthy diet, stop drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking tobacco. These simple measures can protect you from developing dangerous diseases and radicular syndrome.