Drug treatment of sciatic nerve sciatica

The sciatic nerve is distinguished by the fact that it is the longest in our body. Starting from the lumbar region, it passes along the sacrum and the leg along its entire length. And if the sciatic nerve is pinched (this pathology is called sciatica), then the person experiences severe pain, which often leads to loss of ability to work. Sciatica is treated using various medications, but ointments are most often used for inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Ointments for inflammation of the sciatic nerve

Top 10 pain relieving ointments for the lower back.

September 6, 2021
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Content

• Why does my back hurt?
• How to choose an ointment for the lower back
• Contraindications and side effects of ointments for the lower back
• Top 10 ointments for the lower back
• Nicoflex
• Shungite
• Nurofen Express
• Nayatoks
• Apizartron
• Voltaren Emulgel
• Finalgon
• Capsicam
• Viprosal B
• Nise

The main method of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system is medication, usually aimed at relieving inflammation and pain. Local medications for back pain (ointments and gels) are practically not absorbed into the blood and have a minimum of side effects and contraindications, unlike tablets and injections. Therefore, back ointment can be used for a long time.

Features of sciatica treatment

There are different forms of the disease described in the article, which can be explained by different causes and paths of development. The choice of specific treatment methods depends on the form of sciatica - this could be, for example, physiotherapy, the use of medications, manual therapy, exercise therapy or even surgery.

The attending physician will be able to draw up a specific therapeutic complex only after a full examination has been carried out (i.e., he will examine the patient and become familiar with the results of examinations/tests).

Treatment of sciatica

On a note! To begin therapy, it is enough to detect just one sign of pinching of the sciatic nerve - we are talking about pronounced pain. To measure pain, the Antonov scale is used, according to which the first degree is mild pain, the second is moderate, and the third and fourth degrees correspond to severe pain.

Why does my back hurt?

To find out the cause of back pain, you need, of course, a full diagnosis and consultation with a doctor. Only an accurate diagnosis allows adequate treatment of low back pain. The most common causes of back pain:

• osteochondrosis;
• muscle strain or injury;
• muscle imbalance, scoliosis;
• protrusion or hernia;
• radicular syndrome;
• spondyloarthrosis;
• congenital problems with the development of the spine;
• radiculitis, sciatica, lumbago, myofascial syndrome.

All of these causes of back pain require the use of painkillers (especially during periods of exacerbation).

Causes of back pain

The source of back pain can be various anatomical structures and soft tissues of the spine and spinal cord. The direct cause of the pain syndrome can be inflammation (for example, with spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteochondrosis), external pressure on the nerve fibers and the spinal cord itself (with a herniated disc, radiculitis, sciatica, tumor of the spinal cord membranes), trauma (back contusion, fracture spine), muscle spasm. Most often, pain is a consequence of a complex of causes - in most cases there is inflammation, muscle spasm, and external pressure.

How to choose an ointment for the lower back

Before you run to the pharmacy for ointment or gel for back pain, you need to know what these drugs are and for what problem you should choose one or the other. If you have back pain after an injury or due to rheumatism, both warming and cooling ointments are suitable.

If back pain has recently begun to bother you, the pain is acute, warming ointments cannot be used - such preparations contain irritating substances that provoke skin hyperemia. This heating stimulates blood circulation in the muscle or joint, which helps to recover. Warming ointments can only be used during rehabilitation, when there is no acute pain and the patient feels better.

The use of a warming ointment during an acute period can only provoke a worsening of the condition. Redness and swelling are possible, and the inflammatory process may worsen. If there is a fresh back injury, you can only use cooling or pain-relieving ointments (with NSAIDs, mint or menthol). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve inflammation well, and mint or menthol remove swelling.

What medications can be used for sciatica?

The condition can be treated with several types of medications.

Injections against sciatica are used only in severe conditions when it is not possible to block the pain with conventional ointments and tablets. It is strictly recommended that injections be administered only by a healthcare professional.

Additionally, during treatment it is required to take vitamins and mineral biological supplements , which will improve the condition of all internal organs and the general psycho-emotional state.

Contraindications and side effects of ointments for the lower back

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in tablet form have many side effects: they are toxic, have a bad effect on the kidneys, liver, stomach, and hemostatic function. That is why tablets and injections for back pain are prescribed only in extreme cases and for a short course. But ointments for back pain can be used for a relatively long time, but, of course, not constantly either. A small part of the drug still enters the blood through the skin, which can negatively affect overall well-being during long-term treatment.

Among the contraindications for use

back ointments:

• individual intolerance to the active substance of the drug or its auxiliary components;
• open wounds on the skin, inflammation or suppuration in the places where you plan to apply the back cream;
• allergy to NSAIDs, acetylsalicylic acid;
• age up to 14 years;
• pregnancy (third trimester).

In these cases, ointment for back pain is prescribed with caution:

• first and second trimester of pregnancy;
• severe kidney or liver damage;
• history of gastritis or ulcer;
• nasal polyps, rhinitis, bronchial asthma;
• lactation. Possible side effects
  from lower back ointments:
• stomach pain, gastritis;
• skin redness, dermatosis, urticaria, itching;
• anaphylaxis, Quincke's edema (in very rare cases). Read also: Choosing chondroprotectors for joints What are chondroprotectors, what active substances they contain and what they treat.

Ointments with bee and snake venom

Bee and snake venom have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. A detailed description of such therapy is found in Hippocrates, Avicenna, Galen and many other healers. Modern research confirms the ability of bee and snake venom to have a number of positive effects in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. The enzymes it contains (phospholipase, hyaluronidase, phosphatase), toxins, and biologically active substances have a locally irritating and distracting, reflex, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Under the influence of the poison, a reflex expansion of blood vessels occurs, microcirculation improves, the permeability of the vascular wall increases, regeneration is stimulated and tissue nutrition improves. Direct anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect relieves swelling and inflammation. The addition of excipients such as salicylic acid and mustard oil enhances the effect of ointments for back and lower back pain.

It is important to remember that the use of ointments with bee and snake venom is strictly contraindicated in case of allergies to bee products, polyvalent allergies, or a tendency to anaphylactic shock. In such patients, even small amounts of poison can cause severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the upper respiratory tract and anaphylaxis.

The most common ointments with bee or snake venom for back and lower back pain:

• Apizartron;
• Viprosal;
• Virapin.

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years of experience

Nicoflex

Nicoflex ointment for the lower back stimulates blood circulation, has a warming effect, and copes well with pain symptoms. The active ingredients of Nikoflex are capsaicin, ethyl nicotinate and ethylene glycol salicylate. Ointment for back pain warms up and irritates the painful area of ​​the body - the inflammatory process is reduced due to increased blood circulation. "Nikoflex" restores mobility to the joints and lower back, is quickly absorbed without a greasy residue. The back ointment has a neutral odor, and the burning sensation after application lasts literally two minutes.

Nicoflex

Reanal, Hungary

- bruises;
- sprains; - arthrosis; - myalgia; - neuralgia; - chronic neuritis; — polyarthritis (chronic and subacute); - sciatica; — tendovaginitis (in the phase of incomplete remission); - to warm up muscles before and after sports. from 251

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Homeopathic ointments for back and lower back pain

Homeopathy is a branch of alternative medicine that uses the principle of similarity for treatment (like cures like). Homeopaths use ultra-low concentrations of various substances of mineral or organic origin as medicine. Numerous studies of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies have not found the therapeutic effect described by adherents of homeopathy - with the exception of the placebo effect.

There are various homeopathic remedies available for topical, oral or injection use that the manufacturer claims can treat back pain. Such drugs often contain poisonous and toxic compounds (such as mercury, heavy metals, poisonous plants). Homeopathy should only be used as an adjuvant therapy for diseases that do not pose a risk of serious complications or death. The use of homeopathic remedies in children is prohibited.

Common homeopathic remedies for back pain:

• Traumeel C
• Target T

Shungite

This cream-balm contains many medicinal extracts that do an excellent job with myalgia. The main active ingredients of “Shungit” are ginseng, wormwood, St. John’s wort, aloe, and shungite. Shungite cream improves the body's functional abilities, is perfectly absorbed and does not leave stickiness on the skin. This ointment for lower back pain is prescribed for acute joint pain, muscle pain and lower back pain. Shungite helps relieve swelling, inflammation and pain, soothes and improves blood circulation in joints and periarticular tissues. Shungite lower back cream allows you to quickly recover from injuries, is not addictive and has no side effects.

Shungite Cream Balm

Fora-Pharm LLC, Russia

Use in complex treatment of osteochondrosis, radiculitis, arthritis and arthrosis of various origins and in places where salts are deposited, in combination with traditional methods of treatment, as an adjuvant.
from 75

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Chondroprotective ointments for lower back pain

Chondroprotectors are drugs that have the ability to slow down the process of destruction (degeneration) of cartilage tissue and stimulate its regeneration. These are mainly glucosamine and chondroitin. There are various ointments with glucosamine and/or chondroitin, however, due to the fact that these substances do not pass through the skin well (they are high-molecular compounds), the effectiveness of these products is questioned. Chondroprotectors have the greatest effect when administered intramuscularly and orally, however, even in this case, several courses of treatment are required to achieve an effect.

Shpidonov Gennady Stanislavovich

Neurologist

Rostov State Medical University (neurology)

10 years of experience

Common chondroprotective ointments for back and lower back pain:

• Sofia Chondroitin glucosamine complex
• Chondroitin

Such products include various creams, ointments, gels and balms, recommended for back pain, and containing collagen, mumiyo, oils, including essential oils, extracts of medicinal herbs, alum, shungite, etc. The effectiveness of such drugs (Shungite, Dr. Theiss Comfrey with vitamin E, Valentin Dikul Balm) has not been tested by clinical studies, and remains on the conscience of the manufacturer.

Nurofen Express

Back ointment "Nurofen Express" helps well with osteochondrosis and arthritis. The product perfectly relieves pain, penetrating deep into tissues and fighting inflammation from the inside. Ointment for the lower back for acute pain is recommended to be used four times a day. The drug is suitable for the treatment of joint pain and sprains, the ointment is effective for swelling, neuralgia and injuries. Nurofen Express ointment contains ibuprofen, which relieves inflammation and reduces pain.

Nurofen express gel

Farmasierra Manufacturing SL, Spain

When applied externally, it has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Reduces morning stiffness and helps increase range of motion in joints. from 133

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Symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve

• Swelling at the site of inflammation
• Redness of the skin near the nerve
• Sharp shooting pains in the lower extremities. Usually the pain is mobile - goes from top to bottom
• Discomfort in the buttocks, thighs, lower legs or lower back
• Difficulty in movement - a person cannot straighten up. In this case, it is better to remain tilted, so the pain will be felt less
• Increased body temperature. Most often it does not exceed 38°C
• Weakness of muscles

Inflammation affects not only external organs, but also internal ones. The functioning of the genitourinary and digestive systems is disrupted. For example, involuntary urination may occur. In men, such injury leads to decreased libido.

If you ignore the symptoms of inflammation, they may disappear over time. However, they will quickly return and get worse if left untreated.

Nayatoks

This is a Vietnamese drug based on cobra venom. In addition, it contains camphor, methyl salicylate and eucalyptus oil, which irritate the skin locally and dilate blood vessels, which improves blood circulation. Nayatox ointment is excellent for lower back pain. The drug has a strong smell, but this is not a problem since Nayatox is used once a day at night. If you look for reviews on the Internet about this ointment for the lower back, there are many of them and most are positive. “Nayatox” warms gently, without burning, and at the same time relieves pain and discomfort in the lower back.

Nayatoks

MEKOFAR, Vietnam

Pain syndrome in diseases of the musculoskeletal system: - arthritis of various etiologies;
- neuralgia; - myalgia; - sciatica; - radiculitis. from 100

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How to use Finalgon

The drug is applied to clean skin, rubbing thoroughly. For moderate pain, it is recommended to choose a cream. For sharp, unbearable pain, it is more useful to use ointment.

• Squeeze a small amount of the drug onto the palm of your hand, applicator or cotton pad;
• distribute the product over the skin and quickly rub until absorbed, avoiding touching other parts of the body and face;
• if necessary, the application site can be covered with a warm cloth;
• After using Finalgon, hands should be washed thoroughly with detergent;
• the procedure must be repeated 2-3 times a day; it is useful to use the drug at night.

After using Finalgon on open areas of the body, it is not advisable to go out into the bright sun to avoid burns. You should not take water procedures within 2 hours, as otherwise the active substances will be washed off from the skin.

Apizartron

Ointment for the lower back "Apizartron" contains bee venom and provides excellent warmth. The active ingredients of the ointment are methyl salicylate (relieves inflammation), allyl isothiocyanate (warms tissues, improving blood circulation), bee venom (analgeses, reduces inflammation, fights infection). Many patients consider this ointment for the lower back to be one of the most effective. But keep in mind that Apizartron ointment can cause an allergic reaction, so we recommend performing a skin test before starting treatment.

Apizartron

Esparma, Germany

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (osteoarthrosis, rheumatic lesions of soft tissues).
Arthralgia (including rheumatic joint diseases). Myalgia (including those associated with overexertion. Neuralgia (including neuritis, sciatica). Peripheral circulation disorders. Pain syndrome with soft lesions of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bruises and sprains. To warm up the muscles before and during sports loads from 176

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Voltaren Emulgel

This ointment is usually prescribed for pain in the lower back, joints and muscles. The active substance of the drug is diclofenac, which quickly relieves pain. "Voltaren Emulgel" has a water-alcohol base, is conveniently applied to the skin, is well absorbed and does not leave a greasy feeling. The product perfectly reduces heat in affected areas of the body. To completely get rid of back pain, doctors recommend using Voltaren Emulgel for a course (two to three weeks).

Voltaren emulgel

Novartis Europharm Ltd, UNITED KINGDOM

Voltaren emulgel is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
It has a pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. from 92

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Ointments against sciatica and rules for their use

Did you know that...

Next fact

Capsicam

Capsicam is a warming ointment

A traditional warming ointment, which is prescribed for pain syndromes of varying nature and severity . Capsicam is applied in a circular motion to the affected areas, slightly extending to healthy areas. The drug must be applied up to three times a day. The recommended course of therapy is 10 days. It is recommended to lie under a warm blanket for 30-45 minutes after using the medication.

Dimexide

Dimexide is applied in the form of applications to the affected area

When using this ointment, it is recommended to make applications if the pain is localized in a specific area . You can use such lotions three times a day; for less severe pain syndrome, Dimexide is used in the morning and evening.

If pain is recorded throughout the entire length of the sciatic nerve, the drug is applied in a thin layer to the entire sore spot, also up to three times a day. Dimexide completely blocks the conduction of impulses in neurons, which allows you to get rid of discomfort.

Hydrocartisone

Hydrocartisone is a steroid ointment

This drug should only be used under medical supervision, since Hydrocartisone is a steroid ointment . Long-term use may cause addiction or severe withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, all the gone problems can return with renewed vigor and attract disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. Hydrocartisone must be applied up to three times a day for a maximum of two weeks.

Indomethacin

Indomethacin comes in 5% and 10%

Available in several concentrations of the active substance - 5% or 10%. Taking into account the severity of the pain syndrome, Indomethacin must be applied 2-3 times a day only to the sore spot . The duration of treatment is selected individually for each patient; therapy usually takes 1-3 weeks. When using Indomethacin, allergic reactions such as rash and burning sometimes occurred.

Piroxicam

Piroxicam is an ibuprofen-based drug

A medicine based on ibuprofen. Has a good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect . Piroxicam should only be applied to the affected area. The dose for an adult is the size of a walnut. Piroxicam should be applied 2-3 times a day for no more than three weeks.

Attention! Ointments are selected taking into account the cause of the disease and the degree of pain and other symptoms. Additionally, any current and chronic diseases that may be a contraindication to the prescribed treatment are taken into account.

Video: “Remedies for back pain due to a pinched nerve”

Finalgon

“Finalgon” is a combination drug with a good warming effect, which contains nonivamide and nicoboxil. “Finalgon” dilates blood vessels and anesthetizes, so when applied to the affected area, blood circulation and local metabolism improve, the temperature of the body area increases - all this significantly reduces pain. Finalgon ointment is usually prescribed for lower back pain caused by muscle spasms. Many patients respond very well to Finalgon, although some doctors are confident that its effect is largely distracting and not therapeutic.

Finalgon

Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany

- arthritis;
- arthralgia and myalgia of rheumatic origin; - sports injuries, bruises and damage to the ligamentous apparatus; - myalgia caused by excessive physical activity; - lumbago; - neuritis; - sciatica; - bursitis and tendovaginitis; - acute nonspecific pain in the lower back; - for preliminary “warming up” of muscles before physical exercises, sports competitions; - as part of complex vasodilator therapy for peripheral circulatory disorders. from 246

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What is sciatica?

Sciatica is another name for a condition called inflammation of the sciatic nerve. You can often hear its other names: sciatic neuralgia, lumbosacral radiculitis.

Typically, with this disease, pain appears in the leg (while the root cause of pain is in the spinal column). Attacks of sciatica occur due to inflammation of one (or several) spinal roots in the lumbosacral spine.

Sciatica occurs due to inflammation or pinching of one of the sciatic nerve roots

According to statistics, the highest percentage of patients suffering from sciatica are middle-aged and elderly people who also have multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, allergic diseases of various origins, disorders of the blood vessels, metabolic problems or any other pathologies of the spine .

Unfortunately, sciatica is a disease that can come back to you again and again if you slightly loosen your therapeutic “grip” during the period of remission. Therefore, if you decide to get rid of constant pain forever, then be patient, follow all the recommendations of your doctor and do not despair if you do not see lightning-fast results.

Capsicam

The composition of the Kapsicam back ointment includes gum turpentine, dimethyl sulfoxide, racemic camphor, benzyl nicotinate, nonivamide. “Capsicam” warms the affected area well; patients often choose this remedy to treat the lower back if the pain is muscle. If pain occurs due to neuralgia, the effect of Capsicam will be slightly less pronounced. After applying the ointment, a slight warmth appears, and back pain gradually goes away. It is important to rub in no more than 3 grams of ointment at a time. If you overdo it, you can get skin irritation and even a burn. If lower back pain is associated with inflammation, Capsicum is not suitable.

Capsicam

Tallinn HFZ, Estonia

Capsicum has a local irritating, analgesic effect.
Capsicam contains substances that have a vasodilating effect on sensitive nerve endings, as a result of which the ointment exhibits a local irritant and analgesic effect. from 180

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General description of sciatica

Sciatica is a process of damage to the sciatic nerve, which is characterized by its strong healing without a pronounced inflammatory process . Most often, the disease occurs in patients over 40 years of age.

The following are the main causes of sciatica:

Lumbosacral radiculitis, as the disease is also called, is provoked by injuries, inflammatory processes, curvature of the spine and their displacement, insufficient mobility and the development of unnatural neoplasms.

The disease manifests itself as severe burning and cutting pain. Such discomfort can occur throughout the entire area of ​​the sciatic nerve or anywhere from the lower back to the foot. The pain manifests itself even in a calm state with the slightest slight movement.

Attention! Sciatica is diagnosed using x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging. The latest study is more accurate, which also allows us to identify the cause of the pathology.

Viprosal B

Ointment for the lower back with viper venom gently warms the affected area, but at the same time not only effectively relieves negative symptoms, but also heals. The active ingredients of Viprosal B ointment are salicylic acid, camphor, turpentine and viper venom. The important thing is that Viprosal effectively relieves lower back pain caused by various factors (injuries, sprains, neuralgia). Viprosal ointment for the lower back should be used carefully, as with other irritants.

Viprosal in

Tallinn HFZ, Estonia

Locally irritating, analgesic, used topically for joint and muscle pain.
Causes irritation of sensitive receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, dilates blood vessels, improves tissue trophism. from 205

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Indications for the use of ointments for the back

Ointments, gels and transdermal patches are indicated for pain caused by spinal disease - these are effective means to combat pain and inflammation in osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, neuralgia, radiculitis, spondyloarthrosis and spondyloarthritis. However, like any other therapy, local treatment has its limitations. Due to the fact that the skin acts as a powerful barrier and prevents the penetration of large quantities of the active substance of the ointment or gel, it is difficult to achieve a pronounced effect. Therefore, patients, not receiving the expected effect, begin to think about what else to apply to themselves for back pain. The effectiveness of ointments and gels depends on the cause of the pain - a mandatory consultation with a medical specialist will help you understand in which case local therapy is effective and in which it is not.

Nise

The remedy for back pain “Nise” can be bought in tablet form and in gel form. Gel "Nise" perfectly relieves lower back pain caused by various reasons. The active substance of the drug - nimesulide - anesthetizes, relieves inflammation, and has a chondroprotective effect on joints. To relieve back pain, you need to apply Nise 1-2 times a day. A few days after treatment, the lower back pain completely disappears - the drug not only relieves symptoms, but also cures. Nise gel has no side effects. Many doctors say that this is one of the best drugs for treating back and joints.

Nise gel

Why is the sciatic nerve pinched?

Sciatica is a fairly common disease; it is a companion for many people suffering from radiculitis.

What is sciatica

Pathology occurs for various reasons, but the most common of them include:

• heavy loads on the pelvic muscles, their (muscle) damage;
• tumors, blood clots;
• intervertebral hernia, disc displacement;
• the period of pregnancy during which the vertebrae are displaced;
• excessive stress on the back;
• hypothermia;
• back injuries in which the vertebrae are displaced;
• osteochondrosis.

Main symptoms of sciatica