A pinched sciatic nerve is treated with what. Difficulty with physical activity against the background of sciatica. At home

The largest and longest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. The entire load of the spine rests on it, since it is localized in five different sections spinal cord and innervates sensitive (afferent) and motor (efferent) signals from the central nervous system to tissues and organs and vice versa.

The relationship with numerous organs and a large extent, often becomes the cause of the manifestation various diseases its structure, including sciatica, in literal translation with Greek, meaning - inflammation or pinching of structures sciatic nerve.

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What it is?

In medical practice, such a disease is called neuralgia, since the term "sciatica" itself denotes a syndrome of severe pain in the zones of the sciatic nerve, and is caused by spinal compression in the lumbar region, or pinching of the tissues of this nerve along its course, causing a "non-inflammatory" lesion.

To understand what causes the clinical picture of neuralgia, consider briefly the localization of the sciatic nerve.

The branch of the nerve originates in the nerve plexus located at the spine, in the sacrum area and is formed by nerve roots located not inside the spinal canal, but departing from the lateral surfaces of the vertebrae standing on top of each other. Their close arrangement forms the so-called zone of the nerve plexus.

This is where the largest nervous "vein" originates - the sciatic nerve.

Passing through the pelvic cavity, it divides into two independent branches that extend to the surface of the buttocks on the right and left sides. Further, along the posterior femoral surfaces, the nerve branches descend to the lower legs. In their upper zone, the tibial nerve branch and the peroneal branch are separated from the main branch of the sciatic nerve, passing along the left and right edges of the superficial posterior part of the leg.

Since the sciatic nerve in the limbs travels through soft structures all the way to the soles of the feet, there can be many reasons for pinching it.

The most frequent manifestation of symptoms of pinching of the sciatic nerve is noted with excessive physical exertion and, as a result of hypothermia, directly in the vertebral zone, which immediately provokes a spasm of the back muscles. Other, fairly compelling reasons include:

Pinching of nerve tissues between vertebral displacements in the lumbar spine, due to trauma or sudden movements.
Various deformities of the vertebral zone.
Decrease in elasticity and destruction intervertebral discs causing compression of the nerve roots.
Herniated intervertebral discs.
Diseases in the form of syphilis, arthritis, tuberculosis and many infectious pathologies.
Long-term injections of drugs into a specific muscle area.

The genesis of neuralgia can be any diseases and conditions manifested by various symptoms of pinching of the sciatic nerve in any part of its length.

It is this factor - radicular compression, and not so much the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is considered by many experts to be the main genesis of the development of ischemia.

With neuralgia, usually one branch of the nerve is affected, therefore, the symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve are manifested by one-sided localization - on one limb. Since the causes of the development of the disease are varied, then its symptoms are polymorphic (diverse).

The main symptom of sciatic nerve disease is pain syndrome, which has the following characteristics:

The manifestation of a sharp shooting pain in the gluteal or lumbar region;
Spread of pain syndrome along the entire back side of the leg surface to the very foot;
The intensity of pain when walking and a decrease during the rest period;
Spread of pain syndrome over a large area, in the absence of treatment, or after a long time;
Reduction of pain symptoms when bending the leg and strengthening, when extending. In this case, the pain can radiate to the buttocks;
Radiation of pain to the back, which does not give the patient the opportunity to align.

It is worth noting that pain when the sciatic nerve is pinched can be noted simultaneously in several places, aggravated by coughing, sneezing or laughing.

In addition to pain, there are signs of compression of nerve roots and fibers, manifested by paresthesias and impaired motor functions:

1) Violation of skin sensitivity. Initially, there is numbness of the skin and a tingling sensation on the skin of the back of the leg and buttocks. With the progression of the disease, the sensitivity decreases completely.

2) There is weakness in the posterior muscle group of the leg. This is especially pronounced when trying to bend the leg or walking on tiptoes.

3) Sensitivity and temperature decrease on the entire back surface of the skin of the leg may decrease.

4) From thigh to foot, the skin loses hair and becomes dry;

5) Due to muscle weakness, motor functions are impaired. The gait changes, a limp appears.

6) Many patients may have hypersensitivity and skin irritation in the outer area of the foot.

7) Heavy course, may be accompanied by constipation and urinary incontinence.

In order to prevent further progression of the disease, diagnosis and treatment for symptoms of sciatic nerve inflammation must be timely.

How is a pinched sciatic nerve treated?

Methods for the treatment of sciatic nerve inflammation are based on an individual approach and complex treatment.

The main method of therapy is medication. It is aimed at reducing the intensity and eliminating the pain syndrome:

1) In case of acute pain syndrome, injections of the drug "Milgamma", "Kombilipen", "Neurobion" or "Tigram" are prescribed. As a consequence, when the pain subsides a little, therapy is continued with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of capsules or tablets.

Prescribed - "Revmoxicam", "Denebol", "Diclofenac", "Ortofen" or "Beralgin", "Andipal" or their analogues. To avoid development gastric pathologies, anesthetic therapy should not exceed 10 days.

2) In addition to the treatment of pinched sciatic nerve with injections and pills, it is prescribed local treatment ointments and creams based on anti-inflammatory drugs.

Among modern drugs - ointments in the form of "Finalgon", "Traumeel" or "Voltaren", "Bystrum or Fastum gel", "Capsicam" and "Apizatron".

3) In addition to treatment, an appointment is prescribed vitamin complexes, including vitamins of group "B". These can be vitamins such as "Neurorubin" or "Neurovitan".

4) With the ineffectiveness of drug therapy, an injection of novocaine blockade into the zone of nerve infringement is used to relieve acute pain syndrome.

Massage techniques for pinching are prescribed in any period of the disease. In the initial acute stage, these are light stroking and rubbing. In the period of pain relief, this is an intensive massage with the possible addition of segmental reflex techniques, cupping, or acupressure.

The following are used as physiotherapeutic treatment:

introduction drugs using electrophoresis;
UHF technique that can stop the progression of pain and restore blood flow in tissues;
magnetotherapy, which helps to eliminate pain, swelling and inflammation, and improves the processes of tissue regeneration.

Good healing effect in the elimination of pain is achieved when non-traditional methods are included in the treatment process - acupuncture, osteopathy and herudotherapy.

After the acute pain syndrome subsides, an individually selected set of exercises is prescribed, aimed at releasing the pinched nerve.

In the presence of tumor processes in the spine, disc hernias and spondylolisthesis (vertebral displacement), surgical operations releasing the affected nerve tissue.

exercises for pinching the sciatic nerve

It is possible to treat a pinched sciatic nerve at home, in consultation with your doctor. It includes:

correction of a diet with a predominance of lactic acid products;
healthy dishes from sauerkraut and stewed cabbage;
decoctions from legume pods are capable of reducing inflammatory processes;
a compress of melted beeswax can be applied to the compression zone;
baths help well - conifers, on herbal decoction and prepared from horseradish root crushed in a meat grinder (placed in a gauze bag and dipped in a bath;
bath decoctions can be made from young pine twigs. For 1 kilogram of twigs, 3 liters of water. Boil, insist until cool and add to the bath at the rate of 1 liter of broth per fifteen liters warm water... Take a bath for up to 20 minutes.

It is necessary to take bath procedures just before bedtime.

Potential consequences and prognosis

Neuralgia is pretty unpleasant disease pulling back professional treatment and its delay threatens with various complications in the form of paralysis of the legs, atrophy of organs located in the pelvic cavity and the development irreversible processes in the functions of internal organs.

Predicting the outcome of the disease can only be based on the cause of it, the stage of the course, the individual characteristic and the age of the patient. Full recovery is due to the timely elimination of the causative factor.

With neurological genesis, the prognosis is favorable. With a rheumatic nature of neuralgia - full recovery highly doubtful.

It is the largest, longest bundle of nerve fibers and provides a motor, sensitive connection of the lower extremities with the central nervous system.

In the body of an adult, a bundle of these nerve fibers is almost 1 cm in diameter.

In our body, there are two such large structures of the peripheral nervous system... Each of them begins in the lumbar segments of the spinal cord.

The sciatic nerve extends from the pelvis into the gluteal region, where the sciatic tubercle is located. Further along the back of the thigh, it goes down to the foot.

Causes of infringement

All of the above symptoms bother a person against the background of compression of the nerve root and trunk. Next, let's talk about the diseases, along with which sciatica most often progresses.

Sciatic nerve pathology as part of the disease

The most extensive in human body the sciatic nerve runs through the body from the sacro-lumbar spine downward, extending along the entire length of the leg. The problem of infringement and inflammation can develop due to the following disorders and conditions:

The most common cause of a disease such as a pinched sciatic nerve is osteochondrosis. The so-called piriformis muscle and the cruciate and spinous ligaments undergo changes and compress the nerve.

Displacement of the vertebral discs, improper massage of a hernia, numerous muscle injuries and disorders of the pelvic organs and tumors can still cause pinching.

It is quite possible to diagnose a pinched sciatic nerve by means of radiography, using computed tomography and special magnetic resonance imaging. The consequences of such an examination can determine the diagnosis of the disease.

Signs of sciatic nerve inflammation

Where is the sciatic nerve located? These are the 2 largest and longest nerves in the human body and run from the left and right of the lower back to the toes. Usually, with inflammation, the patient is worried about pain in only one of them, localized in the buttock, behind the thigh, behind the knee along the calf, reaching the foot.

Sciatic nerve entrapment symptoms

Pinched sciatic nerve manifests itself as pain

All patients diagnosed with a pinched sciatic nerve complain of pain that interferes with life. These sensations are specific.

The pain radiates to the leg as follows: it captures a nerve in the lower back, spreads along the buttocks, passing to back part thighs, goes to the lower leg, heel area and some toes.

Most often people indicate irradiation to thumb legs.

The nature of the pain differs in different people and depending on the severity of the pathology - in some it is acute and pulsating, in others it is weak and aching. A characteristic symptom is short bouts of shooting severe pain along the entire length of the sciatic nerve while standing.

Often, pain in the buttock back side legs, lumbar region, becomes stronger in a sitting position.

Difficulties with physical activity against the background of sciatica

The entire spectrum of symptoms is usually detected or brightened with any physical activity, from lifting weights, while coughing. In people suffering from unilateral pinching, the gait changes, the body moves forward, the support goes more on the normal leg.

This is how it comes from pain. When walking, a person puts a sore leg incorrectly, pulls it up behind him.

If pathological process happens from both sides at once, which happens infrequently, then both legs limp, a person cannot stay in a standing position for a long time.

The advanced cases of the inflammatory process called sciatica are associated with complete or partial dysfunction of the sciatic nerve, therefore motor activity in the area of the buttocks, thighs, lower leg, foot, and toes can be significantly limited.

Not only in difficult cases, but also from light, completely tolerable pain impulses, a person is unable to stand, sit for a long time, it may be difficult for him to walk long distances.

Other ailments with pinched nerve

Sciatica is characterized by a burning sensation, a tingling sensation in the area of the fingers or the lower part of the limb. There are many more symptoms.

Swelling of the extremities is sometimes found. Numbness of the leg is possible.

Pinching is associated with improper innervation, this causes muscle weakness. Unpleasant tingling sensations, burning sensations can cover the sacral nerve and buttocks, thigh, lower leg and foot.

Perhaps, both an aggravation of skin sensitivity, manifested by goose bumps or tingling, and a tactile decline in the form of numbness at the site of inflammation - both options indicate pathology.

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All of these manifestations of a pinched nerve in the leg or hip region can occur all at once or one at a time, but burning, cutting or stabbing pains and discomfort are always intensified with movement.

Neuritis often makes itself felt at night and precisely after physical or emotional overload, coupled with hypothermia of the body, but other options for the onset of the disease are also possible.

The symptoms of infringement often appear only after intense exertion - physical or mental, after hypothermia, and intensify at night.

Pain sensations can be localized in different parts of the body (buttock, lower leg, foot, toes), depending on the pinched part of the nerve.

The following main symptoms of the disease are distinguished:

Pain in the back of the leg, worse while sitting

Pain that appears suddenly in one limb, which is intermittent, extending from the buttock to the knee and foot may indicate the presence of intervertebral hernia as the root cause of the disease.

In this case, the pain syndrome can also increase with sneezing, prolonged standing, bending over.

Burning or colic pain in the lower leg

A tingling and burning sensation extending from the buttock to the lower leg suggests a herniated disc. These manifestations are also concomitant symptoms in osteochondrosis and spondylolisthesis.

Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving

This symptom is quite common in the diagnosis of sciatic nerve entrapment, since most causes of the disease can lead to a state of numbness.

Numbness and difficulty in movement develop with enough severe irritation nerve fibers and appear in the area for which the pinched areas of the nerve roots are responsible.

Constant pain in the back of the leg

Symptoms of this disease are manifested in a pulling or sharp pain in the lower body, in a decrease in mobility, increased weakness, difficulty in being in a certain position for a long time (standing, sitting or lying).

As a rule, the reasons are not yet understood. Pain symptoms spread from the lower back to the buttocks and pass along the back of the thigh, while giving impulses to the heels and toes of the lower extremities.

Pinching of the sciatic nerve appears when the nerve endings are squeezed through the vertebrae of the spinal cord, hernia or muscles. It is usually accompanied by severe pain symptoms.

Usually there is one-sided pinching. The consequences of bilateral pinching of the sciatic nerve are very rare.

Main feature pain symptoms when the lumbar nerve is pinched, there is a shooting character, which increases with the slightest muscle tension (after lifting small weights, during coughing, sneezing or laughing).

In some cases, pain may also be accompanied by numbness, some burning and tingling in the lower legs. In such cases, a special massage is often prescribed to relieve pain.

The main signs of the disease are sharp or pulling pains, spreading from the lumbosacral region and passing through the buttock along the entire back of the leg.

In this condition, the patient has limited mobility and the appearance of weakness is noted. A person cannot stay in one position for a long time (sit, lie or stand) due to the fact that the pain practically does not stop.

In addition to pain, there are also following signs sciatica:

muscle weakness;
burning and tingling sensation in the legs;
loss of the ability to move a limb;
numbness of the legs.

The more the nerve is pinched, the more the listed symptoms appear. In most cases, pinching affects one side of the body, but there are cases of bilateral damage.

If symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve appear, you must immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostics

Before conducting treatment, the doctor must find out the cause of the pain syndrome in the sciatic nerve, therefore, an adequate diagnosis should be carried out, since sciatica is a syndrome that can accompany various states.

The neurologist first conducts an examination, checks the reflexes on the legs by tapping with a hammer, and determines the skin sensitivity, which makes it possible to roughly estimate the stage of damage to the nervous system.

Treatment with folk remedies

The following pain relievers and pills to reduce inflammation and relieve pain are prescribed for pain caused by a pinched sciatic nerve:

NSAIDs - counteract inflammation and relieve pain (for example, Artrozan, Voltaren, Ketorol, Diclofenac);
drugs from the group of analgesics - indicated in case of intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, analgin helps to reduce fever, reduces pain);
narcotic analgesics - used in last resort as powerful pain relievers if the person is unable to endure the shooting sharp pains;
glucocorticoid drugs - inhibit the focus of inflammation, work quickly with the epidural route of administration, are used in cases where NSAIDs cannot cope with the task of relieving pain (for example, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone are often prescribed);
muscle relaxant drugs - used together with NSAIDs, neutralize spasms in the pinched area;
blockade is an analgesic measure that has a positive effect on nerve endings, providing relief due to the fact that pain impulses do not reach the central nervous system (blockade is done with Novocaine, in case of intolerance, Lidocaine is used).
vitamins - vitamins C, E, D and vitamins from group B work well on the body (for example, the complex preparation Milgamma is in demand today);
ointments and gels also effectively act against sciatica, relieving pain and inflammation in the treated area and improving body mobility (such warming agents as Finalgon, Kapsikam, chondroprotectors Teraflks, Chondroxide, NSAIDs Voltaren, Ibuprofen and the combined drug Dolobene are known);
therapeutic massage when the sciatic nerve is pinched helps to accelerate recovery (how to do a point or cupping massage- only a qualified specialist can know about it);
many managed to recover from sciatic nerve pathologies by doing exercises according to Bubnovsky (a genius doctor with a non-standard approach offers an effective method for performing exercises despite pain);
leeches are said to help improve the condition in many diseases, including inflammation and pinching of nerves in different areas of the body (treatment with leeches is called hirudotherapy);
especially effective in the pathology of the sciatic nerve exercise therapy - this means physiotherapy exercises (in principle, the set of exercises for a pinched nerve in any area of the body is selected individually, depending on the stage and complexity of the disorder, the presence of other pathologies and capabilities of the body).

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In each case, the methods of treatment will be different, because a particular patient has his own characteristics of the picture of the disease and comorbid disorders.

How to anesthetize the leg or pelvic area - such a decision should not be made on your own, only a doctor should do this. The course of treatment may include not only injections and pills, droppers, compresses, suppositories are also prescribed, and in severe cases, surgery.

Medication (tablets and ointments)

Shown are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics to relieve inflammation and pain.

This includes preparations based on diclofenac, nimesulide, ibuprofen in hard (oral tablets) and soft dosage form(ointments for external use).

This type of treatment does not eliminate the root causes, but only brings the patient temporary relief and a decrease in the manifestations of the disease.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy treatment is aimed at increasing blood circulation in the area of inflammation and removing, due to this, puffiness and, as a result, pain factor.

Prescribe courses of UHF therapy (exposure to electro magnetic field high frequency), magnetotherapy (exposure to a magnetic field), paraffin applications, diadynamic currents (exposure to low voltage currents), electrophoresis or phonophoresis with drugs.

Epidural steroid injection

By themselves, steroid drugs do not have an analgesic effect, but are designed to reduce inflammation in the area of the pinched nerve (in the epidural space) and relieve pain. Often this method treatment is used in conjunction with other nuances of rehabilitation.

There are several types of surgery for this disease:

Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy - removal of a herniated disc. This surgery is one of the most popular treatments for a pinched sciatic nerve caused by intervertebral hernia... In the absence of relapse and other manifestations of the disease, a complete cure is achieved.

Laminectomy

This operation consists in removing a small portion bone tissue the vertebra above the pinched nerve root and part of the disc below it. Laminectomy leads to expansion of the space around the nerve, removal of irritation, restoration of blood supply in the inflamed area.

Radiofrequency thermal annuloplasty

The operation consists in "welding" the outer tissues of the intervertebral disc. As a result, holes disappear through which a hernia can form, leading to irritation of the nervous tissue.

Puncture laser discectomy

With this type of operation, only parts of the intervertebral hernia are selectively removed. The operation reduces the pressure on the nerve fibers.

Percutaneous automated discectomy

A type of surgical intervention in which the excised disc tissue is removed through a small incision with a special surgical instrument. The operation is indicated for protrusion or rupture of the intervertebral disc into the cavity of the spinal cord canal.

Facetectomy

If the sciatic nerve is pinched, the treatment should be entrusted to a qualified neurologist, who, based on the diagnostic result, will prescribe the appropriate therapy:

This method of therapy helps patients to significantly reduce pain, but does not address the root cause of the disease. The doctor may prescribe various procedures: electrophoresis with antispasmodics, vitamins, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, UHF therapy, magnetic laser or laser therapy, phonophoresis, paraffin applications, ultraviolet irradiation of the affected area, electrosleep.

The action of physiotherapy improves blood circulation, relieves swelling and pain gradually subsides.

During the period of abatement of the acute inflammatory process, canning is very effective, general massage, sessions of acupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, even the use of Kuznetsov's home applicator can help the patient relieve pain and relieve excessive muscle tension.

Any types of massage and reflexology improve lymph flow, reduce pain, restore nerve function and prevent muscle wasting.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy course

The most effective pain relievers are NSAIDs. This pharmaceutical group of drugs is represented by drugs that stop the action of the COX enzyme and have an anti-inflammatory effect, these include Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, Ortofen, Ceberex, Sulindak, Naproxen, Ketorolac.

All these drugs have irritating effect on the gastric mucosa, affect the kidneys and reduce blood clotting, so their use should be limited.

Such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as Movalis, Arcoxia, Nimesulide less than others have an irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract, and their longer use is possible, in a course that will be prescribed by a doctor (simultaneously with Omeprazole).

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Pinching (infringement) of the sciatic nerve is a pathological condition that develops as a result of compression of the nerve, while the myelin sheath is not damaged. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and begins in the sacral region and reaches the phalanges of the toes of the lower extremity and heel. Contains motor and sensory nerve fibers, innervates the knee and hip joints.

Most often, pinching of the sciatic nerve occurs in the area of the piriformis muscle (lumen of the sciatic foramen) or vertebral discs. Pathology is accompanied by pain in the leg. In most cases, pinching is one-sided, much less often both limbs are involved in the pathological process. The condition can lead to inflammation (radiculitis), complicated by severe pain. More susceptible to pinching of the sciatic nerve are men engaged in heavy physical work.

Synonyms: sciatica, lumbosacral radiculopathy.

Pinching of the sciatic nerve often occurs during the performance of any activity that requires sudden movements, as a result of prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, limitation of motor activity, excessive load on the lumbar spine.

Often, pinching is formed against the background of other pathologies, which include:

herniated intervertebral discs;
spinal injury with displacement of the vertebrae;
an abscess or neoplasm in the sciatic nerve;
osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine;
displacement of the structures of the spine (spondylolisthesis);
inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
gout;
sepsis;
diabetes;
multiple sclerosis;
infections (most often influenza, whooping cough, rubella, bone tuberculosis, malaria);
blood clots;
acute intoxication;
hypothermia.

In addition, muscle spasms along the sciatic nerve may be the cause.

The sciatic nerve in women is often pinched during pregnancy due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on neighboring organs and an increase in the load on the spine due to a shift in the center of gravity of the body, as well as in cases where a pregnant woman takes an uncomfortable position of the body. Another period of increased risk of symptoms of pinched sciatic nerve in women is menopause, due to changes in hormonal levels.

Risk factors include:

poisoning with alcohol, heavy metals, neurotropic toxic substances;
smoking;
herpes zoster in the projection of the sciatic nerve;
overweight;
deficiency of minerals in the body.

Depending on the severity, there are three forms of pinching of the sciatic nerve:

Severe pinching of the sciatic nerve can be accompanied by signs of spinal cord injury and immobilization of the patient.

In most cases, pinching is one-sided, much less often both limbs are involved in the pathological process.

Signs of a pinched sciatic nerve

Pain syndrome is the most typical manifestation of a pinched sciatic nerve. The pain is of a different nature (sharp, aching, shooting, throbbing, pulling). As a rule, pain is noted in the lumbar region, buttocks; along the back of the thigh, pain descends to the lower leg and heel, radiates to the fingers of the lower extremity. Sometimes there is numbness along the nerve, as well as burning and / or tingling of the skin. The pain can increase in a sitting position, with coughing, laughing, muscle tension, etc. In addition to pain, difficulties arise when walking, standing for a long time, and lameness may develop (on one leg with one-sided pinching or on both legs - with two-sided).

In men, the signs of pinching may mimic those of prostatitis. Symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve in women vary depending on the cause and extent of the injury. It is noted that women are often absent discomfort in the lower back.

The most common symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve include:

muscle atrophy and muscle weakness;
sensitivity disorders (increase or decrease);
dry skin;
the appearance of pathological reflexes;
feeling of creeping goosebumps;
increased sweating of the feet;
limitation of leg / leg movement.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of a pinched sciatic nerve is usually not difficult due to the specific clinical picture... As a rule, the diagnosis is made during an objective examination of the patient, collection of complaints and anamnesis. However, in order to avoid relapses, it is necessary to determine the factors that contributed to the pinching of the sciatic nerve.

To determine the cause of the development of the pathological process, the following instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods are used:

X-ray examination of the lumbar region and pelvis;
magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography of the lumbar region;
electroneuromyography;
radioisotope scanning of the spine (if there is a suspicion of the presence of neoplasms);
general and biochemical analysis blood;
general urine analysis; and etc.

A study of reflexes is carried out, the presence of Bonnet's symptom, Lasegue's symptom, a decrease in plantar, Achilles and knee reflexes is determined, and sensitivity is assessed on the affected side.

Pain syndrome is the most typical manifestation of a pinched sciatic nerve. The pain is of a different nature (sharp, aching, shooting, throbbing, pulling).

Differential diagnosis with a herniated disc is required. A hernia is characterized by a longer development of the pathological process, as well as relapses of neuralgic manifestations.

Treating a pinched sciatic nerve

The traditional treatment for a pinched sciatic nerve is a combination of drug therapy and physiotherapy. In some cases it is required surgery.

In the event of a pinched sciatic nerve, hospitalization of the patient is not necessary. Subject to patient compliance with the doctor's prescriptions, treatment can be carried out at home. In case of acute pain that prevents the patient from walking and / or being in an upright position for a long time, it is indicated bed rest for a period from several days to a week. Due to the need for a fixed body position during acute pain, it is recommended to use a hard mattress.

In the treatment of sciatic nerve entrapment, the drugs of choice are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are prescribed as intramuscular injection or orally (capsules or tablets). With the oral route of administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, there is a risk of developing gastritis and / or peptic ulcer, therefore, the appointment of proton pump inhibitors is indicated.

When the sciatic nerve is pinched due to muscle spasms, the therapeutic effect is achieved by using drugs that improve blood circulation (venotonics). For severe muscle spasms, antispasmodic drugs and / or muscle relaxants. In addition, the appointment of vitamin complexes, as well as drugs that improve metabolism, is shown.

General therapy is complemented by local therapy - anti-inflammatory and warming agents are used in the form of an ointment or gel.

More susceptible to pinching of the sciatic nerve are men engaged in heavy physical work.

Physiotherapy methods are also prescribed to supplement the effect of drugs. These methods include:

electro-, phonophoresis of medicinal substances;
UHF therapy;
magnetotherapy;
paraffin applications;
laser therapy;
mud therapy;
hydrogen sulfide, radon baths;
hirudotherapy;
ultraviolet irradiation of the affected area.

Acupuncture and acupressure can be used, as well as manual therapy (the appointment should be approached with caution, in some cases it is not recommended).

In the rehabilitation period, physical therapy, swimming, yoga, Pilates provide a good effect, however, these methods can be used only if the patient is in a satisfactory condition and does not have acute pain. During the period of remission, the patients are shown sanatorium treatment.

Possible complications and consequences

A pinched sciatic nerve can be complicated by the following conditions:

intense pain syndrome;
disruption of the internal organs;
sleep disturbances;
decreased libido;
violations menstrual cycle among women;
infertility;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
violations of the evacuation function of the intestines and bladder;
a sharp decrease in motor activity, up to immobilization.

With timely adequate therapy pinching of the sciatic nerve changes caused by them are completely reversible, the prognosis is favorable.

Prophylaxis

In order to prevent pinching of the sciatic nerve, it is recommended:

adjust body weight when overweight;
avoid carrying weights, lift the load only with correct weight distribution and with a straight back;
control posture;
periodically resort to general massage;
sleep on a surface of moderate hardness.

In order to prevent the occurrence of relapses and complications, patients with a pinched sciatic nerve are recommended:

balanced balanced nutrition;
avoid prolonged sitting, especially on soft chairs;
avoid sharp turns of the body, bends;
avoid hypothermia, especially the lumbar region.

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Pinched sciatic nerve - the main symptoms:

Burning feet
Muscle weakness
Tingling in the legs
Gait disorder
Leg pain
Limb mobility impairment
Violation motor function feet
Sweaty feet
Fossilization of leg muscles

Pinching of the sciatic nerve is a condition characterized by pain in lower limbs and a violation of their mobility due to a violation of innervation. Pain in this pathology spreads along the sciatic nerve, and depending on where the pinching occurred, there will be soreness in one or another part of the legs.

Often, pinching occurs on one side - both limbs are extremely rarely affected. Therefore, a feeling of pulling pain in the gluteus muscle, thigh, lower leg of the right or left leg may be evidence of the development of this pathology.

Most often, this pathology develops due to the presence of an intervertebral hernia in a person. Such a pathological condition, as well as ruptures intervertebral discs with going beyond the spinal column, leads to the development of pinching of the spinal nerve roots. And since the sciatic nerve is just formed by the roots of the lumbar and superior sacral nerves, then in the case of the development of a vertebral hernia in the lumbar or sacral region, this pathology progresses.

The second, no less common cause, is such a pathology as osteochondrosis, which today occurs in 80% of people due to an improper lifestyle and low mobility. Osteochondrosis is a disease that occurs against the background of metabolic disturbances and the formation of salt deposits on different sites, including in the region of the sacrum and lower back. Osteochondrosis can develop at a young age, but more often people over 40 suffer from this disease, since with age, the blood supply to the vertebrae is disrupted, and metabolic processes in our body deteriorate.

Other reasons causing this pathological condition are:

lifting weights;
tumor processes in the spine;
hypothermia of the sacral region;
traumatic injury;
diseases of a general nature, for example, abscesses.

Separately, it should be said about pinching of the sciatic nerve during pregnancy. The weight of women during pregnancy is greatly increased, so the spinal column is under excessive stress, which can lead to pinching of the sciatic nerve.

In addition, pinching of the sciatic nerve during pregnancy also occurs due to the woman adopting an atypical position - when the spine deviates backward, due to an increase in the load on the anterior part of the abdominal wall in order to maintain the body in balance. In pregnant women, the so-called duck gait develops, which occurs due to the divergence of the pelvic bones. All these physiological changes in the body of a woman during this period can cause pinching of the sciatic nerve.

Also, women are faced with this pathology during menopause, when, again, due to hormonal imbalance she is gaining excess weight, which increases the load on the spinal column.

If we talk about men, then this pathology is often disguised as prostatitis, since it is characterized by pulling pains in the back of the thigh, as well as heaviness in the perineum. It should be noted that this violation is also observed in case of poisoning. heavy metals and pathologies such as brucellosis, multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis of the spine.

If a person develops a pinching of the sciatic nerve, the symptoms of this pathology will be completely different - it all depends on the degree of pinching and localization of the process. In some people, there is a malosymptomatic course, when the pain is implicitly expressed, but gradually gains intensity. And in others, the pathological process is manifested by bright pain symptoms. As noted above, the defeat usually occurs on one side, therefore, a person experiences pain only in one limb. The pain syndrome can be so severe that a person can hardly move his leg.

By localization, the pain can be either localized in one area (buttock, thigh), or spread throughout the entire limb - from the gluteal muscle, through the thigh and lower leg to the toes. Often there is also such a symptom as numbness of a particular part of a limb or of an entire leg.

Other symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve include:

tingling or burning sensation in the lower part of the affected limb;
"Petrification" of muscles and decreased limb mobility;
increased pain while sitting;
the occurrence of shooting pains, especially in a standing position;
the appearance of muscle weakness.

Due to pain in a person, gait is disturbed, increased sweating of the feet develops, and the motor activity of the leg is disturbed (flexion and extension in the knee and in the area of the foot).

Diagnostic features

Pathological pinching of the sciatic nerve is determined after examining the patient by a doctor and identifying symptoms specific to this disease. However, in order to establish the cause of the development of the pathology and eliminate it (if possible), it is necessary to conduct additional research.

For this purpose, the doctor prescribes an X-ray examination, a computed tomography of the lumbosacral region for a person with characteristic complaints, or magnetic resonance imaging of the same department can be performed instead.

Also shown ultrasound procedure and radioisotope scanning.

Treatment activities

Treatment for pinched sciatic nerve can be both conservative and surgical - the choice of technique depends on the severity of symptoms and the stage of development of the process. Mostly, doctors prefer to treat this disease with conservative methods, since in this case there are fewer risks to the patient's health and life. To cure a disease, an integrated approach is important, that is, a combination of drug therapy with therapeutic and prophylactic measures and a change in lifestyle.

In the acute period, treatment for pinched sciatic nerve requires bed rest. The position of the patient's body must be fixed, therefore it is preferable to lie on a firm mattress. When the pain subsides, the person is allowed to move, but for this you should either use a cane or use the help of loved ones.

The disease should also be treated with the help of a diet - since a person is forced to spend a long time in bed, it is necessary to eat foods that will not cause constipation - milk soups, vegetable soups, cereals. It is necessary to exclude from the menu harmful products – fatty foods, fried foods, smoked meats, etc.

It is not necessary for the patient to be in the hospital - the pathology can be treated at home, the main thing is that the person strictly follows the recommendations of the attending physician.

Medication to treat a pinched sciatic nerve can be done with drugs such as:

Ibuprofen, which relieves pain and inflammation (Ketanov, Ortofen, Denebol - drugs with the same effect as Ibuprofen) - both injections and tablets are prescribed, depending on the severity of symptoms;
Ranitidine, Almagel, Fosfolugel - drugs that can protect the gastrointestinal mucosa;
Midocalm, prescribed in case of severe spasms;
vitamins (especially B vitamins) - it is best to take injections of vitamins, which is more effective.

If the pain is too strong, it is necessary to treat the pathology using such a technique as novocaine blockade - injections are carried out in a hospital setting.

Exercise therapy is of great importance in treatment. Special exercises for pinching the sciatic nerve allow the painful areas to be developed. They are mainly aimed at developing the fingers and feet, and after the main symptoms subside, gymnastics is supplemented with other exercises.

In particular, gymnastics during the period of attenuation of symptoms allows you to perform:

"Walking" on the buttocks;
exercise "bike";
knee bending exercises.

In addition, gymnastics involves performing exercises such as half-squats with support, as well as raising the legs in an upright position.

With a responsible approach to exercising, gymnastics gives good results and allows you to develop the limbs, returning them to their functionality.

But not only gymnastics is useful for people with this disease, they are also advised to prescribe electrophoresis with a load, UHF, magnetotherapy, paraffin applications and other physiotherapeutic procedures.

Massage is also shown when the sciatic nerve is pinched - it must be done in conditions medical institutions... It also does not hurt to carry out acupuncture and hirudotherapy. All these procedures give a good effect and allow you to cure the disease quickly enough.

Sometimes for patients with a pinched sciatic nerve, home treatment also gives good results. True, for this it is necessary to select effective means recovery. In particular, gymnastics gives good results if done at home in accordance with the doctor's recommendations. Gymnastics is complemented by injections of anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, you can use traditional medicine methods, for example, using a decoction of aspen leaves, or an infusion of St. John's wort, applying wax compresses to the affected area, preparing and using homemade ointments.

It is better to treat a pinched sciatic nerve during remission of the disease, therefore, if possible, people should undergo spa treatment. And in order to prevent relapse, you should conduct healthy image life, eat right and play sports.

If you think that you have Pinched sciatic nerve and the symptoms characteristic of this disease, then a neurologist can help you.

We also suggest using our online disease diagnostics service, which, based on the entered symptoms, selects probable diseases.

Perthes disease is an ailment in which the blood supply to the bone structures in the femoral head region is disrupted. As a result, necrosis develops. This disease is one of the most common pathologies. hip joint that are found in children between the ages of 2 and 14. Boys are more often sick, but the progression of the disease can occur in girls. In this case, Perthes disease will be much more severe. In adults, pathology is extremely rare.

Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve. In some sources, the disease can be referred to as sciatic nerve neuralgia or sciatica. Most characteristic feature for this ailment- This is back pain that radiates to the lower limb. In the main risk group, people over 30 years old. At an earlier age, the disease is almost never diagnosed.

Neuritis is an inflammatory ailment that affects peripheral nerves. As a consequence, there are pathological changes in the structure of the nervous tissue. If the inflammatory process hits the trunk peripheral nerve, then the person has movement disorders, as well as a decrease in sensitivity. In severe clinical situations, neuritis can cause paralysis.

Dorsal tabes is not a separate disease - this is the last stage of manifestation of a pathology such as syphilis. In a person suffering from syphilis and not undergoing treatment, tabes dorsalis can develop 15 or even 20 years after infection, and there is no cure for this pathology. Fortunately, today the disease is extremely rare, since the symptoms of syphilis are well known. modern man and when they appear, people turn to medical help in earlier stages. But nevertheless, sometimes patients start the disease so much that it is the fourth stage that develops, characterized by drying out. rear walls spinal cord with the development of specific neurological disorders.

As you know, the sciatic nerve starts from the lumbosacral plexus and, going down the leg, branches into two directions - the tibial and peroneal nerves. His pinching is accompanied by acute pain that affects both limbs and restricts the patient's movement.

Only complex treatment, which includes physiotherapy and a set of special exercises, can relieve the symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve and correct the situation with pinching. However, in acute period drug therapy is inevitable.

In this article, we will consider the basic principles of treatment for inflammation, pinching of the sciatic nerve in adults, and also talk about the first symptoms and causes of this ailment. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.

What it is?

A pinched sciatic nerve is an inflammation of one of the longest nerves in the body, which manifests itself in the lumbosacral spine with severe pain. In medicine, this phenomenon is called sciatica.

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a syndrome or symptom of other ailments. In this regard, inflammation can be caused by problems in the work of other organs and systems of the body, however, in most cases, the occurrence of pathology is associated with problems in the spine.

What is it and why is it developing? The disease occurs more often in people over 30 years old, although recently people more than young age related to early education degenerative changes in the soft tissues around the spinal column.

The most common factor in the development of inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a pathological process localized in the lumbar and sacral segments of the spine.

Therefore, the most common cause of pinching is:

Full or partial displacement of the intervertebral disc, accompanied by pinching of the sciatic nerve, narrowing of the spinal canal, growths on the spine;
Piriformis syndrome;
Damage to the organs or muscular system of the small pelvis due to trauma or heavy physical exertion;
Hypothermia, infectious processes;
The presence of neoplasms.

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve can have the character of a primary lesion, the causes of which are most often hypothermia, an infectious process, and trauma. Secondary pinching occurs when the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve are pinched, as a result of protrusion, herniated disc, bone growths around the spine, muscle spasm due to osteochondrosis, physical overload, etc.

Sciatic nerve inflammation symptoms

If the pinching of the sciatic nerve progresses, the symptoms of pathology are expressed in acute form, noticeably disrupting the patient's usual quality of life. The main symptom of the disease is pain syndrome, the intensity of which depends on the cause of the inflammation:

pinching of the sciatic nerve with a hernia;
flu, malaria, and other infections that lead to inflammation;
stenosis;
spondylolisthesis.

Be sure to take into account the nature of the pain. This helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis, then begin treating the inflammation. Therefore, pinching in the lower part of the spine is divided into three groups:

landing symptom - the patient cannot sit down;
Lasegue's symptom - the patient cannot raise a straight leg;
Sikar's symptom - pain intensifies when the foot is bent.

In addition to pain, there is also characteristic symptoms inflammation of the sciatic nerve associated with impaired conduction of nerve impulses along motor and sensory fibers:

Deterioration of sensitivity (paresthesia) - in initial stage manifests itself as a feeling of numbness, tingling of the skin of the buttocks and legs along the back surface. As the symptomatology progresses, other types of sensitivity decrease, up to their complete disappearance.
Dysfunction of the pelvic organs - arises from the compression of the fibers of the autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic) nervous system passing in the sciatic nerve. Disorders of urination (urinary incontinence) and defecation appear in the form of constipation. This symptomatology develops in severe cases sciatica with significant infringement of the spinal roots.
Disruptions in motor function are the result of entrapment of the motor fibers of the nerve. A person has weakness in the gluteal, femoral and lower leg muscles. It is expressed in a change in gait with a one-sided process (limping on a sore leg).

If the above symptoms occur, treatment should be started immediately, because pinching the sciatic nerve can lead to a complete loss of sensitivity in the legs.

Diagnostics

To determine how to treat a pinched sciatic nerve, it is imperative to find out its etiology and, if possible, eliminate all factors that can provoke the development of the disease.

To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient - it should include:

methods of clinical and biochemical laboratory diagnostics;
examination by a neurologist, and, if necessary, by a vertebrologist, rheumatologist and vascular surgeon;
performing X-ray images of the spine in several projections (always in the supine and standing position);
tomographic studies.

An urgent doctor's consultation is required if:

against the background of pain, the body temperature rises to 38 ° C;
swelling appears on the back or the skin turns red;
pain gradually spreads to new areas of the body;
there is severe numbness in the pelvic region, hips, legs, which interferes with walking;
there is a burning sensation when urinating, there are problems with the retention of urine and feces.

These studies are helping to figure out what to do in order to relieve pain as soon as possible and eliminate inflammation in the sciatic nerve.

How to treat a pinched sciatic nerve

If symptoms of pinching of the sciatic nerve occur, treatment should be started as early as possible, based on the result of the diagnosis, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate therapy:

The first step is to determine what caused the pinching of the sciatic nerve. Treatment may differ depending on the cause. For example, a tumor may require surgery.
Medical treatment. The first stage of this treatment is aimed at pain relief and removal of the inflammatory process. For this, muscle relaxants and NSAIDs are used.
B vitamins (combilipen, milgamma) contribute to the normalization of metabolism in nerve cells... In the acute period, they are prescribed intramuscularly for a period of 10 days, then they switch to oral administration.
Physiotherapy treatment. This treatment includes electrophoresis, the use of electromagnetic fields or ultraviolet radiation, massage (impact on certain points, cupping, vacuum types of massage), therapy through paraffin procedures, hydrotherapy.
An unconventional treatment that currently includes many different methods. It includes acupuncture, the use of Kuznetsov's iplikators, stone therapy, hirudotherapy, herbal medicine, moxibustion.
Treatment with folk recipes. So, when pinching, horse chestnut is used, tincture bay leaves, flour and honey cakes, potato compresses, beeswax, spruce and pine buds, dandelion tincture and many other ways.
Diuretics are used to reduce swelling in the area of the nerve roots (furosemide).
Physiotherapy. Helps improve blood flow to the affected area and strengthen muscles. What kind of exercises to perform in a particular case, the doctor decides, based on the degree of neglect of the disease, the severity of the pain syndrome, the presence of an inflammatory process and other factors.
Surgery. With the ineffectiveness of medications and physiotherapeutic procedures, the only option to eliminate pinching is surgery: disketomy and microdiscetomy.

It is worth noting that the treatment of inflammation or pinching of the sciatic nerve at home is a complex, lengthy exercise that does not always give an effect immediately, so you have to deal with your health for a long time.

If within a few months the pain does not subside, then the patient is prescribed injections of steroid drugs, injected epidurally into the area of the affected area. This procedure reduces the symptoms of inflammation at the local level, with an immediate, temporary, but very noticeable effect.

One of the main components of treatment is the creation of a therapeutic and protective regime for the patient.

The patient should lie on a hard bed, it is recommended to limit the possibility of movement until the vivid signs of inflammation subside. Compliance with bed rest is shown until the condition improves and the pain syndrome is eliminated.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The most effective pain relievers are NSAIDs. This pharmaceutical group of drugs is represented by drugs that stop the action of the COX enzyme and have an anti-inflammatory effect, these include:

"Meloxicam" ("Movalis", "Amelotex") - produced in tablets and injectable forms, is one of the most safe drugs groups of NSAIDs.
"Piroxicam" - is available in the form of a solution (ampoules of 1-2 ml), tablets, suppositories, gel, cream, can be used both locally and injections - 1-2 ml once a day to relieve an acute pain attack.
"Nimesulide" ("Nise", "Nimesil") - is available in the form of powders, tablets, capsules. The usual dosage is 100 mg per day, in the first days, an increase to 200 mg is possible.
"Celebrex" - capsules, recommended daily dose up to 200 mg, but at severe pain it can be increased to 400-600 mg at the first dose, followed by a dose reduction to 200 mg.
"Ketonal", "Ketanov" ("Ketoprofen") - produced both in ampoules and in capsules, tablets, suppositories and in the form of an ointment, with sciatica is most often used intramuscularly (up to three times a day, 2 ml), but the symptoms removes well and local application(ointment).

With increasing pain and inflammation, steroids are sometimes prescribed hormonal agents, in short courses, they relieve pain, but do not eliminate the cause of inflammation, and their use has a lot of side effects and contraindications.

See also how to select an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for joint treatment.

Muscle relaxants and vitamins

Muscle relaxants are prescribed to reduce reflex local muscle tension caused by pain. It:

Also, the anti-inflammatory effect is produced by multivitamin complexes based on B vitamins:

When physical therapy and medication do not work, they resort to surgical methods- microdiscetomies, disctomies, in which a part of the disc pressing on the sciatic nerve is removed.

Unconventional treatment

In specialized clinics and medical centers, various unconventional methods are used to treat a pinched sciatic nerve:

phytotherapy;
acupuncture;
acupressure;
warming up with wormwood cigars;
stone therapy or stone massage;
vacuum or cupping massage;
hirudotherapy-treatment with leeches and others.

Spa treatment

Only outside the exacerbation, it is recommended to use a spa treatment for sciatic nerve inflammation, mud therapy, hydrotherapy using radon, hydrogen sulphide, pearl baths, and underwater traction courses are especially effective.

Climate therapy always strengthens the immune system, reduces the incidence of colds, rest improves mood and creates a positive attitude, which is so important for recovery.

Massage procedures are allowed to be carried out after the acute inflammatory process subsides.

Thanks to this technique, the conductivity of the damaged sciatic nerve increases, the local blood circulation and lymph drainage are normalized, pain is reduced, and the already developed muscle wasting decreases.

Exercises

After recovery, useful physical exercises especially necessary, but only those in which the load is evenly distributed on both sides of the body (light jogging, walking, swimming, leisurely skiing).

In addition, there are special exercises ideal for all patients in remission. Here's an example of exercises that you can easily do at home while lying on the floor.

All exercises are performed 10 times, with a subsequent increase in the load:

Bring your legs to the body, hug them under the knees. With your hands, squeeze your legs towards you as much as possible, keep this position for 30 seconds, then return to the starting position.
Legs are straight, socks look up, arms along the body. Reach with your heels and the back of your head in different sides 15 seconds, then relax.
Turn to your side, pull your legs towards you. Pull on your socks. Then return to the starting position and roll over to the other side.
Roll over onto your stomach, lift your torso on your hands, do push-ups. Do not strain your legs while doing this.

However, you need to know that if the pinching of the sciatic nerve is provoked by a herniated intervertebral disc, select a complex physiotherapy exercises necessary in conjunction with your doctor.

Treatment with folk remedies

They attach particular importance to folk medicine to heal a pinched sciatic nerve. After all, her funds become practically the only way of treatment, for example, if a pregnant woman has a pinched nerve or there are any contraindications to the medications or physiotherapy taken.

At home, you can do the following treatments:

Bay leaf tincture. It is necessary to take 18 medium-sized bay leaves, pour 200 ml of good vodka over them, leave for 3 days in a dark, cool place. After this period, the resulting infusion must be rubbed into the sacrum area with massaging movements. After the fourth procedure, a positive effect is observed.
At night, you can attach a honey cake to a sore spot. To do this, heat a tablespoon of honey in a water bath, mix it with a glass of flour, form a cake and put it on a sore spot. Cover with cellophane and wrap everything with a warm scarf. Such a compress will relieve pain.
An infusion of potato sprouts is prepared from sprouted potatoes, or rather its sprouts. To do this, take a glass of sprouts and pour half liters of vodka. In this form, the mixture is infused for two weeks in the dark. After it is ready, you need to rub it into the affected area twice a day and wrap it with warm cloth for a while.
Dissolve 10 tablets of analgin in 200 ml of an alcohol solution (at least 70%) and add a vial of 5% iodine. The resulting mixture should be removed to a dark place for 3 days. Ready tincture rub into the problem area before going to bed, then wrap the lower back with a scarf and sleep like this until morning.

remember, that home treatment cannot replace complex drug therapy, they are intended only to reduce the manifestations of the disease.

Prophylaxis

When a pinched sciatic nerve is diagnosed, medications relieve pain and general discomfort; but it is also recommended to study preventive measures to prevent relapse:

you only need to sleep on a hard surface,
avoid heavy lifting
hypothermia of the extremities,
do not make sudden movements.

Which doctor to contact

If symptoms of sciatica appear, you need to see a neurologist. The treatment involves a physiotherapist, massage therapist, chiropractor... if necessary, the patient is examined by a neurosurgeon.

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Hello dear guests of the site! Today we will analyze major symptoms and treatment of sciatic nerve neuritis.

In fact, this is an urgent problem faced by more than 70% of the world's population. Neuritis is inflammation and damage to nerve fibers, in which motor activity is impaired.

Let's find out by what signs the disease can be determined and how to treat it correctly.

The longest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. It is designed to supply the tissues of the lower extremities and organs with nerves.

With inflammation, a disease develops such as. In this case, transformations occur in the lumbar spine.

Degenerative processes provoke compression of the nerve roots. Icb code 10 - G 57.0.

In this case, a person feels severe pain in the thigh, lower leg and popliteal fossa. A feature of neuralgia is that the pain is localized.

Soreness is felt along the entire length of the nerve. The pain will start with a lumbago in the lower back and up to the heel. In some cases, there is discomfort in the lower back, fatigue in the back and heaviness in the legs.

Muscle atrophy in the lower extremities is also observed.

The following symptoms are also worth noting:

Violation of motor activity.
The sensitivity of the legs disappears.
Mobility is limited when the knee is bent.
Numbness, burning and creeping sensations in the limbs.

Sciatica is manifested by periodic relapses of the disease. The disease is accompanied by vegetative-vascular manifestations, muscle and reflex manifestations.

In this case, there is redness and blanching in the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe feet.
The disease can progress gradually, especially with prolonged physical activity and infectious processes... It should be borne in mind that hypothermia can cause the development of sciatica.

Pinched sciatic nerve: symptoms

Causes of the problem

It is worth noting the following factors that can affect the development of pathology:

A pinched sciatic nerve is the main cause.
Significant power loads on the spine area.
Inflammatory processes.
Hypothermia, as well as viral infections.
Improperly given injections can also cause illness.
Displacement of the vertebrae with injuries of the lumbar spine, falls and pregnancy.
Herniated disc and osteochondrosis.
Mechanical damage.
Infectious diseases - rheumatism, arthritis and tuberculosis.

Risk groups are also worth noting. These are people leading a sedentary lifestyle, the elderly and people engaged in hard physical labor.
The disease can trigger pregnancy.

The uterus in the last stages increases and provides strong pressure on the sciatic nerve.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

If such a disease is suspected, a diagnosis is carried out. A neuropathologist or veterinarian conducts a survey to determine the localization of the disease.
The following apply diagnostic measures:

and CT;
x-ray;
electromyography;
analysis for blood biochemistry.

Treatment

The complex of therapeutic measures is aimed at:

Reducing muscle spasms.
Removal of painful sensations.
Release of pinched roots.
Normalization of metabolic processes in muscle tissues.

A combination of several methods of treatment is especially effective: physiotherapy, medication and exercise therapy.

Drug treatment

First, let's figure out how to treat neuritis with medication. Often used non-steroidal drugs anti-inflammatory type.

They block the production of certain enzymes. This drug treatment allows you to eliminate soreness and remove inflammation.

These drugs are not addictive. After examination by a doctor and appointment, you can continue treatment at home.
Steroid drugs are derived from cortisol, a natural hormone.

When using them, problems may arise with digestive system, hormonal imbalance and decreased immunity.
With severe pain, injections are used, which help to quickly cope with the inflammatory process.

To relieve pain in a sore spot, drug blockades are used. As a result, the sore spot loses sensitivity for several days.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to treat sciatica.

Their use allows you to get rid of painful sensations and insomnia.
Muscle relaxants are used to eliminate spastic pain and muscle spasms. As complementary treatment vitamin and mineral complexes are used.

In difficult cases, surgical intervention is used.
For treatment, pain relieving ointments can also be used, which have a warming effect and improve blood circulation.

At inflammatory process the following funds are prescribed:

Based on turpentine.
Based on bee and snake venom- Apifor.
Espol containing pepper.
Nurofen belongs to the group of non-steroidal drugs.
Capsicum refers to warming agents.

The ointment should be applied 2-3 times a day. To enhance the effect, the skin should be covered with a warm bandage.

Physiotherapy

TO effective methods treatments include physiotherapy.

The following are worth noting:

Ultrasound.
Magnetotherapy.
Electrophoresis.
Shock wave therapy.
Massotherapy.
Laser therapy and mud therapy.

Physiotherapy helps relieve numbness, muscle spasms and numbness in the affected area.

Physiotherapy exercises are used in the complex treatment of the disease. It stimulates blood circulation, tissue metabolism and strengthens weakened muscles.

Exercise restores muscle tone problems as well as improves respiratory function and overall health.
An effective gymnastic complex is offered by Dr. Bubnovsky.

It can be used even with an exacerbation of the disease.
In the first lessons, simple exercises with limited range of motion. As the pain decreases, more active movements are used. Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back are also recommended.

Folk ways

Sciatica is also treated with folk remedies.

You can apply the following methods of treatment:

Infusion of calendula is made from three tablespoons of dry mixture and 450 ml of boiling water. The composition must be infused for 2-3 hours.
Herbal balm is made with aloe leaf, a tablespoon of celandine and crushed hot pepper. The mixture is poured with 500 ml of vodka and infused for a week. The balm is applied to the affected area.
St. John's wort infusion is made from three glasses of boiling water and three tablespoons of herbs. The broth is applied several times a day.
An effective remedy is badger and bear fat, which is rubbed on the sore spot.

Possible consequences

At timely treatment the predictions of recovery are good enough.

Symptoms cannot be ignored, as complications may develop:

Atrophy of the pelvic organs.
Paralysis of the limbs.
The development of pathologies of internal organs.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the development of the disease, the following preventive measures must be observed:

Manual therapy to eliminate asymmetry.
Posture correction from early childhood.
Strengthening the muscular corset of the back.
Consumption of magnesium, calcium and vitamins.
Regular gymnastic exercises.
Correct fit at the computer.
Choosing shoes with comfortable soles.

Regular prophylaxis will help avoid sciatic neuritis. At first painful sensations in the area of the buttocks, lower back and lower extremities, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If treatment is started in a timely manner, then many problems can be avoided. In any case, do not despair, there is always a way out.

Goodbye, dear guests!

Sciatica attack can provoke various reasons... One of the main ones is a complicated spine. Among others, unusual physical activity, uncomfortable postures and improper posture can be noted.

In the case of osteochondrosis, the treatment will be long, with the action of other factors, it is usually possible to return to normal life in a short time. But in any case, it is important to know what to do if the sciatic nerve is clamped, and how to prevent repeated attacks.

Typical symptoms

Sciatica can be recognized by the following symptoms:

pain, burning and discomfort in the lumbosacral region;
sharp or burning pain;
unpleasant sensations gradually descend: there is numbness, a feeling of "goose bumps";
there is a violation of mobility.

Self-medication is contraindicated in this case. You cannot do without consulting a neurologist and a full examination, otherwise you can lead to serious complications, including paralysis.

Actions for an attack

If the sciatic nerve is pinched, you need to immediately call a doctor or ask someone from the nearby people to do it. Next, you need to act like this.

Smoothly, without sudden movements, get to where you can lie down. As a last resort, you can lie on the floor. First, on your side, lie down for a couple of minutes and roll over onto your back.
You need to stay on your back, covering yourself if possible with something light but warm. The ideal option is to put a thick roller under the shins, substitute a low stool, etc. The legs should be in an elevated position to reduce stress on the sciatic nerve.
For unbearable pain, you can take an available pain reliever (in pills).
If the pain subsides, you can carefully stand up: first, turn on your side, then on all fours and rise, finding reliable support for your hands.
The back must be fixed with a towel, scarf, etc.

It is important to avoid hypothermia, sudden movements. It is best to stay in bed at least on the first day and get up very carefully and only if necessary. In the acute period, a diet is also recommended, which we will discuss below.

Therapy and regimen

The neurologist will prescribe the necessary studies, after which he will determine why the sciatic nerve is clamped and what needs to be done next.

First, the pain syndrome is relieved - for this, pill or injectable analgesics are used.
Inflammation is eliminated with the help of non-steroidal ones - usually in the form of injections, as well as in the form / gels.
The functions of muscles and nerves are restored - physiotherapy is prescribed, /,.
Rehabilitation treatment you can go to a sanatorium-resort institution.

It is necessary to follow a diet, since being overweight is a risk factor for the development of pinching of the sciatic nerve. To do this, the doctor will recommend eating 4-5 times a day in small portions and using:

fresh vegetables and fruits, herbs;
poultry (duck, chicken), fish, offal (liver, heart, kidneys);
legumes;
nuts and seeds;
eggs.

It is necessary to exclude or limit the amount of the following products:

smoked, salted, fatty (including fatty dairy products);
alcohol;
coffee, tea, carbonated drinks;
salt, sugar, seasonings.

Such nutrition will provide the body with vitamins and microelements necessary for the skeletal, muscular and nervous system.

What else to do? It is worth following some tips so that the nerve does not pinch again:

do not give too much stress to the back;
avoid hypothermia;
sleep on, or at least on a fairly hard surface;
in the presence of osteochondrosis, visit a neurologist twice a year;
lead an active lifestyle (suitable