Treating a pinched sciatic nerve. Pinched sciatic nerve and how to relieve pain. What it is

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 the 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.

Causes

What is it and why is it developing? The disease occurs more often in people over 30 years old, although recently younger people are also susceptible to pathology, which is associated with the early formation of degenerative changes in the soft tissues around the spinal column.

The most common factor in the development of inflammation of the sciatic nerve becomes pathological process, localized in the lumbar and sacral segment 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 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 are also characteristic symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve associated with impaired conduction of nerve impulses along motor and sensory fibers:

Decreased sensitivity (paresthesia)- v initial stage manifested by a feeling of numbness, tingling of the skin of the buttocks and legs along back surface... As the symptomatology progresses, other types of sensitivity decrease, up to their complete disappearance.
Dysfunction of the pelvic organs- occurs due to 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 of sciatica with significant infringement of the spinal roots.
Disruptions in motor function- 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.

Urgent doctor's consultation 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 because of what the sciatic nerve was pinched... Treatment may differ depending on the cause. For example, a tumor may require surgery.
Drug treatment... The first phase of this treatment focuses on pain relief and relieving 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... Such 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.
Unconventional treatment, which currently includes many different methods... It includes acupuncture, the use of Kuznetsov's iplikators, stone therapy, hirudotherapy, herbal medicine, moxibustion.
Treatment folk recipes ... So, when pinching, it is applied horse chestnut, bay leaf tincture, flour and honey cakes, potato compresses, beeswax, spruce and pine buds, dandelion tincture and many other methods.
Diuretic drugs are used to reduce edema 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.

Mode

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 it subsides. clear signs inflammation. 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. This is a pharmaceutical group medicines 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 tablet and injectable forms, it is one of the safest drugs in the NSAID group.
"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.
"Nimesulid" ("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 in case of severe pain, it can be increased to 400-600 mg in the first dose, followed by a decrease in the dose to 200 mg.
"Ketonal", "Ketanov" ("Ketoprofen")- it is produced both in ampoules and in capsules, tablets, suppositories and in the form of an ointment, with sciatica it is most often used intramuscularly (up to three times a day, 2 ml each), but it relieves symptoms well and local application(ointment).

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

See also how to choose effective joint treatments.

Muscle relaxants and vitamins

Muscle relaxants prescribed to reduce reflex local muscle tension caused by pain syndrome. This:

Tizalud;
Baclofen;

Also produce an anti-inflammatory effect multivitamin complexes based on B vitamins:

Neurobion;
Milgamma;
Kombilipen;
Trigamma;
Neurovitan.

When physical therapy and medications do not help, they resort to surgical methods - microdiscetomies, discotomies, in which 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 exacerbation, it is recommended Spa treatment sciatic nerve inflammation, mud therapy, hydrotherapy using radon, hydrogen sulfide, pearl baths, 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

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, local circulation and lymph flow decrease pain, and already developed muscle wasting decreases.

Exercises

After recovery, useful physical exercises are 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 that are 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 hernia intervertebral disc, it is necessary to select a complex of physiotherapy exercises together with your attending physician.

Treatment with folk remedies

Of particular importance is attached to traditional medicine to cure 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. Rub the finished tincture 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.

What is sciatic neuralgia?

- it defensive reaction on the action of the stimulus, manifested in severe painful sensations in the lumbar region, buttocks and legs.

The sciatic nerve is one of the largest in the human body. It is he who has increased sensitivity and becomes inflamed more often than others. Its function is to be responsible for the movement of the lower limbs.

A nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that are covered by a sheath called the endoneurium. Endoneurium, in turn, is permeated with the smallest blood vessels- capillaries. Under it is the second layer, which is called the perinevium. It also contains vessels, but they are larger. Each vessel is covered with a layer of connective tissue, it is she who protects the sciatic nerve from various kinds of damage, performing the function of a kind of shock absorber.

The nerve itself is located in the neural tube, which is very dense, since it is also covered connective tissue, called epinervium.

According to statistics, inflammation of the sciatic nerve most often affects people who have crossed the threshold of 30 years. A quarter of the population suffers from back pain, and 20% of cases are caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

In medicine, you can also find the term -, sciatic nerve neuropathy or sciatica, which characterizes the same condition. It should be understood that inflammation of the sciatic nerve is not a separate disease, but a symptomatology that signals problems in the lumbar region and sacrum.

Where is the sciatic nerve located?

This largest nerve originates in the pelvic region, in the lumbar spine. Its length is large, so it covers most parts of the lower body. From the sacral part, the branch of the nerve exits into the pelvis through a special hole called the piriformis. Further, the nerve stretches under the gluteus muscle and branches into smaller processes that penetrate all the gluteal and femoral muscles. In addition, it affects all joints in this area.

Going down to the popliteal fossa, the nerve branches into a pair of large processes. They have a name tibial branch and peroneal branch. These taps provide sensitivity skin legs and feet, as well as all joints and muscles in the lower extremities.

The sciatic nerve stretches along the entire length of the leg, thereby causing painful sensations the whole lower limbs with inflammation and with any other damage.

Sciatic nerve inflammation symptoms

Symptoms of sciatic nerve inflammation cannot go unnoticed by a person.

This condition can be suspected by the following signs:

Pain in the gluteus maximus muscle and the back of the lower limb. Pain is most often bilateral, but they are somewhat different. It will be more intense on the side where the inflammatory process is taking place.

The movement of pain is from top to bottom. It captures the buttocks, thighs, lower leg, lower back.

It is difficult for a person to straighten out, especially if he is leaning forward. When bending over, the pain becomes less intense.

When you try to turn around, the discomfort becomes more pronounced.

Support on the limb in which the sciatic nerve is inflamed becomes impossible. When trying to step on it, a person experiences severe pain.

Sometimes the inflammation is accompanied by bowel movements or urinary excretion, which occurs involuntarily.

Body temperature most often rises, but does not go beyond 38 ° C. This symptom occurs against a background of spasms and muscle pain. Moreover, both the body temperature in general and in the place of inflammation in particular rises.

Physical exercise become impossible.

The skin along the inflamed nerve turns red and swells.

Injury to muscles or organs located in the pelvic region.

Gynecological and urological diseases.

Birth trauma.

Pregnancy can cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This is due to the fact that the enlarged uterus presses on him, causing pain in the lower back and legs. Sciatica especially often develops in the third trimester and intensifies when the baby moves inside the womb. Moreover, symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve can be present after childbirth, for 3 months.

Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, Reiter's syndrome.

Poisoning the body with toxic substances, such as mercury and arsenic.

Diagnosis of sciatic nerve inflammation

Although the symptoms of sciatic nerve inflammation in most cases clearly indicate the onset of this condition, in some cases they are disguised as signs of another disease. Therefore, doctors perform a clinical and neurological examination of the patient. It boils down to determining a person's hypersensitivity to pain. For this, the patient is asked to lie down and raise his leg up without bending it.

If pain occurs along the nerve, which subsides when a person lowers a limb, then this makes it possible to suspect sciatica. This diagnostic technique is called the Lasegue test. Do not assume that this is the only way to determine sciatic nerve inflammation. Doctors have a whole set of similar techniques, for example, the determination of the symptoms of Lerrey, Fayerstein, etc.

Valsalva's test is indicative. The nose and mouth are closed to the person and forced breathing is offered. The result will be an increase in pressure not only in chest but also in abdominal cavity... At the same time, the pain in the lower extremities disappears, but other neurological symptoms appear, indicating the compression of one or another root. For example, impaired sensitivity of the calf, weakening of the knee reflex, impaired motor function of the foot or fingers, etc.

Also, doctors come to the aid of such modern methods research how CT scan, MRI, x-ray. An additional diagnostic method is electroneuromyography, which allows assessing the speed of nerve impulses during nerve stimulation.

However, it is not only important to determine that a person is suffering from nerve inflammation. It is necessary to establish the cause that led to this condition. This is what will make it possible to carry out effective treatment and save the patient from the problem.

Treatment of sciatic nerve inflammation

Therapy primarily consists of eliminating pain symptom and relieve inflammation. To do this, a person is prescribed anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. After the pain has been arrested, you can begin to eliminate the cause of sciatica.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are often used, in particular electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, UHF, etc. conservative methods include the use of fixation belts, muscle stimulation with electrical impulses, acupuncture, manual therapy.

If the inflammation was caused by infectious pathogens, then the person is shown antibacterial and antiviral treatment inflammation of the sciatic nerve. When the reason lies in diseases of the pelvic organs, then the underlying disease should be eliminated.

When sciatica is caused by a herniated disc or neoplastic growth, avoid surgical intervention will fail. So, microdiscectomy is an effective and modern way to get rid of many pathologies of the intervertebral disc that cause sciatica.

A doctor who deals with the therapy of sciatic nerve inflammation is a neurologist or neuropathologist. If necessary, a person is sent to other specialists - to a gynecologist, urologist, oncologist, etc.

Whatever the reason for the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a person needs complete rest. Bed rest is indicated until the acute period has passed.

The prognosis for recovery directly depends on the cause of the inflammation and the timely visit to the doctor.

Sciatic nerve treatment (medications)

There are several areas of drug therapy:

NSAIDs. For the treatment of sciatic nerve inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are primarily used. The most commonly prescribed are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, paracetamol, diclofenac, tolmetin, dexibuprofen. In order to minimize the effects of oral ingestion of these funds, it is necessary to use them with meals. This will reduce the risk of side effects from gastrointestinal tract however, may slightly reduce the effect of pain relief.

Do not exceed the dose recommended by the doctor, as this increases the risk of complications. The person may experience an upset stomach, drowsiness, and other symptoms. In addition, taking only one NSAID will not affect the cause of inflammation, and their long-term use increases the risk of development.

Another effective pain reliever prescribed for sciatica is Tramadol. It does not cause persistent dependence and addiction like NSAIDs. It is indicated when it is impossible to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A drug such as Ultraset, which combines tramadol and paracetamol, allows you to quickly achieve the desired effect and relieve pain in the shortest possible time.

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are also used, among which hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, cortisone, prednisolone can be distinguished. In some cases, epidural steroid injections are used. They are injected into the epidural space for immediate pain relief.

Antidepressants. Antidepressants will help to normalize sleep and calm a person. They are used in combination with other medicines and strictly under medical supervision.

Vitamins. Reception is required vitamin complexes, which can accelerate the recovery of damaged nerve fibers and normalize the functioning of the nervous system as a whole.

Local pain relievers. As a means for local anesthesia various ointments are used, for example, Voltaren, Nise gel, Nurofen, Finalgel, Dolbene.

If it is not possible to take a person with sciatica to the hospital, then it is worth giving him first aid on the spot. First of all, he must be laid on his stomach on any hard surface. A low pillow should be placed under the chest. You can insulate the patient with a blanket. But at the same time, it is strictly forbidden to apply any warm compresses or heating pads to the site of inflammation, as this can increase the swelling and increase the intensity of pain. After that, you need to call a doctor or deliver a person to a medical facility on your own. Do not knead the sore spot or apply ointment to it. Everything therapeutic measures are allowed only after consultation with a doctor.

Exercises for sciatic nerve inflammation

Therapeutic gymnastics is another effective method therapy and prevention of sciatic nerve inflammation. It is important to do them daily to train different muscle groups and avoid future pain. The load should be gradual, as you train, it must be increased. However, one should not overstrain, gymnastics should not cause discomfort and even more pain. Its purpose is to maintain muscle tone, normalize their blood supply, and relieve inflammation. Any set of exercises can be supplemented with other feasible loads, for example, swimming, cycling, walking.

However, you should not assume that gymnastics does not allow you to achieve an effect. This is one of the ways to treat sciatica, so it should be approached responsibly. It is important to work out the muscle groups that caused the sciatic nerve to be pinched. Need exercises for the legs, buttocks, outer and inner thighs. It is worth starting to perform them carefully. If painful sensations arise, you need to take a break and rest. In the event that the pain does not go away or even intensifies, it is worth stopping the complex altogether and seeking advice from a doctor. When choosing the most effective exercise, it is necessary to take into account the presence of other diseases so as not to provoke their exacerbation.

It is advisable that the complex was compiled by a doctor or exercise therapy instructor. He will tell you how to move and breathe correctly. After that, you can start implementing the exercises at home.

Lying on your back, always on a firm surface, you need to raise your legs and pull them to your chest, while holding your buttocks with your hands. In this position, you should hold out for at least 30 seconds, then straighten your legs. You need to repeat at least 10 times.

Remaining on the floor, you need to roll over to one side. Bend your legs and press them to your chest, while pulling the socks out. Then the legs return to their original position. The number of repetitions is the same as in the first exercise. If you do it at a fast pace, it will warm up your muscles and prepare for further exercises.

Without getting up from the floor, you need to roll over onto your stomach and raise your upper body as high as possible. At the same time, the legs do not bend. Since the exercise is difficult to use for beginners, initially 5 repetitions will be sufficient. Then they can be gradually increased.

You need to get up off the floor and sit on a chair. The leg must be placed crosswise. The back should be straight and the arms should be behind the head. From this position, you need to make turns with the body in different directions, you should make a total of 10 turns.

Then from the chair you need to move to the floor, while kneeling. Hands are located above the head, fingers are interlocked in a lock. From this position, a tilt is made forward with a maximum extension of the arms. After the palms have touched the floor, you can go back.

After a little rest, you need to sit on the floor. Raise your arms to shoulder level and spread in different directions, and stretch your legs. Then the hands are pulled back as much as possible with light springy movements and returned back. Repeat at least 5 times.

Remaining sitting on the floor, you need to spread your legs wide apart, then lie on your back, and raise your limbs. In this case, put your hands behind your head. Press the shoulder blades to the floor. Stretching your legs to the ceiling you need to reach maximum height and fix, then return to its original position, repeat at least 5 times.

After a little rest, you need to get up off the floor and spread your legs shoulder-width apart. Lower one hand, and stretch the friend up and bend over to her side. Then change your hand and tilt in the opposite direction. In this case, you need to bend as low as possible. In general, the number of tilts is 10.

How to relieve sciatic nerve inflammation in 2 minutes:

Ointments for inflammation of the sciatic nerve

There are a huge number of ointments used for sciatic nerve inflammation.

They can be divided into five large groups, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Pain relief ointments. Their effect is based on enhancing blood circulation, oxygenation of problem areas. Such ointments help to cope well with the inflammation of the nerve, which was caused by decompression and hypothermia. This group includes such funds as Nikoflex, Kapsikam, Apizartron, Finalgon, Efkamon and others. The active ingredients can be of both synthetic and natural origin (pepper tincture, bee venom, etc.). Ointments from this group cannot be used in childhood and during pregnancy, as well as in the presence of wounds and other injuries to the skin. Do not exceed the therapeutic course by more than 10 days.

Chondroprotective ointments. Effective for nerve inflammation caused by osteochondrosis. The active substances that have a therapeutic effect are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. You can choose one of the following products: Honda cream, Chondroxide, Teraflex M, Sophia, Chondroitin gel. However, it should be borne in mind that they are rather difficult to penetrate into the affected area, therefore, they have a minimal effect, and they can also cause local allergic reactions.

Pain relief ointments that include NSAIDs. These agents are highly effective in treating sciatic nerve inflammation, however, they should not be used without a doctor's recommendation. The maximum period of use of such ointments is 4 days. These funds should not be used in childhood, during pregnancy, in the presence of diabetes mellitus, stomach ulcers, skin diseases. These drugs include: Voltaren, Butadion, Diklovit, Diclofenac, Fastum gel, Dolgit, ibuprofen and some others.

Combined ointments... They have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Strengthen the regenerative processes of tissues. With inflammation of the sciatic nerve, Dolobene is often prescribed. This ointment can be used for injuries, edema, neuralgia. However, you should not use it during pregnancy, if you have kidney, lung and heart disease.

Another group of ointments is homeopathic remedies. Among them are Traumeel S, Objective T. They are able to improve metabolism in tissues, relieve pain, increase. However, the evidence base for the effectiveness of these ointments has not yet been fully collected.

It should be understood that each of the listed ointments can be freely purchased at the pharmacy. However, this does not indicate their safety and the possibility of uncontrolled use. Before starting to treat sciatica, you should first consult with your doctor.

Massage for inflammation of the sciatic nerve

Massage for inflammation of the sciatic nerve can be used for treatment only when the acute phase of the disease ends. However, it must be performed by a qualified professional. Self-massage can be hazardous to health.

The massage is prescribed by a doctor and is performed in courses that will not be effective if you do not complete them completely. The minimum number of sessions in one course is 11 visits to a massage therapist. For therapeutic purposes, neurologists prescribe acupressure, which allows you to affect specific areas. It allows you to eliminate pain, accelerate blood circulation, improve the general well-being of the patient, relieve all the unpleasant symptoms characteristic of sciatica.

At the same time, it is precisely the acupressure that will allow you to purposefully affect the inflammation focus, relax one muscle group and strain another, and increase the blood flow to the problem area. Acupressure used for inflammation of the sciatic nerve is called acupressure.

Prevention of inflammation

Neuropathologists claim that preventive actions, aimed at preventing the development of inflammation of the sciatic nerve, can reduce the risks of its primary and recurrent occurrence by 80%.

Therefore, it is so important:

Avoid overloading the spine and its injuries. If a person is not engaged professional types sports, his spine is not prepared to lift weights. Once having violated the structure of the sciatic nerve, in the future, a person will constantly suffer from bouts of pain. Therefore, before lifting an unusual load, it is worth considering the consequences of such an act.

Avoid hypothermia of the lumbar region. The sciatic nerve becomes inflamed from exposure to the flow of cold air, and not from general hypothermia of the body. Therefore, it is so important to cover the lumbar region with clothing and keep it warm.

The muscular and ligamentous apparatus of the back must always be kept in good shape. This can be achieved through regular exercise. This is especially true for people with a sedentary lifestyle. Perfectly allows you to train your back muscles by regular swimming and jogging.

It is necessary to monitor posture from childhood. It is worth sitting with a straight back, so that it is parallel to the back of the chair. In addition, you need to avoid any asymmetric back positions and carrying weights on one shoulder.

If you suspect inflammation of the sciatic nerve or the diseases that cause it (first of all, it is osteochondrosis and tumor processes), you need to seek medical help without trying to cope with the problem yourself.

Which doctor treats sciatic nerve inflammation?

There are two doctors who treat sciatica. This is a neuropathologist who prescribes a pharmacological symptomatic therapy, and a chiropractor who eliminates the very cause of the pathology.

Education: In 2005 he completed an internship at the IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and received a diploma in neurology. In 2009 completed postgraduate studies in the specialty "Nervous Diseases".

In this article, we will share the main principles in adults, as well as talk about the first symptoms and causes of this condition.

What is a sciatic nerve entrapment?

A pinched sciatic nerve, commonly known as sciatica or sciatica, is severe pain felt along one of the two sciatic nerves.

Located at the back of each leg, these are the largest nerves in the body (see diagram below). They connect the spine to the lower back, at the level of the lumbosacral spine (just above the tailbone).

The pain is mostly striking buttocks and hips, and often extends to the area of the foot. Most often, pain only affects one side of the body.

Pain from a pinched sciatic nerve can come on suddenly — for example, when you bend over or lift something heavy.

Causes

A pinched sciatic nerve is not a disease. This is a sign. In most cases, this is due to herniated disc, which caused inflammation of one or another sciatic nerve root.

Symptoms vary slightly depending on the root affected. (The root is the part of the nerve that connects the spinal cord to the inside of the spine.)

Also, the following factors can be the cause of inflammation of the sciatic nerve:

Narrow lumbar canal(spinal stenosis). Narrowing of the canal where the nerves enter can pinch the nerve root in the lumbar vertebrae and cause sciatica. This occurs mainly in the elderly.
Piriformis syndrome... The cause is the pelvis, called the piriformis (piriformis) or pyramidal muscle. If this muscle is compressed and inflamed, it puts stress on the sciatic nerve and irritates it. Athletes and people who do not exercise properly are at risk.
Facet syndrome... This syndrome occurs in the facet joints, thin joints located at the top and bottom of each vertebra (not to be confused with intervertebral discs, another structure that allows vertebrae to connect). Poor posture or improper movement can lead to slight displacement of the joints, which can lead to sciatica and back pain.
Injury... The fall, car accident or any other situation that caused a blow to the back area could damage the nerve roots.
Other reasons... Osteoarthritis or metastases that put pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause back pain and, less commonly, sciatica. Both of these situations occur mainly in the elderly.

Most people with sciatic nerve neuralgia symptoms resolve within 4 weeks. However, they often recur unless steps are taken to prevent it. Sciatica can also be associated with chronic low back pain.

This incomplete list all the reasons but there is one more theory, which is interesting enough and has a right to exist. Its essence is as follows:

The tone of the piriformis, gluteal and dorsal muscles, they can just cause pain in the limbs and back, are not controlled by the person himself. We can easily strain them, but not relax them, giving this function to the brain stem. It has been noticed that positive emotions relax all muscles, while negative ones lead the muscles to tension.

Recall your state of mind when a dog barks near you large sizes... The whole body is on alert. And although you see that the dog is behind the fence, and it cannot reach you, it does not work immediately to relax. Your body continues to be in good shape.

This condition can provoke in a person who has a pinched nerve, including the sciatic.

It is up to everyone to agree with this theory or not, but neuropathologists have noticed that a person who takes control of his emotions, all other things being equal, does not get sciatica.

Symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve departs from the lumbar spine, then stretches along the entire leg right up to the fingers, branching out and innervating all muscle groups of the lower limb. Sciatica, and sciatica, with pinched nerve fibers, causes the same pain that will start from the lower back and go down to the toes.

Often, pain in the sciatic nerve area is worse with coughing, sneezing, or pressure.

When the disease is just beginning, the pain can be mild, but it gradually builds up and becomes simply unbearable, when a person cannot: sleep normally, walk and even sit.

Sciatica can occur quite suddenly - for example, when lifting something heavy or when bending over. Reason: the sciatic nerve is compressed.

Most often, attacks of pain syndrome begin after severe physical or psychological stress, as well as after hypothermia of the body.

The pain usually comes at night, but not necessarily.

The main symptoms are:

severe pain, which the patients themselves describe as sharp, burning, cutting. Very often they appear suddenly and just disappear;
violation of the sensitivity of the skin over the nerve passing under it. It can manifest itself both in the form of goose bumps, light tingling, and in the form of numbness (an optional symptom);
manifestations of vegetative disorders are possible - sweating of the foot, the appearance of edema, redness of the skin;
during the next attack, the patient tries to transfer weight to the healthy leg, relieving stress. This is manifested in a violation of a person's gait;
the functioning of the sciatic nerve and, as a result, the muscles of the leg is disrupted. This manifests itself in a change in the size of the muscle - gluteal, femoral or gastrocnemius, the process of flexion and extension of the fingers of the lower extremity is disrupted.

When should you see a doctor?

When the first signs of sciatica appear, it is better to consult a neurologist (neuropathologist) for an accurate diagnosis.

If sciatic nerve entrapment is diagnosed and treatment does not help relieve pain or it gets worse, see your doctor again.

An urgent need to contact a neurologist if:

the back pain is so severe that it is unbearable;
sciatica symptoms are accompanied by either feces (or, conversely, delay), impotence, loss of sensitivity in the perineum and inside the thighs, or difficulty standing, climbing stairs;
in addition to the main symptoms of sciatica, rapid and unexplained weight loss occurs.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis begins with simple questions from the patient:

when and at what point did back pain occur (for example, when lifting a heavy object);
where exactly it hurts;
whether the pain spreads to the hips, buttocks;
whether there is bladder or bowel incontinence;
whether you have had back problems, sciatica, or a herniated disc in the past.

During the subsequent physical examination, the doctor checks, among other things, sensitivity, motor skills, and reflexes.

To correctly determine how to treat a pinched sciatic nerve, your doctor needs to find out the cause. For this, they usually use further research... This is especially necessary if there is a suspicion of a herniated disc.

Suitable diagnostic methods are, for example:

radiograph;
computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (CT and MRI);
ultrasound examination;
blood tests;
analysis of cerebrospinal fluid;
further neurological examinations.

How is a pinched sciatic nerve treated?

After making a diagnosis, a neurologist will prescribe a treatment for you, consisting of the following procedures:

Physiotherapy. It may help reduce or eliminate pain symptoms, but it does not treat the underlying cause, but works on the symptoms. From physiotherapy procedures, it is prescribed:
1. Laser therapy;
2. Electrophoresis;
3. Magnetic or UHF therapy.
Massage and reflexology. At the moment the pain subsides, acupressure and cupping massages, acupuncture, general massage, relaxing the back muscles are effective.
Taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. But all drugs from this group also have side effects - irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, blood clotting decreases, it turns out Negative influence to work the kidneys. Therefore, the course is taken only for a limited period and under the supervision of a physician.
Physiotherapy.
Sanatorium or mud therapy. It is carried out only during the period of remission.

What can help relieve sciatica pain instantly?

To quickly relieve pain associated with a pinched sciatic nerve, you can take pain relievers and, for example:

Ibuprofen;
Diclofenac;
Naproxen;
Paracetamol.

It is best to talk to your doctor. He may also inject you pain medication directly into your back muscle or give you more strong medicine from pain.

In addition to pain management, depending on the cause, bed rest, rest and warmth may be helpful in the acute phase of a pinched sciatic nerve.

In the short term, the doctor may also administer (corticosteroids) and / or local anesthetics near the sciatic nerve root to relieve acute unbearable pain.

This treatment can relieve the pain associated with sciatica for several weeks. However, side effects such as bleeding, infections, and nerve damage can also occur.

Sciatica treatment at home

Sciatica can also be treated at home, after consulting a specialist.

Using folk remedies, there will be no negative consequences that appear after taking medications. However, before using it, it is worth confirming the diagnosis.

In folk medicine, various herbal teas are used for oral administration, compresses, rubbing and baths. Natural preparations work no worse than pharmacy ones, and there are much fewer side effects.

Recipes for rubbing with sciatica

Various infusions from medicinal herbs are used to relieve severe pain when a nerve is pinched. They just need to be rubbed into the skin, but do not expect an instant effect, the substances contained in the herbs must accumulate in your body to take effect.

When preparing tinctures for grinding, remember that you need to insist in a place inaccessible to sunlight.

Take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of white lilac and pour over 300 ml of vodka. Insist warm for a week, strain and can be used for treatment. Rub in the resulting tincture before bedtime, it will reduce pain.
Infusion of bay leaves. Pour 20 medium bay leaves with a glass of vodka and leave for 3 days. The resulting solution will help to significantly reduce pain.
Mix freshly squeezed juice black radish with honey, observing the proportion: 3 to 1, before going to bed, massage into the sore spot until it is absorbed.

Baths for pinching the sciatic nerve

Warm baths with a decoction of plants have a beneficial effect. True, not everyone can soak up the water. Discard this method if you have:

cardiac pathology;
varicose veins.

Method 1. Pass 100 grams of fresh horseradish through a meat grinder or grate, put the resulting gruel in a canvas bag and immerse in water at room temperature. Take the bath for no more than 10 minutes.
Method 2. Take a kilo of fresh coniferous shoots, pour boiling water over them in a volume of 3 liters and put them on the stove, boil for another 10-15 minutes and leave to cool for 3-4 hours. Add to the bath with warm water at the rate of 1 liter of broth per 15 liters of water in the bathroom. Take water treatment for no more than 15 minutes.

Compresses

Compresses are also effective during the therapy of pinched sciatic nerve. They not only reduce pain, but also increase your mobility. For greater effect, it is better to cover the product with a plastic bag and a woolen scarf.

Beeswax is often used in folk medicine, it will help here too. It needs to be flooded in a water bath, make a small cake, then apply to the place of pain. Leave it overnight.
Cabbage leaves. Scald a few large cabbage leaves and apply them to the affected area. They need to be changed every 2 hours.
Honey, a universal remedy, will also help with infringement. Heat a tablespoon of the bee product in a "water bath", then mix with 1 tbsp. flour. From the resulting mass, make a cake, you need to attach it to the sore spot. The pain will disappear in half an hour.

Folk pain relievers means for oral administration

Not only does topical use help relieve pain. Treatment is faster and more effective if combined with ingestion of decoctions. One of better means is a decoction of aspen leaves.

Pour 1 tbsp. spoon with a glass of boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, then let cool. You need to take the broth in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening, 50 grams.

It will help in the treatment of sciatic nerve diseases and a decoction of calendula flowers. In 400 g of boiling water, pour 2 tbsp. spoons and cook for about 6 minutes, leave to brew for 2 hours and drink 0.5 cups before meals.

Horse chestnut is used in the manufacture of various warming ointments, but herbalists recommend additionally taking a decoction inside.

To prepare it, pour 2 teaspoons of powder from dried seeds with half a liter of boiling water, put the mixture in a water bath for 4 hours, strain and drink 100 grams before meals.

Course and prognosis

When the sciatic nerve is pinched, as a rule, the prognosis is favorable: the pain may disappear after a few days, after a maximum of 6 weeks. Even if the pinched sciatic nerve is associated with a herniated disc, the pain may subside without treatment.

In general, for the further course of sciatica, it is usually important to strengthen the muscles of the back and not injure the back (for example, do not fall, do not lift something heavy). Moderate physiotherapy exercises are recommended.

Prognosis for surgery

Forecast after surgical treatment depends on the degree of damage to the sciatic nerve and certain factors. The prognosis can be favorable if:

victims are under 35 years old;
the time interval between sciatica and surgery is short;
herniated disc with obvious neurological disorders.

A healthy lifestyle is recommended if you want to prevent pinching of the sciatic nerve. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the tips below:

strengthen the muscles of the back, this will not allow pinching to occur - do gymnastics;
keep your back in the correct position, both sitting and standing;
do not strain yourself, carrying weights, the spine will thank you for this;
do not overcool and strengthen the immune system;
refrain from wearing high heels;
and, of course, as little stress and strain as possible.

In order to control pain in the long term, it is important to regularly move and strengthen your back muscles.

Interesting

Thank you

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. A specialist consultation is required!

Sciatica is a syndrome that causes severe pain in the areas where the sciatic nerve passes. The syndrome is caused by compression of the roots of the spinal cord in the lumbar region or parts of the nerve itself. Since the causes of root compression spinal cord and there can be many nerves, then the manifestations of the syndrome, in addition to pain along the sciatic nerve, can also be very diverse and polymorphic.

Currently, the term "sciatica" is used only to denote a syndrome, and the disease manifested by its development is called lumbosacral radiculitis... Also to indicate variants of sciatica caused by causes of different nature, the terms radiculopathy, radiculoischemia, and radiculomyeloischemia may be used.

Sciatic sciatica (sciatic nerve sciatica)

Since the term "sciatica" itself is translated from Greek as "inflammation of the sciatic nerve", the names "sciatic sciatica" and "sciatica of the sciatic nerve" are examples of excessive clarification - that is, what is called "oil oil" in everyday speech. Therefore, such "common", "expanded" terms are incorrect. After all, when they talk about sciatica, they always mean that the problem is in the sciatic nerve, since the very name of the pathology already contains an indication of this particular nerve.

Which nerve is affected in sciatica?

With sciatica, a non-inflammatory lesion (compression) of the sciatic nerve occurs, which is the largest and longest in the human body, since it starts from the sacral plexus and passes along soft tissues to the very feet.

The essence and brief description of the disease

Sciatica is a non-inflammatory lesion of the sciatic nerve resulting from compression anywhere. Accordingly, the causes of sciatica can be any factors leading to compression of tissue sections along which the sciatic nerve passes, such as, for example, injuries of the legs, pelvis, lumbar or sacral spine, compression of the nerve during prolonged immobility, entrapment by fibrous strands , tumors, hematomas, etc. Sciatica most often develops in people aged 40-60, which is due to accumulated in the body pathological changes which can cause compression of the sciatic nerve.

To clearly understand and understand what caused clinical manifestations sciatica, you need to know how and where the sciatic nerve passes. This nerve originates in the sacral plexus, which is located in the sacral region, next to the vertebrae. The nerve plexus is formed by the roots of the spinal cord, which are not located inside the spinal canal, formed by vertebrae standing on top of each other, but outside. That is, these roots are located on the sides of each vertebra and are very close to each other, as a result of which the area of their localization was called the sacral nerve plexus.

A large sciatic nerve departs from this sacral plexus, which then goes from the pelvic cavity to the posterior surface of the buttock, from where it descends along the posterior surface of the thigh to the lower leg. In the upper part of the leg, the sciatic nerve divides into two large branches - the peroneal and tibial, which run along the right and left edges of the posterior surface of the leg (see Figure 1). The sciatic nerve is a paired organ, that is, it is present on the right and left. Accordingly, two sciatic nerves depart from the sacral plexus - for the right and left legs.

Picture 1- Schematic representation of the sciatic nerve on the right.

With sciatica, as a rule, only one of the two nerves is affected, as a result of which the symptoms concern only the right or left limb.

The main symptom of sciatica is strong and sharp pain that occurs on any part of the leg or buttocks along the nerve. In addition, along the affected nerve, paresthesias (numbness and a feeling of "creeping") and weakness appear on the posterior surface of the corresponding limb and foot. Paresthesias, numbness and weakness can persist for years, gradually progressing.

On examination with sciatica, soreness of the posterior surface of the leg from the side of the affected nerve, as well as neurological symptoms, such as decreased reflexes of the knee, Achilles tendon, Lasegue symptoms, etc. muscles of the lower leg and foot. When you try to turn the leg bent inward at the hip and knee, a sharp pain is recorded in the buttock.

For diagnostics sciatica produce x-ray examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in order to find out at what level the roots of the spinal cord are pinched, as well as what caused their compression (tumor, hematoma, herniated disc, etc.).

For treatment sciatica use various drugs from the groups of antioxidants, metabolites, minerals and vitamins, agents that improve blood circulation and microcirculation, muscle relaxants and NSAIDs. In addition, as part of complex therapy, in addition to drug treatment apply massage, physiotherapy, post-isometric relaxation, novocaine or hydrocortisone blockade. All means and methods for the treatment of sciatica are aimed at eliminating the compression of the roots of the spinal cord, as well as at stopping the manifestations of the syndrome that are painful for a person, such as pain, numbness and weakness of the limbs.

Causes of the disease

Sciatica can be caused by any condition or disease that squeezes the roots of the spinal cord at the level of the lumbar spine or parts of the sciatic nerve. Such possible causative factors of sciatica include the following diseases and conditions:

1. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine (a hernial protrusion compresses the roots of the spinal cord, in which the sciatic nerve originates, and thereby causes sciatica).

2. Infectious diseases(the sciatic nerve is affected by toxins released by pathogens):

Sepsis (blood poisoning);
Typhoid fever or typhus;

3. Intoxication with various toxic substances, such as:

Alcohol (sciatica can occur against the background of chronic alcoholism or after a single consumption of a large number of low-quality drinks);
Heavy metal poisoning (mercury, lead);
Arsenic poisoning.

4. Chronic systemic diseases in which non-excreted toxic metabolic products are deposited in the tissues:
5. Episodes of severe hypothermia (as a rule, cooling promotes the activation of a chronic infection, which, in fact, provokes sciatica).

Operative treatment with sciatica, it is extremely rare - only in those cases if the syndrome is provoked by tumors of the spine or a herniated disc, which infringes on the spinal cord or the roots of the spinal cord. V in this case after the relief of pain, a planned operation is performed, after which the disease is completely cured, since its cause is eliminated. Also surgical treatment Sciatica is produced when, due to a malfunction of the sciatic nerve, a person suffers from severe disorders of urination and defecation (for example, urinary or fecal incontinence).

Sciatica treatments

For complex symptomatic, etiological and supportive therapy of sciatica, the following agents are currently used:

Medications(used to relieve pain, normalize microcirculation, sensitivity and limb mobility).
Massage and manual therapy (used to relieve pain, relax and normalize muscle tone, as well as to restore the correct position of the vertebrae, as a result of which it is possible to achieve long-term remissions or even completely cure sciatica).
Physiotherapy(used to improve microcirculation, conduct nerve impulses, restore sensitivity and strength muscle contractions and, accordingly, limb mobility).
Acupuncture (acupuncture) is used to relieve pain, improve microcirculation and nutrition of both the tissues of the affected limb and the restrained roots of the spinal cord. By improving nutrition, the condition of the roots of the spinal cord and leg tissues is improved, and as a result, the functions of the sciatic nerve are restored to normal.
Physiotherapy- It is used during periods of remission to relax the muscles in the spine and improve the blood supply to the spinal cord, its roots and the sacral plexus.
Apitherapy (treatment with bee stings) - is used to relieve pain and relax muscles in order to eliminate the clamping of the sciatic nerve.
Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) is used to relieve swelling in the area of a pinched nerve, as a result of which the volume of tissues decreases, the nerve is released from the clamp and begins to function normally.
Sanatorium treatment (application of therapeutic mud, baths, etc.).

Sciatica medication

Sciatica therapy is used the following groups drugs:

Massage

It is used during periods of remission and allows you to improve blood flow to tissues and nerves, eliminate swelling and lymph congestion, relieve high muscle tone and relieve pain. With sciatica, massage is applied to the lumbar and gluteal regions, as well as the back surfaces of the thigh, lower leg and foot. To obtain a good and lasting effect, it is necessary to carry out about 10 massage sessions lasting 30 - 35 minutes. Massage is recommended to be combined with the application of ointments and therapeutic exercises.

Exercise (gymnastics)

It is recommended to perform therapeutic gymnastic exercises during remission in order to prevent sciatica attacks in the future.

So, gymnastics for sciatica includes the following exercises:

1. From a supine position, pull the legs bent at the knees to the chest. Do 10 reps.

2. From a supine position, raise straight legs up, fix them in this position for a few seconds, and then lower them to the floor. Do 5 reps.

3. From a prone position, raise the body on the hands, set with palms under the shoulder. Do 5 reps.

4. From a sitting position on a chair, turn the body alternately to the right and left. Perform 5 turns in each direction.

5. From a sitting position on your knees, do bends with your arms raised above your head. Do 5 reps.

6. From a standing position with feet shoulder-width apart, tilt the body to the right and left. Perform 5 inclines in each direction.

All exercises should be performed slowly and carefully, avoiding sudden movements.

Sciatica: gymnastics (recommendations of a specialist in physiotherapy exercises) - video

Sciatica: therapeutic exercises - video

Sciatica treatment at home

At home, you can only take medications to treat sciatica. In principle, this is usually sufficient to relieve pain and achieve remission, but the absence complex treatment, which includes massage and physiotherapy, leads to the fact that sciatica attacks are episodically repeated.

Nerve endings are found throughout our body, extending from the brain and spinal cord, they send critical messages throughout the body. When there is compression (compression) of the nerves, the body sends warning messages in the form of a pain symptom. It is strongly discouraged to ignore such signals.

Location of the sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body, it crosses 5 sections of the spine at once, descending to the leg from the lumbosacral plexus, is responsible for innervation in the hip joint and knee joint. Where and where this nervous formation is located can be seen in the figure above.

Pain in the sciatic nerve is a fairly common phenomenon that manifests itself if the nerve roots are pinched in the places where they exit their spine. This happens as a result of osteochondrosis, hernial protrusions, arthritis, various injuries, constant stress on the spinal column and diabetes. Regardless of the cause of the disease, patients have the area and legs.

It is important to know why the lower back hurts! Indeed, only in 5% of cases, the cause of pain is hidden in damage to the sciatic nerve. In most cases, excessive tension, muscle stretching is to blame. For a correct diagnosis, it is imperative to consult a doctor who will find out how long it hurts, whether the nerve has been chilled, and will conduct a series of examinations and tests.

Pain syndrome reduces the quality of life, interferes with movement, and in the absence of adequate treatment leads to sad consequences. That is why many people are interested in Additional Information about this pathology. Where is the sciatic nerve located, what are the causes and symptoms of pinching? How does this disease go in a person? How to prevent relapse? Are there any restrictions?

Symptoms

Pain in the sciatic nerve is the most common manifestation of pinching. Symptoms of damage can be varied, pain in the buttock and along the entire length of the nerve is different in nature (it can be acute, shooting, pulling, aching, throbbing), also, if the nerve is pinched, numbness in the leg is one of the standard manifestations of the disease.

It is important to know how the disease manifests itself! The symptoms of the disease are felt in the following areas:

buttocks;
small of the back;
hip;
shin;
toes.

Depending on how the leg or lower back hurts, the doctor diagnoses the disease:

leg hurts, discomfort descends along the back of the thigh to the lower leg and heels;
patients complain that their leg is numb, tingling or burning is observed;
pain symptoms worsen while sitting, as well as with coughing, laughing, and muscle tension;
minimal dullness of pain when taking analgesics.

In addition to pain, compression of the nerve can manifest itself in difficulties with movement, prolonged standing, chromate develops.

The symptoms of the disease in men are similar to the symptoms of prostatitis, the buttock hurts on the left, and on the same side, the lower leg is numb.

The symptoms of the disease in women can be slightly different, they vary depending on why the nerve is pinched. Often there are unpleasant sensations in the lower back, the leg and buttock hurt on the right. Infringement of nerve roots during pregnancy is quite common, this is due to an increase in the size of the fetus and its pressure on the walls internal organs... Most often, such a clamp does not require treatment, the symptoms go away after childbirth.

Sciatica can also appear if the patient has chilled the described area. Symptoms of a congested nerve are pain concentrated in the lumbosacral region, radiating to the leg.

How to understand that this particular neuralgia has befallen you? Patients have:

muscle atrophy and weakness;
sensitivity decreases or, conversely, increases;
the skin becomes dry;
during the examination, pathological reflexes appear;
limited limb movement.

Causes of the pinched sciatic nerve

Pinching is caused by irritation of the nerve roots of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. The most common reasons for infringement are:

lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back);
degenerative diseases of the vertebral discs, leading to their destruction;
spondylolisthesis (a special condition in which the vertebrae begin to slide improperly;
pregnancy;
bruise when falling;
muscle spasm in the lower back or buttocks.

Other causes of pain that aggravate the patient's condition are overweight, lack of regular exercise, wearing shoes on high heels the mattress is too soft.

Pinched sciatic nerve, what to do

When the lower back hurts, the leg grows numb, it is natural that you want to save yourself from discomfort by taking urgent measures. However, with pinching, as in any other case, self-medication is not an option.

The first thing to do if a nerve is pinched is to consult a doctor, without whose advice you should not resort to any procedures. A qualified physician will determine the nature of the disease, give certain recommendations that guarantee the correct treatment. Only an integrated approach will help get rid of discomfort in the short term.

What to do if the nerve is pinched and the lower back hurts badly (procedure):

lie on your stomach on a flat surface, put your head and shoulders on a pillow, cover your body with a warm blanket;
do not use heating pads, warm compresses and massages;
urgently contact a therapist or neurologist to receive an appointment for pain relievers, physiotherapy.

Sciatic nerve treatment

A pinched sciatic nerve is treated with both conservative and surgical methods depending on the severity of the symptoms and the progression of the disease. Moreover, doctors usually give preference to non-invasive methods of treatment, since they can be used to relieve pain with minimal risks to the patient's health.

An integrated approach to the treatment of infringement, which implies a combination of drug therapy, therapeutic and prophylactic measures and adjusting the regimen, allows you to loosen the clamp and get rid of pain.

It is important to know which doctor is treating given type diseases! An experienced neurologist will tell you how to relieve pain, help you quickly cure a cold or pinched nerve, will tell you how to be treated during an exacerbation.

If the lower back hurts a lot, what should the patient do?

In this case, bed rest is recommended, you must lie on a hard mattress in a fixed position. After we managed to soothe the pain and relieve the inflammation a little, it is allowed to get up and move around using a cane as a support.

It is also accepted to treat pinching by adjusting the nutritional system, the transition to a healthy and correct menu enriched with vitamins useful substances promoting weight loss.

In no case do not follow the advice of well-wishers, as if they "know" why it hurts and pinched a nerve on the leg, how to cure such an ailment. Practice shows that with the best of intentions, but out of ignorance of the true situation, you can inflict even more harm on your body than in the complete absence of any action at all.

How to treat the sciatic nerve with medication

Medicines for pinching the sciatic nerve are divided into several groups:

analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs;
immunomodulators;
also to drugs for the sciatic nerve include special ointments and gels that help improve blood circulation, relieve puffiness and reduce the inflammatory process;
B vitamins.

The doctor decides which drugs to treat, depending on the individual needs of the patient, the severity of the symptoms and the presence of allergic reactions.

Treatment with medicines is prescribed in the form of tablets (the choice lies in a wide range from ordinary analgin to opioid) or injections with non-steroidal drugs. Most of of these substances has a number of contraindications, therefore, how to treat, the doctor prescribes. Narcotic substances and muscle relaxants are used for severe pain for an extremely short period (from a couple of days to several weeks).

Injections when the sciatic nerve is pinched

In case of significant pain, pinching injections show a good result. Steroids are effective at reducing inflammation. Injections for pain are placed directly in the affected area around the nerve.

Steroid shots to treat pinching are temporary (relief occurs over a period of one week to a year). However, they have impressive consequences, so the choice of what to inject the patient should remain with a qualified doctor.

Sciatic nerve massage

Is it possible to massage with pinching of the sciatic nerve?
As with most other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, this type of exposure helps to relax the muscles and reduce soreness.

Pinching massage can be performed even in acute stages of the disease, avoiding sudden movements and strong pressure. Only light stroking and rubbing is allowed, which helps to improve blood flow in the damaged area.

How to knead and which area is determined by the specialist based on the cause of the pinching. Massage of the buttocks, legs, feet, back of the thighs is allowed.

Pain relievers

To alleviate the patient's condition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets and injections. How to anesthetize in each case is determined by the attending physician, most often Ibuprofen, Piroxicam, Ortofen and others are prescribed.

Ointments

Creams and ointments for pinching the sciatic nerve help relieve muscle spasm, reduce inflammation.
Homeopathic ointments are successful for treatment this disease and the relief of its symptoms Traumeel S and Zel T.

Also, agents with a warming-irritating effect are used. The name of the ointment is Finalgon, Nikoflex and others.

Sciatic nerve block

Medication blockade for pinching is used only in difficult cases when the methods of traditional therapy are not effective. The following drugs are used to relieve pain with medication:

novocaine;
lidocaine;
diclofenac;

The technique for performing this procedure is to inject the drug at a specific point directly above the nerve. When giving consent to the blockade, you should be confident in the skill of the specialist, as there is a risk of nerve damage.

Manual therapy

Manual correction of the position of the spine (manual therapy) is performed by a specially trained specialist and helps to reduce pain. However, the choice of a chiropractor should be approached with the utmost responsibility, procedures should be carried out only on the massage table.

Surgery for pinched sciatic nerve

Sciatic nerve surgery is prescribed only in emergency cases, with progressive weakness in the legs, loss of bowel and bladder control.

Exercise therapy for pinched sciatic nerve

A specially designed set of exercises allows you to develop the affected area. Initial attention is paid to the fingers and feet, and after the soreness decreases, gymnastic exercises are supplemented with tasks for other muscle groups.

Acupuncture

Hair-thin needles are inserted at specific points on the body near the affected area. Usually, the impact is painless and shows good results.

Swimming

Classes in the pool under the supervision of an experienced instructor help you return to your usual pace of life, eliminate the consequences of pinching.

Applicator Kuznetsov

This device is an effective measure for treating a pinched sciatic nerve at home. It is commercially available and shows impressive results.

Droppers

To increase the rate of admission drugs into the blood, their introduction can be carried out in the form of an intravenous dropper. In this way, B vitamins or pain relievers are administered.

Yoga

Electrophoresis

The course of electrophoresis with no-spa is often prescribed as a physiotherapeutic procedure for the described disease. Allows you to quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

Physiotherapy

The list of procedures that can be prescribed is quite large, in addition to those already mentioned, these are UHF, paraffin applications, magnetotherapy and others.

Sciatic nerve treatment with leeches

In order to avoid complications, it is strongly not recommended to perform this procedure yourself. With a qualified approach, it helps to establish blood supply in the affected area to relieve swelling and inflammation.

Folk remedies for the treatment of the sciatic nerve

To treat infringement with folk remedies is a fairly common practice. However, it is worthwhile to approach this process reasonably and combine the methods of traditional medicine with traditional therapy.

Popular folk methods:

treatment with apple cider vinegar with honey (compress from a glass of honey and a tablespoon of vinegar);
heated honey-alcohol mixture (300g per 50 ml) is rubbed in during massage;
crushed burdock root for the sciatic nerve, mixed with a glass of Cahors, heated, filtered and drunk in two steps;
bathroom with pine shoots.

The listed methods and any other methods are used only after consulting a doctor.

Home treatment

Most often, the treatment of pinching is carried out on an outpatient basis (at home).

After the examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis, thinks over how to treat the patient in each case, prescribes a course of medications, most often these are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets and injections, as well as analgesics if necessary. Usually the patient is told how to calm the pinched nerve, to heal himself as soon as possible at home.

Naturally, the treatment of infringement with the help of massage, acupuncture, acupuncture and a number of physiotherapy procedures should be carried out in specially designed rooms, but you can help yourself with something on your own.

Treating the nerve at home can be done by taking warm sitz baths to relieve acute pain, aromatherapy, and performing prescribed physical exercises. All this will help in unblocking the nerve root compressed by the spasm, and will speed up your recovery.

You can learn more about how to treat a nerve in your leg with your neurologist.

Sciatic nerve restoration

The length of the recovery period after pinching depends on the timeliness of the visit to the doctor. Therefore, you should not ignore the alarming symptoms, self-medicate, use dubious techniques.

After the symptoms disappear, in order to avoid relapses, it is recommended to control your weight, sleep on orthopedic massage, do morning exercises and resort to regular physical activity.

How to sleep with a pinched sciatic nerve

At acute stage diseases, one should limit one's own activity, adhere to bed rest for several days, doctors recommend sleeping exclusively on the stomach, on a hard mattress. In this case, the head and shoulders should be located on the pillow.

Consequences and limitations

In the absence of adequate treatment for this neuralgia, the patient's quality of life and his ability to self-serve are significantly reduced. Constant severe pain when pinching affects emotional state, lead to depression, insomnia. Also, such an ailment is dangerous with possible damage to internal organs, curvature of the spine.

Patients are often interested in whether the sciatic nerve can be warmed up. The answer to this question depends on the specifics of the disease. In some cases, it is shown dry heat, in some, it is recommended to replace it with cold heating pads. Therefore, for personal advice, you should contact a qualified specialist.

Observe all the prescriptions of the neurologist, intelligently combining the methods of traditional and traditional medicine, physiotherapy procedures and reasonable stress, then positive result will not keep you waiting long.