What is sciatica?
This disease is a syndrome manifested by acute pain in the area of the sciatic nerve . At the site of the nerve itself or in the lower back, compression of the spinal cord roots occurs. There are many reasons for pinched nerve endings in the spine, and therefore the manifestations of the syndrome are very diverse.
The term sciatica refers to a syndrome, not a disease. The pathology itself is called lumbosacral radiculitis. Depending on the causes of manifestation, there are other options for the name of sciatica: radiculopathy, radiculoischemia.
Most people do not know about sciatica, its symptoms and treatment. The human body is a complex mechanism that consists of tissues and many nerve networks.
When the sciatic nerve is pinched, the pain spreads to the entire leg
The sciatic nerve is the longest . It is formed by 5 pairs of spinal cord roots. If even one gets pinched, rather unpleasant symptoms immediately appear. This compression of the nerve ending is called sciatica.
Lumbago - what is it?
Lumbago has characteristic symptoms, the main of which are sharp paroxysmal pain in the lower back and muscle spasms. Pathology is more often registered in men aged 30 to 40 years. It quickly becomes chronic, becoming a serious problem for a person.
In the international classification, lumbago disease occurs in two variants:
- M54.4 – lumbago with sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve);
- M54.5 – lumbago NOS (without further specification).
Primary and secondary forms of the pathological condition are also distinguished. In the first case, the pain syndrome is the result of age-related changes in the spine. Secondary lumbago from a clinical point of view is a manifestation of other diseases.
Basic principles of treatment
Complex therapy not only relieves pain, but also eliminates the causes that provoked the pinched nerve.
During the period of exacerbation of sciatica, when the pain is very severe, symptomatic treatment is carried out . To eliminate pain, various painkillers (Diclofenac, Ketanov), muscle relaxants and hormones are used. Antioxidants and vascular agents will help speed up the end of the attack, improving blood circulation and restoring the normal functioning of the affected tissues.
During remission, the pain disappears, but tissue nutritional disturbances and difficulties with movement remain . Therefore, maintenance therapy is necessary during this period.
For this purpose, physiotherapeutic procedures : massage, magnetic therapy, diadynamic currents, darsonvalization. They relax the muscles and eliminate pinched nerves, allowing for complete healing. These procedures eliminate recurrences of painful attacks.
Maintenance therapy also includes taking metabolic drugs, vitamins and antioxidants that restore blood microcirculation. If sciatica is caused by an infectious disease, then antibiotics may be used.
As a last resort, surgical treatment is performed. For example, with a hernia or tumor in the spine. Surgery is necessary if sciatic nerve compression has caused defecation disorder or urinary incontinence.
Treatment of lumbago
Medical tactics for lumbago are determined taking into account the severity of the pain attack, its etiology and the general condition of the patient. Treatment of lumbago in the lumbar region always begins with bed rest for several days until the intense pain stops.
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The patient is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress. It should not sag like a hammock, but at the same time be soft enough to bend around protruding parts of the body. To relax the muscles and give the spine a physiological position, it is advisable to lie on your back with your legs slightly elevated (you can put a pillow or a folded blanket) or lie on your side with your lower limbs bent at the knee and hip joints. Further activation of the patient is carried out gradually, using a special lumbar corset.
The patient is recommended to eat a balanced diet. A temporary restriction of salt in the diet is also required to eliminate tissue swelling.
For each patient, the doctor draws up an individual plan of therapeutic measures. Treatment of lumbago in the lumbar region has two main goals:
- remove symptoms;
- eliminate the causes.
To solve these problems, the doctor can use conservative and surgical methods.
Standard treatment regimen for lumbago
Since the leading manifestation of lumbago is pain, treatment always begins with adequate pain relief. Drug therapy is mandatory:
- analgesics;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- anesthetics;
- muscle relaxants;
- tranquilizers.
Painkillers can be used locally in the form of ointments and gels, systemically in the form of tablets, capsules or injections. In severe cases, blockades are performed. Also, depending on the specific disease, additional medications (chondroprotectors, vitamin-mineral complexes, antibiotics, etc.) may be prescribed.
In addition to pharmacotherapy, treatment of lumbago lumbago includes:
- osteopathic sessions to eliminate the root cause of inflammation and lower back pain;
- use of special orthopedic products for the lower back;
- physiotherapy (iontophoresis, ultrasound techniques, UV irradiation, acupuncture, mud applications, magnetic therapy, etc.);
- massage;
- therapeutic exercises.
During the period of remission, treatment at balneological resorts is indicated.
Alternative Treatments for Lumbago
When lumbago occurs, some patients treat themselves at home. This approach is incorrect and dangerous to health. The following folk recipes and methods are most often used to eliminate a pain attack in the lower back:
- dry heat (scarves and belts made of animal hair, heating lamps and heating pads);
- rubbing along the spine and warming compresses with alcohol tinctures of burdock, horseradish, radish, red pepper and other medicinal plants;
- massage with essential oils, bee products and special products;
- drinking tea drinks and decoctions with medicinal herbs;
- compresses with salt.
Self-treatment at home is not recommended. Even the most harmless methods can aggravate the course of the disease. Any action should always be discussed with your doctor.
Treatment of lumbago during pregnancy
Diagnosis and treatment of lumbago in pregnant women is carried out under the supervision of a gynecologist. Many painkillers are contraindicated during pregnancy, so their prescription is carried out according to strict indications.
Treatment of lumbago in pregnant women involves the primary use of topical agents (ointments, patches, gels) and orthopedic products (special corsets and bandages for the lower back).
The method of choice during pregnancy is osteopathy , which has proven its effectiveness and safety for the unborn child. Then massage and physical therapy are added to it.
Rehabilitation treatment after lumbago
After eliminating a pain attack in the lower back, the patient is recommended to follow the following recommendations:
- to live an active lifestyle;
- do exercises daily;
- eat right so that the body receives all the vitamins and minerals;
- give adequate physical activity for the back;
- exclude injuries and any provoking factors (hypothermia, stress, sudden movements in the lower back, etc.);
- promptly treat foci of infection, spinal diseases and systemic diseases;
- sit at work and during rest in the correct posture, incl. while maintaining the natural arch in the lower back – lordosis. To do this, you should take into account the rules of ergonomics, in particular when choosing suitable furniture;
- Plan to visit an osteopath regularly, optimally once every six months, and in case of any injury (not necessarily the spine) - at the first opportunity. During pregnancy, a scheduled visit to an osteopath is recommended once a month.
Rehabilitation treatment of lumbago of the lumbar region is always carried out taking into account the underlying pathology.
Exercise therapy for sciatica
Patients often ignore or underestimate prescribed exercises for sciatica. Many patients find that medications are more effective than therapeutic exercises. This opinion is clearly erroneous.
A set of properly selected exercises improves blood circulation, relieves inflammation and activates metabolism . Therapeutic exercises speed up recovery, and pain can be relieved in a few days.
In addition, other spinal problems that may cause sciatica are eliminated. All exercises are performed only in the absence of pain; during periods of exacerbation, training is strictly prohibited. The main thing is to do the exercises correctly.
Doing exercises is prohibited during the acute phase of sciatica. For gymnastics to be effective, you should adhere to certain recommendations:
- It is better to master the complex under the supervision of a doctor.
- Exercises will be beneficial if done twice a day.
- All exercises for sciatica are done on a hard surface.
- During an exacerbation of the disease, breaks are allowed, but then you need to continue performing the complex, taking into account your state of health.
- Gymnastics should be done regularly. If there is no desire or strength, then you should not cancel the training, you need to do at least 2-3 exercises at half strength.
If the disease is in the acute phase, then the exercises are not performed until the pain disappears.
Physical activity is also undesirable in some pathologies:
- Mental disorders.
- Epilepsy (frequent seizures).
- Serious spinal injuries.
- Oncology.
- Heart diseases.
- Viral infections that are accompanied by fever.
Due to these restrictions, you should first consult a doctor or undergo a full examination.
Video: “The most effective exercise for pinched sciatic nerve”
Find out more about spinal neuralgia:
- Radicular syndrome with osteochondrosis in the cervical spine
- You can find out how to give injections for sciatica here
- A list of ointments for sciatica is posted on the page
What is the difference between lumbago and lumbodynia?
Lumbago, in fact, is a variant of lumbodynia, which is a general term for all long-term pain in the lumbosacral area. It can have different causes, related and unrelated to spinal diseases. Lower back pain can appear due to diseases of the internal organs (kidneys, gall bladder, liver, uterus, ovaries and others). Also, its occurrence is facilitated by disruption of the innervation and blood supply to the spinal column. It often accompanies pregnancy.
Exercise technique
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Next fact
If you perform the exercises correctly, gymnastics can completely replace drug therapy. All movements of the complexes are physiological and natural, so there will be no fatigue or sprains .
There are many exercises for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and they are divided into certain groups.
In a lying position:
- Pulling your knees to your chest while lying on your back. Perform at least 10 times.
- Lying on your side, stretch your legs as far as possible. Then bend both legs and pull them towards your chest, then straighten. Do the same 10 times.
- Lie on your stomach. Palms near shoulders. Straightening your arms, stretch your back as much as possible, looking up. Make a short delay and return to your previous position. For beginners, 5 approaches will be enough, but over time you can increase to 15.
- Lie on your back. Pull your feet towards your buttocks. Arms crossed over chest. As you inhale, you should raise your torso, and as you exhale, lower it. Performed 15 times.
Sitting:
- Sit on the floor and stretch your legs forward. Spread your arms to the sides (at shoulder level) and bring them back, trying to connect your shoulder blades. Movements should be made smoothly, without jerking. Repeat at least 5 times.
- From a sitting position (arms extended upward), slowly lie on your back. Then raise your legs to a right angle. The lower back should not lift off the floor, as this will place excessive stress on the spine.
- Sit on a chair. Place your hands on the back of your head and make slow turns with your body.
Standing:
- Feet shoulder-width apart, back as straight as possible. Raise your right hand and lean to the left. The arm and torso should be parallel to the floor. Then return to the starting position and lean to the right.
- Hands on the belt. You need to take turns raising your straight leg. It doesn’t have to be high, you should focus on your feelings.
- Place your feet as wide as possible. Bend your knees (“rider pose”) and shift your weight to each leg in turn. This exercise improves blood circulation in the pelvic area.
Gymnastics for the prevention of sciatica
All exercises are an excellent way to prevent sciatica . Regular implementation of the complex will prevent the sudden onset of a painful attack.
Video: “Exercises for pinched sciatic nerve”
Exercises for acute back pain
With sciatica, lumbago (lumbago) often occurs . To relieve severe pain, there are two exercises that eliminate pain and restore motor activity.
- You need to stand at a horizontal surface, which should be at pelvic level. For example, a table or a couch. Slowly lie down on it with your body and relax well. While inhaling, inflate your stomach for 5 seconds, then exhale as much as possible. Repeat no more than 3 times.
- Take a position on all fours. The back should not bend. Relax your neck and lower your head. Inhale with your stomach (slow), hold for 5 seconds, exhale completely. After performing this breathing exercise 10 times, a person will notice how the pain recedes.
In order not to suffer from acute pain due to sciatica, it is advisable to visit the pool , take long walks, and ride a bicycle. I would recommend doing yoga, but with an experienced instructor.
Exercises according to the Bubnovsky system
To eliminate sciatica, a special complex has been developed aimed at toning the spinal muscles and normalizing joint mobility:
- "Cat" . You need to get on all fours and bend your back down as you inhale, and arch your back up as you exhale.
- "Pumping" . In the same position, do push-ups from the floor. Inhale - bend your arms, exhale - straighten them.
- "Pulling" . Lie on your back, bend your knees, and clasp your hands behind your head. As you exhale, touch your elbows to your knees, and while inhaling, return to the starting position.
- "Bridge" . Performed while lying on your back. As you exhale, the lower back rises, and as you inhale, it lowers.
An example of how to do the cat exercise correctly
What exercises are contraindicated
Therapeutic exercises for sciatica always begin with a warm-up. Then they do stretching, gradually making the movements more difficult.
What exercises are prohibited to perform with this disease? Do not approach the bar under any circumstances . Excessive stress will further compress the intervertebral discs and can completely destroy them.
What not to do:
- Tilts and turns with weight . Friction occurs between the vertebrae, and this leads to disc injury.
- It is forbidden to squat with weight if the simulator is set to a rigid trajectory of movement, which does not always correspond to the anatomical structure of the spine.
Oddly enough, the most harmful thing for the spine is lying for long periods of time. To avoid pain in the lumbar region, the spinal column must have a strong muscular corset.
Video: “What exercise therapy exercises to do for sciatic neuralgia”
Causes and symptoms
Symptoms of sciatica occur due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. It is still unclear why the piriformis muscle begins to affect the nerve. Many people believe that this occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms and begins to press the nerve against the pelvic bone. In some cases, the piriformis muscle is damaged as a result of a fall on the buttocks. Bleeding in and around the muscle as a result of injury leads to the appearance of a hematoma. The piriformis muscle becomes inflamed and begins to put pressure on the nerve. The hematoma gradually resolves, but muscle spasm persists.
The muscle spasm continues to affect the nerve. As they regenerate, some of the muscle fibers are replaced by scar tissue, which has less elasticity, which can lead to thickening of the muscle tissue (this can also be a factor in pressure on the nerve).
Most often, piriformis syndrome manifests itself as pain along the back of the thigh (buttock). As a rule, the pain occurs on one side (but sometimes the sensation can be on both sides). The pain may radiate to the foot, resembling the symptoms of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Sensory disturbances and weakness in the leg are extremely rare. Some patients may experience a tingling sensation in the leg.
Patients are uncomfortable sitting and try to avoid sitting. And if you have to sit down, they lift the affected side instead of sitting unevenly.
