Back neuralgia. Symptoms and treatment on the left, right side, drugs, tablets, ointments, injections, gymnastics at home

Back neuralgia is an inflammatory disease of nerve fibers, accompanied by severe pain and impaired mobility of the patient. Symptoms can be acute or mild. That is why the patient needs timely diagnosis and treatment.

Disease types

There is no approved classification of the disease, but experts distinguish acute inflammation and chronic damage to the nerve endings. The first develops suddenly, accompanied by severe pain and other manifestations, the second is less pronounced, but accompanied by regular relapses.

In addition, the pathology is divided depending on the section of the spinal column, which is affected:

Variety	Peculiarities
Cervical neuralgia	A pathological condition in which the patient, when turning or tilting the head, feels pain in the cervical spine. There are many reasons for this condition, and discomfort significantly worsens the general condition of the patient, since it provokes other symptoms as well. A lesion of the neck is easier to treat than a similar pathology in another department insta story viewer
Thoracic form of the disease	The defeat of the thoracic spine is accompanied by more pronounced symptoms. Many patients report pain in the region of the heart, which makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. In addition, neuralgia of the thoracic spine can affect motor activity and the functioning of the digestive system.
Lumbar neuralgia	The most common type of pathology, in which there is inflammation of the nerve endings that innervate the lumbar region, as well as the pelvic organs and lower extremities. At the same time, the activity of the patient decreases, severe pain and deterioration of the patient's performance are observed. Pathology often provokes complications
Sacral type of pathology	This variety is not so common as an independent disease. In most cases, the defeat of the sacral region is combined with inflammation of the nerve endings of the lumbar. Clinically, the condition resembles lumbar neuralgia, only manifestations from the lower extremities are more pronounced

In addition, there are combined forms of the disease, for example, lumbosacral lesions or a combination of cervical and thoracic neuralgia.

Depending on the degree of neglect of the condition, a complicated and uncomplicated form of a pathological condition is distinguished. The first is considered difficult, difficult to treat and often leads to irreversible changes, the second is quite simple to treat, less often it causes complications.

Stages and degrees

Back neuralgia (symptoms and treatment are best discussed with a specialist) proceeds in several stages, which does not depend on the type of pathological condition. The only difference is the rapid transition from one stage to another in the acute course and the almost complete absence of boundaries between the stages in the chronic type of inflammation.

In addition, in a chronic course, the disease rarely goes into an advanced stage, more often the patient undergoes treatment, the symptoms disappear until the next relapse. Experts distinguish 3 degrees of the pathological condition.

The first or initial is characterized by the appearance of several symptoms, for example, pain or stiffness of movement. The patient does not pay attention to the manifestations, considers them a sign of overwork after prolonged physical exertion. General signs at this stage are absent, the condition is not disturbed, the working capacity is preserved.

The second stage is called progressive because at this stage the most pronounced symptoms appear. The pain increases, becomes constant, or worsens with movement. In addition, typical signs appear that help to identify which part of the spinal column is affected. In addition, the general condition is disturbed, weakness and other disorders appear.

The advanced stage is considered the most difficult. At this stage, the discomfort is not relieved by conventional analgesics, it accompanies the patient constantly, and disorders of the nervous system appear.

It is at this stage that complications from the internal organs and limbs develop. In the acute course, the transition from stages 1 to 3 occurs over several days. In the chronic form of neuralgia, this is not observed.

Symptoms

The disease is accompanied by severe clinical manifestations, which may differ depending on the affected spine. With inflammation of the nerve endings in the cervical spine, the patient develops pain when turning and tilting the head in different directions. Discomfort is observed when bending forward, and when the head is tilted back, the condition is relieved.

The neck muscles are tense, because the patient tries not to turn his head when changing the position of the body. This leads to increased pain. In addition, there is a headache and dizziness associated with pinching of blood vessels and nerve endings with constant muscle tension. Sometimes patients experience increased intracranial pressure, nausea, and even vomiting.

Such symptoms lead to decreased performance, memory impairment and attention. The patient tries to avoid the company, is more at home, takes a forced position, relieving discomfort.

With the involvement of the thoracic spine in the inflammatory process, the symptoms increase gradually. The first manifestation is the tension of the muscles of the back in the area of ​​inflammation, as well as tingling and pain of the skin when touched. With physical exertion, the patient feels moderate pain, which gradually increases. An additional manifestation is considered to be numbness in the hands and muscle weakness.

Since the nerve fibers in the thoracic spine are affected, disorders of the digestive system in the form of pain and stool disorders are noted. In addition, with exacerbation of neuralgia, pain appears behind the sternum, which is very similar to the discomfort experienced by the patient with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.

If the patient develops neuralgia of the lumbar and sacral spine, the symptoms are pronounced. The pain is localized in the lumbosacral region, radiates to the extremities and significantly worsens the general condition of the patient. At the initial and progressive stage, the pain is complemented by weakness of the leg muscles, numbness, and tingling of the skin.

In the absence of therapy, neuralgia is aggravated, symptoms from the pelvic organs appear, urination becomes more frequent, and a decrease in libido is noted. It should be noted that the most pronounced manifestation is pain, which often does not allow the patient to be in one position.

Outwardly, the disease almost does not manifest itself. There is only a slight pallor of the skin, dark circles under the eyes, as well as a decrease in body weight. The patient looks tired because severe pain prevents sleep at night.

With a long course of the pathological process, it can be noted that the patient takes a forced posture, leaning on one leg or tilting his head to the side. This leads to weakening of the muscles on the other side and other changes.

Reasons for the appearance

Back neuralgia (symptoms and treatment concern patients of different sex and age) develops as a result of various predisposing factors.

It is worth remembering that any type of illness can be triggered by the following reasons:

• Frequent hypothermia, provoking an inflammatory process in the nerve endings.
• Colds and viral pathologies that lead to damage to nerve fibers.
• Inflammatory pathologies of the back muscles, which can also lead to nerve damage.

  

• Osteochondrosis of varying severity, in which the vertebrae are displaced and the nerve endings are pinched.
• Long and heavy physical activity.
• The presence of an intervertebral hernia in one of the sections of the spinal column.
• Severe allergic reactions can also cause neuralgia.
• Professional activity associated with a long stay in one position.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Weakness of the back muscles.
• Congenital anomalies of the spinal column, such as curvature.
• Deficiency in the body of B vitamins, chronic vitamin deficiency.
• Disorders of metabolic processes, characterized by an incorrect distribution of nutrients in the body.

Neuralgia often affects women who have 2 or more children, which is associated with increased stress on the spinal column during pregnancy.

Diagnostics

To identify the type of disease, as well as the probable cause of its development, the specialist uses several of the most effective methods.

Each of them plays an important role in diagnostics:

• General examination and questioning of the patient helps the doctor see the external manifestations of the disease. After that, he examines the skin, palpates the muscles in order to identify the area of ​​greatest pain. When interviewing, it is important to identify the presumptive cause of the disease, the conditions for the appearance and disappearance of symptoms. The technique is considered the first step towards an accurate diagnosis, is used in any medical institution and does not require payment from the patient.
• Clinical and biochemical blood test it is also considered a standard but important diagnostic method. It is carried out in public clinics free of charge; in private clinics, the price can be 300-500 rubles. During the examination of the patient's venous blood, the doctor may see signs of inflammation, as well as concomitant manifestations from the internal organs.
• X-ray of the spinal column is carried out in a state clinic for free. On the obtained picture, the specialist can see signs of osteochondrosis, which often provokes neuralgia. The study is prescribed if there is a suspicion of damage to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. In addition, a specialist may prescribe an X-ray of the lungs in order to exclude pathologies of an inflammatory nature.
• ECG is carried out free of charge in a state clinic, helps to exclude or confirm the presence of abnormalities from the heart. The method detects rhythm disturbances, as well as signs of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
• MRI - the most effective, informative diagnostic method. It is carried out only in clinics with special equipment, the cost of the examination is approximately 3000-6000 rubles. During the procedure, a specialist, using a special magnetic field acting on the patient, examines his organs and tissues in layers. Usually, when diagnosing back neuralgia, the doctor pays special attention to the spinal column and nerve endings.

Each diagnostic method is effective, but magnetic resonance imaging is considered the most effective. Based on the examination data, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and prescribes a therapy regimen.

When to see a doctor

Back neuralgia is considered a rather serious disease, therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a neurologist. The doctor will prescribe an examination and treatment. However, in addition, you may need to consult a therapist and a cardiologist in order to exclude pathologies of the lungs and heart.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the development of the disease, it is recommended to avoid hypothermia and treat colds in a timely manner. In addition, from time to time it is useful to take vitamin complexes that will help fill the deficiency of B vitamins. To supplement the effect of taking such funds, you should enrich the diet with meat, fresh vegetables and herbs.

Patients who are sedentary should be more active by walking, swimming or cycling. This is especially true for those who are overweight. It is useful for such patients to attend group classes in the gym or have a personal trainer who will draw up an individual program.

An additional method of prevention is the timely treatment of pathologies of the spinal column. Patients with poor posture should wear a special corset that regulates the position of the spine throughout the day and prevents incorrect distribution of the load on the muscles.

This is especially useful for those who, due to their professional activities, spend a lot of time in front of the computer. In addition, it is useful to take breaks every 60 minutes, to stretch the muscles. This will reduce the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis and back neuralgia.

Treatment methods

Back neuralgia (symptoms and treatment are considered an urgent problem not only among the elderly, but also among the young patients) is treated with conservative therapy, special gymnastics and alternative medicine recipes.

Medications

In the treatment of neuralgia, a specialist draws up a treatment regimen separately for each patient.

Most often, the following medicines from different groups are used:

• Mydocalm - a muscle relaxant that is often used to relieve muscle spasm that occurs with neuralgia. It helps to quickly eliminate symptoms, relieves the patient's condition, relieves severe pain. The patient is prescribed tablets, which must be taken before bedtime, 1 piece. The duration of the course is 7-10 days, depending on the severity of the manifestations. The price of the medicine is from 150 rubles.
• Ibuprofen - a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain, relieves inflammation and significantly reduces the course of therapy. The patient is prescribed a course of 5-7 days, during which he takes 1 tablet of the drug in the morning and in the evening. The drug is highly effective and helps to quickly normalize the condition, but it is recommended to take it in combination with agents that protect the gastric mucosa. Price - from 50 rubles.
• Spazmalgon - a remedy for relieving muscle spasms and relieving pain. It is prescribed quite often, since it is highly effective. The patient can be prescribed 2 tablets per day for 10 days, or a solution of 2 or 5 ml can be administered intramuscularly to achieve an instant result. The solution is administered for up to 10 consecutive days. The cost of the medicine is from 70 rubles.
• Dicloberl - anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, which is used for 5-7 days to relieve symptoms. The remedy is very effective, but it has a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. The solution is injected in 3 ml from 1 to 2 times a day. The price of the medicine is from 25 rubles. for the ampoule.
• Ketorol - pain relief medication, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or a solution for intramuscular administration. It is effective and quickly relieves pain. The patient is prescribed to take 2 tablets per day or the introduction of 1 ml of solution in the morning and evening. The course of treatment lasts up to 10 days. The price of the product is from 120 rubles.
• Nise gel - anti-inflammatory and anesthetic medicine with a strong effect, helps to eliminate pain and helps to normalize blood circulation in the area of ​​application, is effective. It should be used for at least 7 days in a row, applied to the affected areas and rubbed until absorbed, repeated 2-3 times a day. Price - from 300 rubles.
• Menovazine - an ointment for external use, it is considered very effective, it helps not only to relieve pain, but also stimulates blood flow. Has a local irritating effect. It is necessary to apply the product 2 times a day to the affected area with a thin layer, rub it in. The course of therapy lasts up to 10 days. Price - from 50 rubles.

In case of severe pain that cannot be stopped by pills and injections, the specialist prescribes a blockade directly to the area of ​​greatest pain. For this, Novocaine or other drugs with high analgesic efficacy are used.

Traditional methods

Back neuralgia (symptoms and treatment are often interrelated, since the remedies are selected taking into account the manifestations) at the initial stage is successfully treated with folk remedies.

• Rubbing with calendula ointment is considered a good way to relieve pain. To obtain the ointment, it is necessary to melt 100 g of pork fat and add 20 g of pre-crushed dry calendula flowers to the warm composition. Heat the composition in a water bath for 3-5 minutes, but do not bring to a boil. Leave the resulting mass to cool, then mark in the refrigerator. Rub the affected area before going to bed, cover your back with a film. Repeat the procedure for 10-14 days in a row.
• Compresses made from crushed burdock leaves are also considered to be a good pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is necessary to collect several large leaves, grind and distribute the gruel on the back, cover with some kind of cloth, and leave for 2 hours. Repeat daily for 1-2 weeks.

Any prescription is best used only after consulting a doctor.

Gymnastics

There are several proven exercises that need to be performed after the acute symptoms of neuralgia have subsided in order to accelerate recovery and preventing complications:

• Head tilts in different directions. Repeat 5-7 inclinations in each direction.
• Rotation of the head clockwise and counterclockwise for 30 seconds.
• Touching the chin to the chest. Repeat up to 10 times, trying to stretch the muscles of the back of the back as much as possible.
• Tilts of the body in front, the touch of the palms to the floor in this position. Repeat 10 times.
• Take a pose, lying on your back with legs and arms outstretched to the side, stay in this position for 1 minute.
• Get up and grab your knees with your hands, swing back and forth for 20-30 seconds.
• Perform torso lifts while simultaneously grabbing the leg bent at the knee and holding it in this position for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times for each leg.
• In a position on all fours, bend the spine up and bend down. Repeat up to 10 times.
• In a sitting position with your legs joined, try to reach your toes with your hands. Repeat 10 times.
• In a position lying on the floor with legs bent at the knees, raise the torso so that the head, shoulders and feet are not lifted off the floor. Run 10-15 times.
• In a prone position, simultaneously raise your arms and legs like this. In order for the body to repeat the shape of the arc, linger in this position for 5-7 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times.

After completing all the exercises, you need to lie on the floor, spread your arms and legs, stay in this position for 1-2 minutes. Over the course of the week, the load increases gradually. On Monday, the patient should do only exercises aimed at working out the muscles of the neck, and the lesson should last no more than 5 minutes.

On Tuesday, you can do each exercise 3-5 times, but no more. On Wednesday, the load increases, each exercise is performed 7 times. On Thursday, only cervical spine exercises should be done.

On Friday, you can do a full workout, but it should last no more than 15 minutes. On Saturday and Sunday, in the absence of contraindications and complications, the training can last up to 20 minutes.

Other methods

Among the additional methods of therapy, only acupuncture can be distinguished, which is the most effective way to treat neurological pathologies.

The course consists of 10-15 daily sessions conducted by a specialist. During the procedure, special needles are inserted into the active points on the patient's back, which are left for 15-20 minutes. These needles stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. The method has many contraindications, therefore it is used only after the approval of a doctor.

Possible complications

If the patient ignores the symptoms of the disease, the likelihood of complications increases.

The most common ones are:

• The transition of the disease to a chronic form.
• The development of pathologies of the digestive tract and heart.
• Limb muscle atrophy.
• Violation of tissue innervation.
• Circulatory disorders in the affected area.
• Pathology of the pelvic organs.
• Complete loss of the ability to move.

To prevent complications, you must consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Back neuralgia is a common problem in older and younger patients, with symptoms that significantly impair quality of life. To prevent complications, it is necessary to undergo an examination and a course of treatment.

Article design: Vladimir the Great

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