Lumbar sciatica. Symptoms and Treatment Home, folk remedies, medicines, drugs for injections

The lumbar sciatica is a common neurological disease accompanied by severe pain in the lumbar spine, resulting from pinched nerve endings. Symptoms of the disease are manifested in every patient is different, and the treatment involves the use of several drugs from different groups.

types of diseases

It is worth noting that in rare cases, sciatica only affects the lumbar vertebral column department. Most often, it affects the nerves of the lumbar and sacral spine, which exacerbates the symptoms and triggers severe complications. Experts identify acute and chronic form of the disease.

Acute sciatica manifested by sudden, accompanied by severe symptoms and significantly degrades the quality of life of the patient. Even the usual manipulation for it become difficult, and the state is aggravated by rapidly without treatment.

The chronic form of the disease is considered less severe, because the symptoms are not as pronounced, and the progression is gradual.

Despite this, the patient several times a year notes deterioration.

Usually re-development of symptoms suggests a relapse of the disease. It is this sign is considered the reason attributed to the pathology of chronic forms of sciatica.

There is also another classification that divides sciatica on the complicated and uncomplicated. The first is most often chronic.

Long duration of the process with regular recurrence leads to complications in the internal organs and systems. Second, in most cases it occurs first, is acute, but does not provoke complications at an early stage.

Both classifications are not approved, experts from different countries can share sciatica various kinds. However, such a conventional division allows the physician to determine the direction and diagnostic regimen.

Stage and grade

Lumbar sciatica, symptoms and treatment which should discuss with your doctor, always takes place in several stages, that is independent of the disease varieties. It is important to remember that the same step in acute and chronic type of disease develop at different rates. In the first case, a rapid progression in the second - slow.

In the initial stages the symptomatology is weakly expressed in chronic form, and is more pronounced at acute. The patient speaks of pain in the lumbar region and stiffness of movement, especially after a night's sleep or a long stay in one position. Common symptoms are usually absent at this stage, so the patient believes it shows signs of fatigue.

At an advanced stage all indications are compounded, symptoms characteristic of the classical course of sciatica. If the specialist will ask the patient to lift the limb, you may notice changes that are not in a healthy person. In this case, there are the common symptoms of the nervous system provoked by pain and other symptoms of the disease.

In chronic course the transition from the initial to advanced stage hardly noticeable. The patient simply notes a slight increase in pain. At an advanced stage and at an acute sciatica patient during most of the time in the forced position.

Each person defines it for themselves. Some comfortable to lie on his side with his knees pulled up to his chest, the other standing, leaning on the back of the bed or chair.

At an advanced stage complications are generally attached to the internal organs. Each patient they are manifested in different ways.

symptoms

The most pronounced outward sign of sciatica is considered smoothing the folds of skin under the buttock from the affected limb, which in medicine is called a symptom of Bonn. This is due to the fact that in most cases the affected nerve roots on one side. Sometimes the disease affects both sides, which greatly exacerbates the condition.

It is worth noting that the lumbar muscles and limbs become strained. It can be detected by palpation. Pale skin, sometimes hot to the touch.

In addition, the lesion is lost sensitivity. The patient may talk about numbness of the skin, or only in the lumbar region with one hand. Feelings come and go, in the advanced stage of becoming permanent, somewhat attenuated with a change in body position.

In the classical course of the disease the patient has the following symptoms:

1. symptom Lasegue It appears when trying to lift the leg on the affected side in the supine position. At the same time a healthy person does without problems, but sciatica pain in the buttocks and waist increases, which prevents raising the limb.
2. symptom Neri characterized by an intensification of pain in the lumbar region when trying to dramatically tilt the head forward. In this case, the patient is always trying to keep my head straight, to avoid the pain.
3. symptom Déjerine It manifested in the defeat of lumbar and sacral, and also with involvement of only one of them. When you cough, sneeze or laugh, accompanied by muscle tension anterior abdominal wall, there is more pain in the lumbar region.

These symptoms indicate a strong pinching roots and the development of inflammation. In addition, the patient said that the pain gives up. When walking, you will notice that the person is trying to reduce the load on the affected limb. He is less likely to bend the knee, trying not to make any sudden movements.

The sitting position is marked strong curvature of the spine, due to the fact that the patient moves the body weight on the affected side to ease the pain.

With disease progression is noted a slight increase in body temperature, and the reinforced work sweat glands. The patient becomes weak, apathetic, most of the time trying to avoid movements. Appetite it worsens, there is a decrease in body weight and excessive thirst.

Lumbar sciatica, symptoms and treatments which often disturb middle-aged patients, affects the nerve endings, which violates the conduction of nerve impulses.

As a result, there is a change from the muscle fibers. They are weakened, because the patient forced to reduce the load. If the disease is prolonged, there is atrophy of the tissue of one or both legs.

If untreated, episodes of pain occur more often. The patient is tilted or lifting small weights sweep marks the emergence of pain, which weakened somewhat after a while.

Possible violation on the part of the urinary system, as well as the appearance of pain in the abdomen. At an advanced stage the patient can not do without the strong painkillers, which only eliminate the symptoms but not the cause.

Causes of

The disease may be a result of many contributing factors. The most common cause is becoming other pathology of the spinal cord and spinal column. Acute sciatica results from intense physical stress and fatigue, and injuries accompanied by lesion of the spinal cord roots.

The chronic form of the disease is almost always develops as a result of a comorbid condition.

The most common causes are the following:

1. Osteochondrosis of any of the parts of the spine, accompanied by the displacement of the vertebrae and pinching nerves.

   

2. Prolonged stay in the sitting position, which leads to displacement of the vertebral appendages and pressure on the nerve endings.
3. Professional activities related to the heavy lifting.
4. Weak abdominal muscles. This reason is considered to be the most common among women, as they are less likely to have strong abdominal muscles. However, with the rise of even a minor weight of the entire burden falls on the muscles of the back, which has a negative effect on the spine. It should be noted that the state of all the muscular system plays a role. If weakened, not only the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, but also those that are located along the spine, the chance of developing sciatica increases several times.
5. Intervertebral hernia, localized in any part of the vertebral column. Thus there is a protrusion from the annulus fibrosus and its subsequent rupture disc nucleus yield beyond the spine. The disease provokes the displacement of the vertebrae, which leads to the pinching of the nerve endings.
6. Frequent supercooling, viral and colds.
7. The sharp increase in body weight, obesity.
8. Congenital or acquired by the curvature of the spine, increasing the load on the lumbar spine.
9. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatism or systemic lupus erythematosus.
10. Metabolic disorders, hormonal disorder.
11. Stressful situations.
12. Insufficient intake of B vitamins, which help to seize the nervous tissue.

In addition, the at-risk patients are elderly women who have 2 or more children, as well as professional athletes.

Diagnostics

Lumbar sciatica, symptoms and treatments which are considered to be an urgent problem for people of all ages can be diagnosed without additional equipment. But doctors believe that the diagnosis is better to clarify, using standard and modern methods of examination.

Method	Description	Venue and cost
The total survey and examination of the patient	Specialist listens to complaints and identify the cause of the supposed violation. After this, he spends a standard survey assesses a patient reflexes, notes the existence of specific symptoms of sciatica. In addition, doctors also examines the skin, the patient's gait studies	Performed in any hospital, payment is usually not required
Clinical study of blood	The standard method to see abnormalities in the internal organs. It is always performed and the detection of violations helps to determine the future direction of the survey	The technique is available for private and public hospital, the price in private is usually no more than 200 rubles.
Blood chemistry	An additional method, which is not always used. It helps to see the rejection of the digestive system, blood vessels and heart. In addition, a determination is Revmoproby level. This indicator is important in the diagnosis of rheumatic fever and the disease often becomes the cause of sciatica	Carried out in any clinic. The private institution costs about 300 rubles.
Radiography of the lumbosacral spine with contrast medium	The method is always applied. Because it helps to see abnormalities in the lumbar region. For 8-10 hours before the test the patient should not eat, on the eve of the diagnosis is also done enema. Due to the proper preparation on x-ray can clearly see the area where the displacement of the vertebrae and compression of the roots	The procedure is available for clinics, in which there is a corresponding equipment. The price is about 400-500 rubles.
MRI	The most effective and simple diagnostic method to identify sciatica even at the initial stage. In this case, the patient is placed in a special machine, where for 20-40 minutes study the affected area. After that the doctor takes pictures and on the basis of the data diagnoses	It is carried out in facilities equipped with special equipment. The price ranges from 1000-1500 rubles.

The most effective method of diagnosis is considered to be magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray examination but is also considered quite informative. The complex of several methods yield good results.

When to see a doctor

When the first signs of violation of the patient is recommended to apply to the medical institution. Such disorders neurologist treats. He will conduct a comprehensive survey and determine the degree of damage of the lumbar.

Even in the case of detecting only the initial stage of the disease can not be ignored treatment. This will eliminate the likelihood of complications, and the transition of the disease into a chronic stage.

prevention

Lumbar sciatica can not always be avoided, especially when the symptoms are similar to symptoms of other diseases, and the treatment does not help to eliminate them. But experts insist on preventive measures that will minimize the risk of developing the disease.

It is necessary to normalize the mode of exercise, avoid lifting heavy objects. It is important not to overwork, to give enough time to rest, as well as included in the daily food menuRich in vitamins and minerals. It should be increased in the diet of vegetables, fruits and lean meats. Do not abuse alcohol and junk food.

Uncontrolled increase in body weight is recommended to visit a nutritionist who will help to normalize the diet and reduce weight naturally without dangerous diets.

If the patient's professional activity is associated with prolonged stay in a sitting position, it should be devote time to the gym to strengthen the muscular system, is responsible for supporting the spinal column to the right position.

elderly patients it is important to avoid injuries, heavy lifting and fatigue. However, do not completely abandon the exercise, it will only worsen the general condition.

If necessary, you can attend group classes, where a specialist is an individual program depending on each person's ability. In the diagnosis of osteoarthritis or herniated need time to get treatment and regular visits to the doctor for an examination.

therapies

To eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent complications, and medication use folk remedies. Additional therapies also help to alleviate the patient's condition.

Medications

Classical therapy scheme involves the use of several drugs from different groups in order to facilitate the patient's condition and relieving inflammation.

The most frequently prescribed drugs following:

1. Dikloberl - a drug from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Assigned when expressed pain and increase in body temperature, helps to quickly relieve pain and blocking substances that trigger inflammation of the nerve endings. Typically, the patient is prescribed intramuscular injection. At day administered from 1 to 2 to 3 ml vials. The course of treatment is not more than 7 days. The drug affects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Cost of 1 vial ranges from 25-40 rubles.
2. ibuprofen - another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, has a pronounced therapeutic effect. Indicated for moderate pain when the patient is being treated on an outpatient basis. The day allowed to take 2-3 tablets, the course lasts no longer than 7 days. The cost of medication is about 50 rubles. 10 pieces of plate.
3. analgene - analgesic drug that is not always used, but helps to eliminate pain or ease symptoms. The patient should take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 5 days. Usually this time is enough to eliminate the symptoms. means the cost starts from 20 rubles.
4. Papaverine - antispasmodic drug that helps to relax the muscle fibers in the affected area, that eases the pain by reducing the pressure on the nerve endings. Patient 2 times daily is administered 2 ml intramuscularly course duration - from 5 to 10 days depending on the states of neglect. Price 10 vials of medication - 35-45 rubles.
5. Thiamine, and pyridoxine - B vitamins, which are always assigned in the complex treatment of sciatica. They help to improve the passage of the nerve impulse and promote tissue repair. Every day the patient receives 1 ml of each vitamin intramuscularly. The course lasts for 10 days, unless the use of these medications. Price means begins with 30 rubles. per pack of 10 vials.
6. Tsianokobalabin - another B vitamin that is commonly used in combination with thiamine, and pyridoxine. In this case, the preparations are administered every other day, ie 1 day the patient receives B1 and B6, and the next day he was introduced 1 mL cyanocobalamin. Continue 20 consecutive days, the patient receives a 10 vials of each vitamin. Price per pack medication - 40-50 rubles.
7. diprospan - hormonal medication on the basis of betamethasone used for the blockade, ie, the introduction of directly Mezhuyev vertebrae for maximum analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The suspension is administered not more than 1 time per week. Usually enough 1-3 injections for improvement. Manipulation is carried out in a hospital. The price of 1 syringe with medication - 260-280 rub.
8. Finalgon - warming up ointment which contains irritants and vasodilators components. When applied to the affected area relaxes muscles, easing pain. Apply the medicine must be 2-3 times a day with a thin layer, rub. Repeat 3-5 consecutive days.

Any of the means considered to be effective and well cope with the task. Prescribe medication should only be a specialist after the test.

Folk remedies

Lumbar sciatica, symptoms and treatments which are often interrelated, since drugs are prescribed depending on the manifestations, can not be cured with the help of alternative medicine prescriptions. But alleviate their condition patient can, using natural medicines.

Liquid honey is considered a good remedy for sciatica. You just need to apply the product to the lumbar region and leave for 2-3 hours, repeated at least 10 consecutive days. The method helps to cope with severe pain and other symptoms of the disease.

Poultice of burdock leaves relieves acute pain and has a positive effect on the surrounding tissue. You must choose a few large leaves, attach them to the back and lock the dressing, leave on all night. Repeat procedure should be 7-10 days.

Potatoes, crushed to a pulp after preliminary boiling, is considered a good means of warming. It is necessary to apply a thick layer to the waist, while the product is still warm, leave for 3 hours. Repeat the procedure every day for a week.

Any folk remedy may not act as the sole method of treatment. Before the course, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Other methods

To eliminate the disease symptoms, you can use alternative methods. One such method is considered to be a massage. The course can be passed after the relief of acute symptoms. The procedure is performed 3-4 times a week, it is better to entrust the execution of a specialist in a hospital. Duration of massage - 20-30 minutes. The course consists of 10-15 sessions.

Magnetic therapy - an effective method to help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation in the affected area. In this case the patient's condition improves after 10-12 sessions. Duration of treatment was 20 minutes, the session is conducted on an outpatient basis.

Therapeutic exercise - the best alternative treatment for sciatica.

You must start classes after the elimination of the acute symptoms of the disease. It is better to see a specialist that will help you choose exercises.

They should not bring discomfort or pain, and should not be too tiring patient. Lesson time should not exceed 10 minutes. A few weeks later allowed to increase it to 15-20 minutes. Experts recommend that patients with chronic sciatica deal with every day on a regular basis.

possible complications

If untreated, the disease can pass into a chronic form with regular relapses. In addition, it increases the likelihood of developing diseases of the bladder and reproductive organs. In men, symptoms may cause impotence.

The most severe complication is considered to paralysis of the lower limbs due to strong pinching nerve roots. This disturbed motility. Changes may be reversible and irreversible.

Lumbar sciatica - a common neurological disease, whose symptoms may occur in patients different sex and age, and treatment should be directed at eliminating the symptoms and prevention of development complications.

Registration of the article: Vladimir the Great

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