Radiculitis. Radiculitis of the cervical, thoracic, sacral and lumbar regions

Patients with sciatica (or radiculopathy) experience various manifestations depending on the location, type and level of damage to the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord.

These can be pains of varying intensity, sensory disturbances, atrophy and muscle weakness.

In terms of symptoms, radiculopathy is often similar to other diseases of the internal organs or oncological diseases, therefore, for an accurate diagnosis of radiculitis, it is important to distinguish and take into account all the available signs.

They can be grouped into 3 main groups:

Feelings associated with pain. With sciatica, pain can be constant and temporary, occurring periodically; sharp and dull, aching; local and giving to various organs and parts of the body. The presence of pain is a signal that a damaging effect has been exerted on the nerve fibers. It can be mechanical compression and inflammatory processes. When making movements that cause stretching of the affected roots, the pain may increase.
Violation and partial loss of sensitivity. Sensations of burning, tingling and numbness of the extremities indicate that the conduction of nerve impulses is impaired due to compression of the roots of the spinal cord and nerve processes, and the nerve connection between the muscles and the brain is interrupted in some area.
Muscle weakness. The presence of this symptom is associated with the stopping of impulses from the brain to the muscles, which, due to lack of work, begin to atrophy. Sometimes there is a flaccid paresis.

The cause of the development of sciatica can be degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and injuries.

Due to a violation of the activity of one or more roots of the spinal cord, certain symptoms of sciatica occur.

Types of radiculopathy

Radiculitis can be classified according to several criteria.

According to the type of development of the pain syndrome, it is customary to distinguish between acute and chronic sciatica.

A sharp view is also called a "lumbago".

Because of the sharp and acute pain, the person cannot even move and freezes in the position in which the attack occurred.

The development of chronic sciatica is usually preceded by solitary attacks of pain, alternating with the complete absence of pain.

According to the localization of the affected nerve roots relative to the sections of the spine, they conditionally distinguish:

If the affected area covers several neighboring areas, then they speak of cervicothoracic, cervico-brachial, or lumbosacral sciatica.

Each of them can be acute or chronic and differs in features of manifestation.

cervical

Cervical radiculitis is slightly less common than other forms of radiculopathy, but the symptoms are more painful and brighter than those of the thoracic and lumbar.

It develops as a result of damage to the roots that extend from the spinal cord in the region of the upper cervical vertebrae.

Disturbs pain in the neck and neck. When coughing and turning the head, the pain symptom intensifies. The patient reflexively assumes a protective posture, throwing his head back.

Any careless sudden movement greatly increases the pain.

The pain syndrome can spread to the muscles of the left or right hand and fingers if the root through which the innervation pathways of the upper extremities pass is pinched.

During sleep, it is difficult to find a comfortable position, all the time there is a tingling sensation in the muscles of the neck and arms, numbness. It may even decrease the strength of the muscles of the hand and lose its sensitivity.

Sometimes, due to severe pain, the patient assumes a certain position in which individual muscles experience prolonged tension.

If this happens reflexively, and the muscle does not rest, then a local increase in temperature may be observed.

If cervical radiculopathy occurs against the background of spondylosis or osteochondrosis, then dizziness, unsteady gait and hearing impairment may also be observed.

All these symptoms indicate a lack of blood supply to the brain.

The causes of cervical sciatica can also be:

inflammation of the ligaments and muscles located near the nerve root;
development of a herniated disc;
changes in the shape of the vertebral bodies associated with age.

When both the lower and upper cervical roots are affected, cervicobrachial sciatica develops.

In this form, severe shooting pain extends to the neck, shoulder girdle and arms. Due to the movements made by the hands, tilts and turns of the head, as well as during coughing and with a deep breath, the pain increases sharply.

If the arm is bent at the elbow joint and pressed against the body, then the pain can be slightly reduced. Heat also helps reduce it.

Often with cervicobrachial sciatica, pain in the arm is accompanied by other symptoms:

tension in the chest and neck muscles;
pain in the scapula;
pain in the upper chest;
decreased sensitivity of the occipital region with a shift towards pinched roots;
ear pain;
visual impairment.

To diagnose radiculopathy of the cervical, cervico-shoulder section, an examination by a neurologist is necessary, which assesses the condition of the muscles, the preservation of reflexes and the level of pinching of the roots.

Additionally, x-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are performed.

Other research methods can be prescribed at the discretion of the doctor and depending on the patient's condition.

Acute sciatica

Acute sciatica is manifested by an attack of sudden and vivid pain. This significantly limits mobility.

The slightest sudden movement causes acute pain in the cervical spine, which can radiate to the shoulder blades, collarbones, arms and sternum. If the cause of pinched nerve roots is not eliminated, then the forced restriction of mobility leads to muscle atrophy.

At night, attacks of pain, as a rule, increase.

Spasm of cerebral vessels causes migraine-like headaches, bouts of nausea.

The performance of the brain may decrease, attention and memory deteriorate.

Cervical sciatica can occur due to infectious and viral diseases, flu, colds, tuberculosis.

With proper and timely treatment of the acute form of relapse does not occur.

Chronic sciatica

In the chronic form, all the symptoms of cervical sciatica seem to be slightly smoothed and stretched over time.

Chronic sciatica of the cervical spine occurs with periodic increases in pain and its recessions. Over time, the cervical curve smoothes out. Due to violations of posture, the depreciation function of the spine is reduced, and its condition is further aggravated.

That is why when sharp pains appear in the spine, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed.

It is much easier to cope with an acute primary attack and prevent the development of unpleasant consequences.

Thoracic sciatica

With thoracic sciatica, the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord in the region of the thoracic spine are pinched.

During the neurological examination, various symptoms of sciatica of the thoracic spine are revealed. They depend on the degree of damage to the roots.

The pain is localized along the intercostal nerve pathways, with a deep breath, sneezing and coughing, walking and other movement, it increases significantly.

Despite the fact that this form of sciatica is much less common in the lumbar and cervical, it is impossible to exclude the possibility of its development.

In the presence of characteristic pain in the region of the ribs, trauma of this part of the spine in the past, or other degenerative and inflammatory processes in the thoracic region, it is necessary to conduct a complete examination in order to confirm or exclude such a diagnosis.

This requires an examination by a neurologist, CT and MRI.

The thoracic region is less susceptible to pathological changes than others, but there are a number of reasons that can contribute to the development of sciatica in this area:

age-related changes in the structure of bone tissue;
inflammation and degenerative changes in the ligaments and joints of the spine;
trauma;
excessive physical activity associated with lifting weights;
osteochondrosis;
disc herniation;
herpetic infection;
hypothermia;
diseases of the internal organs.

The term "intercostal neuralgia" is synonymous with thoracic sciatica.

This is due to the fact that the main symptom of this form of radiculopathy is severe girdle pain that extends to the midline of the abdomen or to the sternum from the spine, that is, where the intercostal nerves pass.

Since the intercostal nerves run from the spine to the chest along the ribs, pain can be felt in both the lateral and in front of the chest.

When the left roots are pinched, the pain spreads to the region of the heart, may be accompanied by increased feelings of anxiety and palpitations.

Often this causes the patient to start taking heart medications unnecessarily, having misdiagnosed himself.

Right-sided thoracic sciatica may suggest the development of diseases in the lungs.

Acute sciatica

Acute thoracic sciatica is manifested by a sharp attack.

The symptoms are vivid and persistent. With palpation and light pressure on the skin along the ribs and in the region of the thoracic vertebrae, the pain intensifies even more. With strong compression of the nerve root, numbness of the hands and a violation of their sensitivity may occur.

The cause of the development of an acute form of thoracic radiculitis is more often infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.

Chronic sciatica

If the signs of intercostal neuralgia are paroxysmal in nature, and new attacks appear, albeit not always brightly, but their regularity can be traced, then we can talk about the development of a chronic form of thoracic radiculopathy.

The patient is forced to bend the spine towards the affected and compressed root in order to somehow control the pain.

As a result, a violation of posture is formed.

Radiculitis in the lower back

Lumbar and sciatica are the most common types of radiculopathy.

Symptoms are similar to those of upper spinal sciatica: pain, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness. But they are localized in the lower body and spread to the stomach and legs.

Depending on which part of the body the strangulated root innervates, pain may occur in the lower abdomen, gluteal and lumbar regions, on the side, back and front, on the hips, lower leg or in the foot.

The causes of lumbar radiculopathy are very diverse:

hernia;
osteochondrosis;
compression fracture;
dystrophic and degenerative processes in the spine;
tuberculosis;
flu;
meningitis (cerebrospinal form);
syphilis and other diseases.

A characteristic symptom of sciatica is pain that limits movement in the lumbar region.

It is customary to distinguish 3 types of pain syndromes in lumbar sciatica:

or shot. The occurrence of acute low back pain resulting from exercise, overheating or cooling of the muscles can persist from several hours or minutes to several days.
Ischialgia. The intensity of pain can be different: from tolerable to very intense, making it difficult to sleep, sit, move. Due to the defeat of the largest nerve in the body - the sciatic nerve, there is a shooting, similar to an electrical discharge, pain in the buttock, muscles located on the back of the leg, in the big toe, heel, back of the foot.
Sciatica. From the name it is clear that this type of pain is a cross between sciatica and lumbago. The pain symptom begins in the lumbar region and spreads along the buttock to the posterior and external muscles of the leg, not reaching the foot. The pain in the leg is growing and burning.

Acute sciatica

Acute lumbar sciatica is characterized by sharp pain in the lower back, which occurs unexpectedly at the time of movement or heavy lifting.

During an attack, a person helplessly freezes in a certain position.

It is impossible to solve this problem only by restricting movement and performing daily activities. You need treatment and specialist advice.

Chronic sciatica

After several single attacks of pain in the lumbar region and if left untreated, chronic sciatica develops.

It is characterized by alternating attacks of pain with periods of remission. Depending on which nerve root is damaged and how much it is involved in the pathological process, the symptoms spread further along the nerve pathways from the lumbosacral paravertebral region to the buttocks, thighs, legs and feet.

Over time, the flexibility and mobility of the spine in the area where the nerves are pinched decreases.

The ability to easily make turns and tilts also disappears. Muscles weaken. When pressing on the vertebrae, the pain is felt with greater force.

Discogenic sciatica

If the cause of lower back pain was a prolapsed disc, then they talk about the development of discogenic sciatica.

This pathology occurs quite often in people whose work is associated with stress on the lumbar spine and poor working conditions: high humidity, frequent temperature fluctuations in the room, uncomfortable working posture.

The mechanism of this type of radiculitis is based on secondary compression of the nerve root due to rupture or stretching of the fibrous ring.

Manifestations may occur after a mechanical impact or an infectious disease.

Symptoms of discogenic radiculitis of the lumbar spine are:

pain;
muscle sensitivity disorders;
movement disorders;
on the legs there is a change in tendon reflexes;
vegetative disorders occur;
emotional mood changes, this can affect behavior.

Pain occurs suddenly and acutely, or a few days after exposure to provoking factors. Often gives to the groin, one or both legs.

Depending on the location of the rupture or protrusion, it can be one- or two-sided. With a strong manifestation of the pain syndrome, the patient is forced to observe bed rest for several days.

Pressing the bent leg against the stomach slightly relieves the attack. Coughing, trying to push, even talking, on the contrary, intensify it.

How to recognize the disease during pregnancy?

Often pregnant women confuse back pain with symptoms of sciatica.

But in late pregnancy, when the fetus has significantly increased its mass, the center of gravity shifts and the load on the lumbar spine increases significantly.

In addition, hormonal changes that occur during this period in a woman's body affect the composition of bone tissue and the condition of the vertebrae.

All this can cause the development of sciatica during pregnancy.

The reasons can be hidden much deeper and are associated with dystrophic processes and degenerative changes that occurred in a woman long before pregnancy.

Do not forget also that abdominal pain, even if it is accompanied by a pain symptom and spreads to the buttocks and legs, can be not only a symptom of sciatica during pregnancy, but also a sign of another pathology.

Therefore, you need to consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist and neurologist.

It is much easier to diagnose radiculopathy during pregnancy if a woman has previously had attacks of sciatica and had concomitant and concomitant diseases of the spine that contribute to its development.

If doctors have confirmed the diagnosis - sciatica, then they recommend rest and restriction of motor activity, since the use of many drugs during this period is contraindicated.

Statistics show that almost all women during pregnancy experience various pains in the lumbar region, compression of the sciatic nerve occurs, from which the pain radiates to the abdomen and to one or both legs, but only 25–30% of them have a diagnosis - radiculopathy.

The symptoms of sciatica are varied and similar to those of other diseases of the spine.

Therefore, having felt the first signs of radiculitis, you need to consult a doctor, conduct a complete examination for an accurate diagnosis and identify the true cause of the disease, and begin treatment.

By doing this in a timely manner, you will prevent the possibility of a single acute attack of this disease developing into a long and difficult to treat chronic form.

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An inflammatory process in the nerve root can be caused by such processes as mechanical compression, infection, metabolic disorders, and overload.

The disease can develop against the background of various problems in the body, which include:

narrowed canals of the vertebrae;
spinal injuries;
destructuring of intervertebral discs;
hernia;
tumor.

All these factors can affect the dysfunction of the brain root and provoke the appearance of sciatica, both in women and men.

Radiculitis of the lumbosacral region (ICD code -10 - M54. 1) occurs more often than other forms of pathology.

Most of the patients are men and women over 35 years of age. The main category is people who, by the nature of their work, are forced to sit for a long time, stand with a hunched back or lift weights: loaders, drivers, builders, agricultural workers, welders.

The peak incidence is between 40 and 50 years of age.

Radiculitis in the lumbar region appears in a person when the spinal root is infringed by the vertebrae or becomes inflamed due to pinching.

Symptoms of lumbar sciatica in women

Outwardly, the symptoms of lumbar sciatica in women are manifested by the so-called forced posture in medicine. From the outside, it looks like when moving, a person tries to spare his back when changing the position of the body and limbs.

With radiculitis of the lumbar region, a pulling pain appears in this area, radiating to the leg

The nature of pain in sciatica can be pulling, aching, shooting in the lumbar region, radiating to the lower abdomen, hip joint, buttock and leg from the hip joint to the foot.

External signs of sciatica in the lumbar region

Radiculitis has specific signs: basic and additional. The main symptom is a sharp, sharp pain that develops when making movements. Along the path of distribution, one can understand the zone of pinching of the nerve root in the vertebral structure.

During the reception, a neurologist or vertebrologist draws attention to the following symptoms:

side pressure on the spinous processes provokes acute pain radiating to the buttock;
the long muscles of the back are tense, the touch causes discomfort;
the patient suffers from excessive sweating;
arteries passing through the foot area reduce the strength of the pulsation;
along the pinched nerve, you can feel the cooling of the tissues, notice the blanching of the epidermis;
the patient complains of decreased sensitivity or numbness of areas along the affected nerve.

The first stage - symptoms:

the patient is looking for his own, "anti-pain" tense position, in which he freezes for a long period until the discomfort decreases;
when turning, bending, walking, climbing stairs, the pain syndrome intensifies, painful backaches radiate to the legs;
lower back pain increases sharply with an active tilt of the head - this is a symptom of Nerl;
when getting out of bed, the leg on the affected side bends reflexively - Bekhterev's symptom;
if the patient in the “lying on his back” position raises his leg, then pain appears in the lower back, back of the thigh and buttock - a symptom of Legas;
in the lumbar region, the pain intensifies with attempts, strong coughing and sneezing - Degerian's symptom;
on the side of the lesion, the gluteal fold is smoothed out - Bonnet's symptom.

The second stage - additional symptoms:

in the absence of therapy, an increase in pain is added to the characteristic signs of radiculitis;
motor activity decreases, the patient cannot perform simple actions, you have to take a sick leave at work;
discomfort does not let go in the “sitting” and “standing” positions, movements intensify negative sensations;
palpation of the midline of the abdomen in the area below the navel causes pain;
a chronic form of pathology develops with periods of exacerbation. The more damaged the vertebral structures, the more often painful attacks disturb (up to three times a year). The duration of the exacerbation is two to three weeks.

First signs and symptoms

Signs of sciatica are quite diverse, but for an experienced doctor they have a fairly characteristic picture.

Are there gender differences in the course of the disease? The mechanism, and, therefore, the symptoms of sciatica, in men and women do not differ. However, the disease affects the lumbar region mainly in the stronger sex due to intense physical exertion.

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Women usually complain of cervical sciatica, this is due to monotonous, static loads on the neck.

Another name for lumbar sciatica is “lumbago”, which means the place where the problem appears is the lower back (“lumbus”). The lumbosacral type of sciatica is more common than other varieties.

This form of the disease is manifested due to mechanical destructuring of the joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscles, fibers in the back. Such dystrophic changes are called discogenic sciatica and sciatica.

In the first case, the roots of the spinal cord are affected, and in the second, the ischial. Symptoms of lumbosacral sciatica are similar pain sensations inherent in other types of this disease.

Only these pain attacks are localized, and sensations in the lower abdomen, back and body. In addition, the buttocks, lower back, hips and sides suffer.

Pain in sciatica is the main symptom of this pathology. Often, she appears suddenly, and by strength she is even able to squeeze tears into her eyes.

Sometimes the pain becomes dull, for example, when bending the legs at the knees, when the body is in a supine position, but after a short period of time it can aggravate again and not go away until the person drinks an anesthetic.

The manifestation of pain occurs mainly with a certain movement, and the localization and character - from the place where the pathological process occurs. We will talk about the nature of pain in different types of sciatica a little later, in the classification of radiculopathy, but now let's look at other signs of sciatica.

Signs of sciatica

Stiffness of movements, violation of normal gait;
Reflex (unauthorized) bending of the leg at the knees when a person sits down or lies down;
Numbness (loss of sensation) at the site of the inflammatory process;
Burning and tingling sensation in soft tissues near inflammation;
increased sweating;
Paleness of the skin of the face;
Weakening of muscle tissue;
Increased pain at night.

Other signs of sciatica include

Vertigo ;
Hearing loss;
Deterioration of visual function;
Violations of the activity of the organs of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems.

Complications of sciatica

Complications of sciatica should be considered more as a complication of the disease that is the cause of sciatica.

Complications of sciatica include:

Chronic back pain;
Strokes of parts of the spinal cord;
ischemia;
Atrophy of the limbs;
Paralysis of the lower extremities;
Disability.

Symptoms of radiculitis pain are the same in nature for all types of radiculitis. They differ in localization and violation of the innervation of precisely those organs and parts of the body for which the pinched nerves are responsible.

Common symptoms of sciatica are:

Pain, sharp, sharp, burning, girdle.
The pain may worsen at night or from physical exertion.
The pain may not be directly related to the back, give to the internal organs or limbs.
Difficulty moving the back.
Tingling sensation in limbs.
Feeling of numbness along the paths of the affected nerve.

Diagnostics

Vertebrologist or neurologist prescribes:

x-ray of the lumbosacral zone to assess the degree of damage to solid structures;
electromagnetography to determine the condition of the nerve roots;
conducting an MRI to assess the degree of compression of the nerve endings, lesions of the discs and ligamentous apparatus.

Additionally assigned:

examination of urine and blood;
densitometry;
performing ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

Treatment of sciatica

Treatment of sciatica is carried out exclusively in two stages. On the first one, it is necessary to eliminate all pain sensations that may disturb a person, and on the second, through the use of drug therapy, recovery is accelerated. If a person is worried about severe pain in the lumbar region, then it is necessary to carry out the so-called chipping of this place with painkillers.

For the treatment of radiculitis, first of all, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which are aimed at effectively eliminating pain and relieving swelling in the affected area. At the same time, you should take into account that such drugs must be taken for a limited period of time due to the fact that they negatively affect the liver and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole.

That is why, the treatment should be under the supervision of a doctor to monitor your health status.

How to treat sciatica? This question has been discussed by medical specialists for many years. Everyone agrees that it is necessary to apply several methods of influence at once:

Treat with medication.
Conduct physical therapy.
Assign physical therapy and massage.
If necessary, resort to surgery.

Treatment can be medical and non-traditional. Doctors prescribe non-steroidal drugs with an analgesic effect.

In addition, topical agents can be used - ointments, gels, rubbing. Radiculitis is also treated with hirudotherapy, acupuncture, a visit to the Russian bath, massages, manual therapy, and surgical intervention.

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Medications for treatment are used non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory group, analgesics, glucocorticoids, vascular drugs and antihypoxants, antibiotics, chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, blockades.

When a lumbago occurs, you should drink Ibuprofen or Ortafen, Diclofenac tablets. If these drugs are not at hand, with a low intensity of pain, analgesics can be taken: Paracetamol, Metamizol, Piraminal, Butadion and Indomethacin.

After that, the patient should take a comfortable position and lie down in a warm bed. Preparations of the glucocorticoid group are prescribed when the long-awaited effect is not obtained.

They are able to relieve inflammation and decompress. These are Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone, Lemod, Medrol, which will need to be drunk as directed.

If damage and regeneration of the roots are found, stimulants of the biological sphere are prescribed - Plasmol, aloe extract and FiBS. Rubbing is also used in the affected area:

Camphor alcohol;
Formic alcohol;
Chloroethyl;
ointments based on snake or bee venom;
Novocain.

A plaster (pepper or Nanoplast) can also be used.

How to treat sciatica? Treatment of sciatica How to treat sciatica? Treatment of sciatica begins with a thorough diagnosis and precise determination of the causes and localization of the pathological process. Next, the doctor prescribes all the necessary funds and drugs.

1. Restriction of movement; 2. Medical treatment; 3. Physiotherapy;4. Manual therapy;5. Therapeutic physical education (LFK); 6. Surgical treatment (if necessary).

Important! Before using drugs, be sure to consult your doctor!

1. Restriction of movement

Important! Before using folk remedies against sciatica, be sure to consult your doctor!

Birch juice. Birch helps cleanse the blood and normalize metabolic processes in the body, so this gift of nature is great for treating arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica and other pathological processes.

To use birch sap for therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to drink it daily, 3 times a day, one glass at a time, 30 minutes before meals, for 10-14 days.

After the course, you need to interrupt for a week, and repeat.

Applications. Attach any of the following plants to the sore spot - leaves of burdock, birch, linden, chamomile, St. John's wort, nettle, black elderberry or hop cones.

Tape them to you with polyethylene, and tie them on top with a woolen scarf or bandage. Do this procedure before going to bed, and keep the tapes tied up throughout the night.

How to treat sciatica, the doctor will best explain. However, traditional medicine methods are also used in this matter.

Thus, sciatica lumbar treatment requires complex. Therapy should include drug treatment and physiotherapy, traditional medicine.

Do not forget about the observance of a special therapeutic diet.

Medical treatment

Medication is prescribed by a doctor. The course of treatment and drugs, the regimen of administration depend on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.

For intramuscular injections, Dicloberl, Dolobene or their analogues are prescribed. Medicines such as Mydocalm, Neurobion, Mukosat, Tolperil are often prescribed. All of these drugs also have the form of release in tablets, but then the scheme and duration of their administration changes.

For rubbing, Ketoprofen gel is used. This drug is rubbed for several days before going to bed. You can stick a special drug-filled patch before going to bed, usually Diclofenac.

Physiotherapy

There are some of the most effective ways to treat lumbar sciatica through physiotherapy. All actions are carried out only in a special room under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

One of the first ways to deal with lumbar sciatica is massage. It is done on the lower back, repeated 10-20 sessions.
Acupuncture helps a lot. Like massage, 10 to 20 sessions are performed.
An important method of treatment is exercise therapy. Gymnastic exercises should be done for at least 3 months. And it is best to continue to do it throughout life, even after recovery.
Electrophoresis treatment is still used today. The treatment regimen is simple - in the first 5 days, Hydrocortisone is applied to the electrodes, the next 5 days - Lidocaine.
Magnetic field therapy is also a popular method. True, in this case, the pain syndrome will persist a little longer.

Radiculopathy (sciatica) in neurology refers to symptoms that occur during inflammatory processes or compression of the bundle of nerve endings extending from the spinal cord. In this case, there may be a spread of pain along the location of the nerve fibers, a feeling of weakness in the muscles, accompanied by tingling, numbness in the problem area.

In most cases of sciatica, the signs of the disease appear due to the presence of an intervertebral hernia. The cartilages present in the intervertebral space play the role of an elastic pad that acts as a shock absorber, and also gives flexibility and mobility to the entire spinal column.

Over time, cartilage tissues wear out, deform, and the process of protrusion of cartilage fragments into the spinal canal can occur. The resulting deformation changes, in most cases, create a compression effect - an irritating effect on the nerve bundles emerging from the spinal trunk.

In other situations, the nerve may be affected by: overgrown bone tissue, narrowing of the vertebral foramina or foraminal passages. Constant compression of the nerve roots and the process of their inflammation can be one of the main factors provoking chronic painful conditions along the course of the nerve fibers. The choice of treatment in this case depends on what exactly caused the sciatica: hernia, bone growth or stenosis.

Causes

The anatomical factor causing radiculopathy may be the result of functional disorders of the nerve fibers. Compression or compression of the nerve causes the manifestation of pain symptoms in the area of the lower back (lower back and sacrum), the region of the cervical vertebrae with the spread of pain in the limbs, as well as the weakening of muscle tissue, the presence of the effect of numbness, burning and tingling.

The base of the nerve ending can be affected by deformation changes in the cartilage in the intervertebral space, bone growths (osteophytes) and bone degeneration. Many patients complain about the presence of periodic painful sensations of varying degrees of intensity in the area of the entire back and limbs, partial loss of sensation, muscle weakness, etc.

Radiculitis can manifest itself in the thoracic, lumbar (lumbosacral), cervical, cervicothoracic, and cervicobrachial.

All efforts in the treatment of the disease are aimed not only at eliminating the painful symptoms, but also getting rid of the factor that caused it.

The manifestation of radiculopathy can occur when:

the appearance of hernias of cartilaginous discs in the area of the waist, sacrum, neck and thoracic vertebrae;
deformations, structural changes in the hard and soft tissues of the body, degeneration of discs and bones;
narrowing of the passages of the spinal canal;
narrowing of the foraminal passages;
the presence of tumors, neoplasms.

thoracic

In this case, the disease affects the middle region of the back - the thoracic vertebrae, which belong to the thoracic region, and there are twelve of them in total. Symptoms are very specific for sciatica: pain with pain spreading to the limbs, weakened muscles with the presence of symptoms of burning, tingling.

Among all other types of this disease, it is quite rare to find thoracic sciatica in patients, since the upper part of the spine is quite strong and has additional support in the form of ribs. In addition, it has a slight flexibility, as a result of which age-related changes are not so obvious.

The factors provoking thoracic radiculopathy include: disc herniation in varying degrees of manifestation, serious spinal injuries, growth and destruction of bone tissue, as well as narrowing of the spinal canal, foraminal passages, the formation of growths and inflammation of the joints.

Lumbar (lumbosacral)

This type of disease is localized in the lumbar zone, which consists of five mobile vertebrae and is the center of gravity of the human body. Symptoms are standard: painful sensations with the spread of pain in the limbs, weakening of muscle tissue, burning, tingling.

Radiculitis of the lumbar zone has a second name - sciatica. This is due to the fact that with this type of disease, irritation occurs in a significant part of the entire nervous system of the human body - the sciatic nerve. In this case, acute pain occurs in the buttocks, thigh, legs, and in the direction of the nerve fibers reach the feet.

The causes of lumbosacral radiculitis are considered by experts to be different degrees of development of herniated discs, injuries (fractures) of the spine, the formation of bone growths, as well as narrowing of the spinal and foraminal canals, displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other.

Pain in the defeat of the lumbosacral region is concentrated near the sciatic nerve, spreading along the fibers to the hips and legs. For the patient, finding a comfortable position when walking, standing or lying down is a rather serious problem. Sharp or dull aching painful sensations may appear unexpectedly with normal ranges of motion, inclinations. This may change the degree of sensitivity in the limbs, along with a decrease in muscle strength.

Cervical

The affected area is located in the region of the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms of cervical sciatica: pain in the left, right side of the neck (depending on the location of the damaged root), impaired sensitivity in the affected area, increasing weakening of muscle strength.

Patients with cervical sciatica present with disc changes, hernias of varying degrees of development, narrowing of the foraminal passages, or inflammation of the joints. Irradiation of symptoms occurs in the arms, shoulder area.

About seven vertebrae of the cervical region (from C1 to C7) are eight pairs of nerve roots, which are conductors of electrical impulses from the central nervous system and spinal cord.

The zone of innervation is directly dependent on each root, and each pair of nerve fibers corresponds to a certain area of responsibility:

C1 and C2 - head;
C3 and C4 - abdominal obstruction (diaphragm);
C5 - organs of the upper body;
C6 - wrists, biceps brachii;
C7 - triceps muscle;
C8 - hands.

Symptoms of the disease: pain in the neck, passing to the shoulder girdle, hands, fingers. The manifestation of acute pain can be sudden, with an awkward or sharp movement of the neck, turning the head. Mitigation of painful manifestations can occur with slow movements, but finding a comfortable position for sleeping can be very difficult.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Doctors call the cause of the disease osteochondrosis, which in recent decades has been detected in people of a fairly young age, and even in children. Every person feels the clinical manifestations of the disease, with rare exceptions. With age, disc displacement, their deformation, the development of hernias can occur, which can provoke both congenital problems of the body and acquired ones.

Neoplasms that grow in the area of the spinal column or in the adjacent area most often create a compression effect in the region of the nerve roots, which can lead to the development of sciatica, radiculoneuritis. Changes in the condition of the spine can occur due to gynecological problems, viral and infectious diseases, regular weight lifting, excessive load, hypothermia. Dystrophic changes can lead to narrowing of the intervertebral foramina, the nerve roots begin to experience pressure, showing symptoms of sciatica.

Forms of the disease

The course of the disease can occur in primary and secondary form. A provoking factor for the occurrence of primary radiculitis may be a disease of a viral or infectious nature.

The reason for the development of a secondary type of radiculitis may be dystrophic bone deformities, injuries, tumors of various origins, intoxication, impaired blood flow, etc. The location of the affected area depends on the degree of infringement of the nerve roots and their location (in the lumbar, sacral, cervicothoracic zone, etc.). in connection with which, the development of radiculoneuritis, polyradiculoneuritis may occur.

The clinical picture of all types of the disease is similar: the presence of pain in the area of innervation of nerve fibers, increased pain during awkward movements, coughing, sneezing. The spine is limited in movement, the patient from time to time tries to take pain-relieving positions, and with slight pressure on the affected area (the zone of the spinous processes and paravertebral points), acute pain occurs.

The course of the radicular syndrome has several stages:

Stage 1 (neurological) - it is characterized by increased sensitivity, sudden onset of acute pain, muscles are tense, paravertebral points are very painful when touched;
Stage 2 (neurotic) - characterized by a decrease in sensitivity in the region of the nerve bundles, pain sensations become less acute, the periosteal reflex fades, the presence of partial malnutrition is stated. Muscle tension and acute pain in the affected area persists.

Most often, patients have signs of radicular syndrome in the lower back (lower back and sacrum), since this part of the body experiences maximum functional loads. As a result, changes in the intervertebral discs can be significant even in people over the age of 30 years.

The development of the radicular process can occur both on one side of the spinal column, and on both sides simultaneously. Symptoms manifest as acute, burning pain in the lower spine, which can shift to the buttocks and legs, the motor functions of the lumbosacral region are limited, and weakness is observed in the muscles. At later stages, vegetative and trophic disorders may occur, as well as sensitivity disorders in the area of the disease.

For example, in case of problems with the fourth lumbar root, pain will be present in the lumbar region, the front inner side of the thigh and lower leg, and the edge of the foot. Violations in the fifth vertebra cause pain in the lumbar region and upper parts of the gluteal zone, as well as the posterior lateral surface of the lower leg and the back of the foot.

Reflex syndromes that occur in the intervertebral disc when the annulus fibrosus, intervertebral ligament and joint capsule are irritated belong to the same group, called “sciatica” by experts.

This category includes lumbalgia and lumbago, lumboischialgia, neuromuscular tissue disorders, as well as a disease accompanied by lumbosacral, sacroiliac syndromes, inflammation of the hip, knee, ankle joints.

Symptoms

The term radiculopathy (sciatica) can describe multiple symptoms that occur for a single reason - compression of the nerve roots emerging from the spinal cord. It is difficult to call sciatica an independent disease, since it combines a complex of symptoms: starting with pain and ending with a feeling of numbness, burning in the limbs, muscle weakness, etc.

In the human body, there are 31 pairs of nerve roots that branch off from the spinal canal. For various reasons, the spatial passages through which the endings pass can narrow, creating constant pressure on the nerves. The compression effect in this case can be caused by disc herniation at various stages of development, narrowing of the vertebral foramina, various tumors, injuries, infectious diseases, etc.

The most common symptoms of sciatica may be dull periodic or sharp pain, spreading to the limbs. Pain is a signal from the body that nerve fibers are being damaged.

The compression created for various reasons entails a violation of sensitivity in the affected areas and limbs, since the transmission of impulse from the spinal cord to the muscles is weakened. In addition, due to the same reason, there is weakness, lethargy of muscle tissues, and with a long absence of impulses - muscle atrophy, paresis.

Diagnosis and how to treat

Since sciatica itself is not a disease and is a set of symptoms, the specialist needs to identify which nerve root damage causes their manifestation. There can be several reasons for the occurrence of radiculopathy: a hernia or protrusion of the intervertebral disc, stenosis, etc.

Diagnosis of sciatica is carried out using:

determination of characteristic symptoms (intensity, duration of pain, degree of sensitivity in the affected areas, etc.);
visual examination, in order to identify the most painful places, determine muscle strength and assess the mobility of the spine;
neurological examination (checking reflex activity);
x-ray examination, which helps to establish the degree of deformation and degenerative changes;
MRI, computed tomography (methods will help to clearly visualize the compression of the nerve bundles);
EMG, which allows you to determine how damaged the nerve fibers are.

Therapeutic procedures and drugs are prescribed depending on the severity of pain symptoms, violations of the sensitivity of body parts and changes in motor skills. The vast majority of cases are amenable to conservative treatment of sciatica.

Medicines are prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce swelling.

Physiotherapeutic techniques form the basis of conservative treatment, since they give positive results: they improve blood flow in the affected areas, reduce pain, and contribute to a better passage of impulses.

In non-acute conditions of the patient, and manual therapy techniques have proven to be effective.

Acupuncture procedures also have a positive effect on the active points of the body, as a result of which the passage of impulses along the nerve endings can significantly improve.

Moderate physical activity (exercise therapy) under the supervision of a specialist gives a positive effect, restoring the natural biomechanics of the spine and the stereotype of motor functions.

Most clinics for the treatment and prevention of radiculopathy use, in addition to traditional therapy, non-drug methods. The complex of therapeutic measures allows you to save the patient from the symptoms of the disease, significantly reduce the risk of relapse, and includes:

magnetopuncture;
vacuum methods of therapy;
dry traction;
manual therapy techniques used in a gentle mode;
laser therapy;
pharmacopuncture;
acupuncture;
electrical stimulation techniques.

The number of sessions performed can be from 10 to 15 procedures, while pain is eliminated in the first three sessions.

For the period of treatment, the patient must exclude any load on the affected area of the back, otherwise, with constant irritation of the nerve roots, the procedures will not bring the desired effect. It is also necessary to take anti-inflammatory, analgesic drugs.

Radiculitis is one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system.
Sciatica is an inflammatory process that involves bundles of nerve fibers extending from the spinal cord. Nerve roots can be pinched as a result of careless movement or injury. This is also sciatica.

Sciatica (or radiculopathy) is not a disease, but a term. It denotes a combination of symptoms: pain in the cervical spine, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness.

Causes of radiculitis.

In 95% of cases, sciatica is a manifestation of untreated osteochondrosis, and in the remaining 5% it is the result of an old spinal injury, it is possible that intervertebral hernia, wear of the spinal column and especially intervertebral discs, compression or infringement of the roots of the spinal nerves by the vertebrae between which they are located. The cause of such compression is various spinal deformities, which, in turn, may be the result of osteochondrosis.
Stress, infection, metabolic disorders, heavy lifting and awkward movements can provoke an attack of sciatica.

Symptoms of sciatica.

The main symptom is pain. The location of the pain directly depends on the location of the injury to the spine.
Sciatica is characterized by severe pain in the back and neck, which persists both during movement and at rest.

The cause of radiculitis can be osteochondrosis, hypothermia, spinal injuries, sudden movements, and even intoxication of the body as a result of an infectious disease.

There are three types of sciatica:

cervical,
chest and
lumbar.

cervical sciatica characterized by severe pain in the back of the head and neck. Pain is aggravated by any movement of the head, for example, when coughing. There were cases when patients had nausea, hearing loss, change in gait.

With cervicobrachial sciatica there are severe pains in the shoulders, neck and arms. With chest - pain encircles the chest.

sciatica- This is the most common type of sciatica.
It is also called sciatica. This causes pain in the hip, foot, buttocks. Occurs against the background of arthritis, compression fractures, hernias, stenosis of the spinal canal, etc.

Diagnosis of sciatica.

Diagnosis of the syndrome is usually complex. It includes:
- a study at the doctor's office of reflex activity and sensitivity,
- radiography, which makes it possible to establish the degree of changes in the spine,
- MRI, CT determines the presence of root compression,
- electromyography (EMG) - determination of the degree of damage to nerve fibers
Radiculitis can only be diagnosed by an enemy neuropathologist based on an x-ray.

TREATMENT OF RADICULITIS.

Medical treatment .
The task of drug treatment is to relieve inflammation, reduce swelling of the underlying tissues and reduce pain.

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets and injections.
For example, from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Movalis, Ortofen, Nimesulide, Voltaren, Ibuprofen, etc.
Painkillers, anti-inflammatory and warming agents.
Can be applied locally ointments, creams:
Bee or snake venom, Hot pepper tincture, "Sustamed" with bear fat, "Viprosal", containing viper poison with the addition of fir oil, camphor and other substances , B vitamins etc.
After applying the medicine, you can carefully wrap the sore spot with a woolen scarf.
Within 1-2 days it is important to observe complete rest. But don't abuse them.

Topical agents, painkillers and warming ointments with sciatica, they cannot be effective enough, since they do not penetrate into the joints and do not reach the nerve endings.

Give good result physiotherapeutic procedures, baths, heating and massages, however, they should be used with extreme caution and only on the advice of a doctor.

It all depends on the cause of the sciatica. If the pain is caused by muscle spasm, a warm bath can alleviate the condition, and in the case of an inflammatory process, on the contrary, it will worsen. Massage in some cases can also do more harm than good, especially massage done by a non-professional.

Physiotherapy.
There are many physiotherapy techniques that improve blood circulation in the tissues adjacent to the root, reduce pain, and improve the conduction of impulses along nerve fibers.

Manual therapy and massage .
Helps relieve muscle blocks and muscle spasms.

IRT.
Acupuncture with the help of influence on biologically active
point helps to restore the process of conducting impulses along the nerve
fibers.

exercise therapy .
Dosed physical activity helps to restore
normal biomechanics of the spine and a normal stereotype of movements. With the help of exercises, it is often possible to relieve root compression due to the redistribution of load vectors.
Orthopedic products are of particular importance in the treatment and prevention of radiculopathy. This is about fixators of the lumbar spine, chest and lumbar corsets And orthopedic collars.

Prevention of sciatica is to prevent spinal injuries, hypothermia and drafts, timely treatment of infectious diseases. Physiotherapy exercises, playing sports within reasonable limits also contribute to the health of the back and serve as a prevention of sciatica.

A set of therapeutic exercises for radiculitis.

1. Put your feet together. Take your hands in the "castle" in front of the body. Raise your hands up, bend - inhale. Return to the starting position - exhale. Repeat 8-10 times.
2. Legs apart, lower your arms. Bend over with your cool leg and touch your knee - inhale. Straighten up - exhale. Repeat 5 times.
3. Legs apart, hands on the waist. Tilt the torso to the left, bending the right leg at the knee - exhale. Return to the starting position - inhale. 5 times in each direction.
4. Legs apart, on the width of the foot. Sit down. Stretch your arms forward - exhale. Straighten up, arms down - inhale. Repeat 8-10 times.
5. Lie on your back, arms along the body. Raise your left leg and arm at the same time - exhale. 6-7 times with each leg.
6. Kneel down, resting your palms on the floor. Raise up the straightened left leg, bend in the lower back - exhale. Lower - inhale. 5-6 times with each leg.
7. Legs together, arms along the body. Step gently and smoothly from toe to heel, and then stand on the whole foot. Hands simultaneously go one forward and up, the other back. Repeat 40-50 s.
8. Stand facing the chair, put the straight left leg on the seat, hands on the belt. Bend the left leg at the knee - exhale, unbend - inhale. Repeat 5 times in a row, then switch legs.
9. Sit on the edge of a chair, lean your hands on seat I from behind, do not bend your knees. Do "scissors" - moving your legs up and down without stopping.

Such a common diagnosis in neurology as sciatica is made to many patients. But what is it, and how to help a person suffering from his attacks?

Radiculitis, or, as it is customary to designate it in medical practice, radiculopathy, are terms that literally refer to a disease of the peripheral nervous system. It manifests itself in the form of an acute or chronic inflammatory process that occurs in bundles of nerve fibers that branch off from the spinal cord.

Radiculitis

There are several forms of radiculopathy:

cervical;
chest;
lumbar;
sacral;
coccygeal.

Very often, several sections of the spinal column are affected simultaneously, and then the form of sciatica becomes mixed, for example, lumbosacral.

Cause

Experts see the main cause of discogenic radiculopathy (banal radiculitis) in irreversible, i.e. degenerative damage (or, more simply, wear!) of intervertebral cartilage discs.

Such a lesion is associated with the destruction of the fibrous ring, and the main reason for this is osteochondrosis.

For various reasons, the cartilaginous layer between the bones of the spinal column becomes thinner, which leads to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and infringement of nerve fibers.

It is important to know! In severe cases, abrasion occurs on the surface of unprotected bone tissue that experiences everyday stress.

Additionally, characteristic bone and salt outgrowths appear on the edges of the vertebrae, aggravating the pinched nerves during physical activity.

In addition, they irritate the nervous tissue in osteochondrosis and muscle contractions that occur during hypothermia, intoxication and trauma.

Symptoms

The first thing that a patient with sciatica feels is the appearance of acute pain in the inflamed area. In addition, the following are additionally noted:

violation of the sensitivity of adjacent parts of the body;
movement disorders.

In the absence of proper treatment, the disease becomes chronic, which is difficult to treat and is fraught with periodic exacerbations.

Depending on which of the five sections of the spinal column is involved in the inflammatory process, an attack of sciatica may differ in its clinical signs.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is carried out by medical specialists in a medical institution.

Including, the doctor resorts to such research methods as:

computed and magnetic resonance imaging;
radiography;
scanning of the spinal column;
blood and urine tests;
ultrasonography.

Treatment

As well as setting the correct diagnosis, the appointment of adequate treatment is in the exclusive competence of the attending neurologist.

Like any therapy, the main goal is to eliminate the causes of the disease. For this, the patient, along with the relief of pain, produces:

physiotherapy;
therapeutic technique for stretching the spine.

When attacks of acute sciatica appear, the very first aid is expressed in providing a person with complete rest.
To do this, he is placed on a bed with a hard mattress, and unbearable pains are stopped with painkillers and a novocaine blockade is put. Additionally, anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out.

It is important to know! The symptoms of sciatica can be easily confused by a non-professional with signs of other serious diseases in which heating is contraindicated. Therefore, patients are strictly forbidden to make their own decisions about anesthesia and the effect of heat on the area of pain.

In conditions outside the hospital, patients are recommended special ointments and rubbing agents, which are applied with light massage movements to the zones of the painful reaction. When performing massage or rubbing, it is important to ensure that the masseur's hands are not dry and cold.

sciatica

This is the most common form of the disease, since the lumbar region experiences the greatest mechanical impact when the body moves.

It is important to know! The largest sciatic nerve (or, as it is also called, sciatica) is located in the sacral region. Therefore, this form is very painful for patients.

Symptoms

The affected nerve roots of the lumbar and sacral sections make themselves felt with sharp pains in
relevant areas of the back:

lower back;
sacrum.

The clinical symptoms do not end there. Pain extends to the buttocks, with recoil throughout the lower extremities in:

hip;
shin;
foot including heel.

A characteristic feature of such pains is their intensification during movement, so patients try to ensure their peace as much as possible.

In addition to pain, there are sensations of coldness of the legs, numbness of parts of the body adjacent to the spine, crawling, loss of pain and temperature sensitivity.

Treatment

With exacerbations, bed rest is indicated, but not longer than five days!

In general, the treatment of such a disease is extremely complex, aimed at both eradicating the causes and restoring the lost functioning of the spinal column.

Drug treatment includes the use of several groups of drugs:

anti-inflammatory, - Diclofenac, etc.;
local pain medications.

In addition, injections and tablets of vitamin-containing preparations of group B are shown.
Additionally, the patient is recommended therapeutic massage and special exercises restoring muscle activity (exercise therapy).

Quite justified is the treatment of lumbar sciatica at home with various folk remedies of both plant and animal origin, as well as clay applications.

Many patients resort to periodic wearing on the affected area of such a proven folk remedy as a sciatica belt made on the basis of pure animal wool - sheep, camel, goats and even dogs.

Various ointments based on herbs and honey are shown, as well as mustard and pepper plasters stimulating microcirculation.

Of the means of physiotherapy, dynamic electric current and electrophoresis are used.

cervical sciatica

Cervical radiculopathy is formed around the age of forty as a result of irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical vertebrae.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of cervical and cervico-shoulder sciatica are intense pain in the back of the head, neck, transmitted to the shoulders and shoulder blades. One-sided and sudden, the pain becomes more acute with movements of the head and hands, coughing and sneezing.

Advanced cases cause burning, tingling, loss of pain and thermal sensitivity in the skin of the hands. The muscles of the hands become inactive, weak.

Treatment

The treatment of this form of the disease is similar to the treatment of the lumbosacral region: they resort to drugs, physiotherapy and gymnastics in a complex way.

Thoracic sciatica

This is the rarest form of sciatica, most often caused by viruses, for example, leading to the disease shingles.

In addition, this form of the disease leads to:

tumor processes in the chest area;
adhesion formation.

Symptoms

Like other forms of sciatica, the symptoms of chest pain are expressed by tingling, numbness and pain in the spaces between the ribs - intercostal neuralgia occurs, which is especially aggravated by motor activity.

At the same time, patients complain of muscle weakness, especially in the chest area.

Treatment

The main treatment does not differ from the usual methods of treating a common form of sciatica, and can be supplemented by manual therapy methods, mud therapy and other specific methods in a sanatorium.

Alternative methods of treatment of sciatica

In any case, home treatment of radiculopathy should still be under the supervision of a medical specialist!

Almost all available for home relief of the patient's condition are natural painkillers.

herbal remedies

Many suffering from radiculitis attacks are well helped by horseradish treatment in the form of its tincture, prepared with one part of the juice of this burning root, and one part of water.

The solution is rubbed into the areas of greatest pain, and immediately insulated with woolen clothing to enhance the effect.

Fir oil

This wonderful herbal remedy is used in a course - for 10-15 days daily rubbing it into the skin of the back and legs.

The effect of the oil is enhanced if warming procedures were previously carried out, or the patient took a hot bath.

Nettle

In folk medicine, the treatment of radiculitis attacks with nettles is very popular. To do this, use fresh, green leaves, applying them to the surface of the skin.

In the winter season, dried leaves are useless; instead, nettles are frozen from summer.

mustard powder

This herbal remedy is traditionally used by applying pharmacy mustard plasters to the areas affected by sciatica, or by taking a mustard bath.

For a bath, about 350 grams of powder is diluted with warm water, after which it is poured into a bath filled with warm water (39 degrees for women, and not higher than 42 for men), and stirred.

The bath is taken for about fifteen minutes. For patients with heart problems, the length of stay in a hot bath is reduced to five minutes.

burdock

The treatment of sciatica with burdock is successfully practiced, for which a fresh leaf of this plant is rinsed and fixed at the site of inflammation. Dried leaves are used in the same way in winter.

Black radish

The usual raw black radish also helps, which is rubbed on a fine grater, and applied in the form of gruel to the body, where the attacks are most felt. Pounded onions are sometimes added to the radish to enhance its medicinal qualities.

The application is kept for about forty minutes, after which the skin is wiped with a damp cloth.

If you use not gruel, but radish juice compresses, which are soaked in pieces of clean, dense fabric. Such compresses are applied to areas of the spinal column for a longer time - at least two to three days.

Potato treatment

To alleviate the patient's condition during mild attacks, two types of potato tubers are used:

raw;
boiled.

A gruel is prepared from raw potatoes, chopping it in any convenient way. Then it is diluted with the same volume of gasoline, applied to a thick cloth, which is applied to the lower back or thoracic region.

Withstand the compress for up to 16 minutes, after which the skin is wiped with a cloth moistened with water.

Boiled half a kilo of potatoes is mashed (without adding oil, salt and milk!), And mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda. The finished mixture is distributed over gauze, folded two or three times, and the sore spot is wrapped. A film is applied on top, and insulated with woolen things.

Ointment based on garlic

Preparing is simple: one weight of raw garlic is crushed, and mixed with two weights of rendered fat from the insides of a pig. The finished composition is stored in an opaque jar in the refrigerator.

The ointment is used every day, in a warm form, rubbing with massage movements into the affected areas.
Folk methods of non-vegetative composition n

Creolin

This is ordinary potter's clay, well-purified and safe.

When treating with creolin, it is combined with wine or apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1 to 1, or one to two, and the resulting viscous “dough” is distributed on the skin.

Clay remains on the body for up to two days, after which it is simply washed off.

"Furacilin mustard plasters"

A solution is prepared: a quarter of a tablet of furacilin is dissolved in fifty milliliters of water. Next, a full spoonful of bee honey is stirred in the solution, and mustard plasters are lowered into it.

The procedure is carried out at night: after keeping the mustard plasters for 15-20 minutes, they are removed, and a film and warm cloth are put in their place. So they sleep all night.

Natural honey

It is very useful to rub the area of the spinal column with real honey, on top of which ordinary mustard plasters are applied, and they are kept, warming the area, for up to twenty minutes.

bee venom

Apitherapy is not limited to medotherapy! Quite effectively, strong attacks are stopped by bee stings, which secrete poison from their sting containing the biologically active substance apitoxin (about 0.3 grams in one bite).

In addition, when stinging, the tissue receives the enzyme adolapin, which is a natural analgesic, more powerful than its chemical counterparts.

In addition, bee stings:

have an analgesic effect;
start the natural processes of self-healing of the body;
relieve muscle spasms;
enhance blood microcirculation;
remove inflammatory processes.

With the help of tweezers, the bee is seated on the skin, waiting for the bite, after which it is removed, and the skin is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to bee venom. To prevent this from happening, a provocative test is performed before treatment.

Unfortunately, the prospects for completely getting rid of sciatica are practically zero, since such a condition is difficult to treat. Usually the patient has to get used to the pathology, adapting to the new rules of life.