Lumbar sciatica is a disease of the peripheral part of the nervous system. It is accompanied by sharp lower back pain that spreads to the back of the thigh. The disease occurs when the nerve fibers of the spinal cord are damaged or inflamed . Lumbar sciatica is the most common form of such inflammation. There are a lot of factors that contribute to the development of the disease.
Lumbar sciatica: causes
The disease can be triggered:
- age-related bone changes in the vertebral body;
- infringement of nerve roots;
- inflammatory process in the muscles and ligaments located near nerves and pressing on the root;
- displacement or subluxation of the vertebrae;
- spinal injuries ;
- protrusion or hernia of the intervertebral disc;
- infectious diseases of the nervous system;
- tumors in the peripheral system.
Lumbar sciatica: symptoms
The disease manifests itself in pains that differ in character, intensity and localization. Pain begins in the lower back, later spreading to the buttocks, thigh, individual muscles and legs. At the same time, it hurts a person to stand and move. Sometimes the sensitivity of the toes disappears.
Treatment
Lumbar sciatica is treated differentially. The approach to therapy depends on the etiology, stage of the disease and phase of development. First, the patient is prescribed only physiotherapy, which has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. For relief of pain in acute lumbosacral radiculitis, ultraviolet irradiation of the lumbar region is used. Medicines are used in the second phase. They normalize tissue trophism, stimulate metabolic and regenerative processes, and regulate blood circulation. The use of novocaine blockers, painkillers, biogenic stimulants, as well as B vitamins is effective. Painkillers are prescribed for acute pain syndrome. If the cause of radiculitis is dystrophic changes in the spinal column, traction, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, exercise therapy are indicated.
Lumbar sciatica: home treatment
From home remedies, regular physical therapy exercises, massage sessions and a special diet are recommended.
Exercise therapy is aimed at strengthening muscles and giving the spine better mobility. The complex normalizes muscle tone, increases spinal mobility, improves general condition. Massage with radiculitis should be carried out during the period of remission, in the acute phase it is contraindicated. Massage procedures are performed by specialists or independently by patients. Self-massage can be done while lying, sitting or standing.
The main methods of self-massage with radiculitis are stroking and rubbing the back with a special method.
Lumbar sciatica can be treated more quickly if a diet is observed that normalizes the general condition of the body. The diet should include vegetable salads and fruits. Fried, fatty and spicy foods, strong tea, and coffee should be excluded.
With regular and proper execution of the complex, consisting of a diet, exercise therapy and massage, you can permanently get rid of lower back pain.