Radiculitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the spinal roots and arises as a result of their compression. This disease may be due to osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, or spinal deformities.
When
radiculitis is diagnosed
, symptoms and
treatment (medication, surgery, physiotherapy, or using alternative methods) depend on the degree of destructive changes. The most commonly observed radiculitis damage to the lumbar spine. In this case, severe back pain is observed, which almost completely immobilizes the patient. For successful treatment, a thorough diagnosis should be made and, if possible, eliminated the etiological factors that provoke the development of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, muscle spasm and pain.
Lumbar sciatica: drug treatment
Pharmacological therapy is carried out to relieve inflammation, eliminate pain and swelling of the surrounding tissues. In acute course, strict bed rest is recommended. Also prescribed:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- painkillers;
- vitamins;
- muscle relaxants;
- ganglion blockers;
- hormones;
- dehydration agents.
It is not worth it to be treated on your own, since only a qualified prescription of drugs, taking into account the etiology, is the key to recovery. Treatment of radiculitis: medication can reduce the intensity of clinical manifestations, but it should be remembered that, for example, prolonged use of NSAIDs can negatively affect the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, drugs from this group are forbidden to be used by patients who have concomitant cardiac pathologies.
Steroids and novocaine blockade in the treatment of radiculitis
Steroid drugs are substitutes for cortisol and effectively fight inflammation and pain. Among them, the most commonly prescribed drugs are Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, Metipred, Prednisolone, or Kenalog. Despite the high effectiveness of these drugs, they should be prescribed with caution, since they are characterized by side effects in the form of facial swelling, stomach damage, weight gain, and the development of osteoporosis. The treatment of radiculitis with medication also includes the use of novocaine blockades, which effectively relieve pain and provide for the sequential administration of novocaine solution around the areas of inflammation. The puncture sites are determined by MRI. In addition, point injections can be used in which a mixture of water, glucose and glycerin is injected into the muscles surrounding the pathological zone.
Local therapy
When the treatment of radiculitis is carried out with medication, it is necessary to use topical preparations. The most effective are, for example, ointment "Fastum-gel" or products that contain diclofenac. They are characterized by an irritating effect on the affected areas, relieve edema and reveal a moderate analgesic effect. Reduces inflammation and pain reduces rubbing camphor or formic alcohol, as well as preparations based on snake or bee venom. In addition, applications with the Dimexidum preparation are effective. An Alorm infusion can be used, which is recommended to be rubbed into painful areas. It should be noted that the treatment of radiculitis should be combined with medication with hirudotherapy, mud therapy, physical and magnetic therapy, as well as traction of the spine or other methods.