Radicular syndrome is a lesion of the nerve of the spinal cord, which is located where there is separation from the spinal cord and exit from the spine. Just this place is called the root.
Like any disease, radicular syndrome has a number of causes:
- Spinal defects formed in the embryonic period.
- Constant strong load on the spine.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
- Nervous breakdowns and stressful conditions.
- Infections of various nature.
- Hormonal disruptions.
- Injuries.
- Body hypothermia
- The presence of tumors or scars.
Radicular syndrome, the symptoms of which need to be described in detail, is characterized by constant pain when the nerve begins to compress. The pain is localized in the area where pinching occurs. So, if nerve compression occurs in the cervical spine, then the pain will be given to the back and arms. It is characteristic of radicular syndrome that occurs in the thoracic region, the spread of pain even in the stomach or heart. Moreover, such pain occurs after elimination of the cause - compression of the nerve.
When moving and lifting weights, the pain can intensify. If a person is subjected to physical or emotional stress, sharp pains can occur that are felt in different parts of the body. Moreover, these pains are permanent in nature, and even increase when moving.
Radicular syndrome is also characterized by a decrease in the sensitivity of a compressed nerve. So, if you prick a little with a needle in the area of inflammation, then the sensations will be weaker than in the same place on the other side.
The muscles that are next to the strangulated nerve atrophy and weaken. In this case, problems with the motor ability of these muscles are observed.
In order to determine the presence or absence of radicular syndrome, a number of studies are carried out: x-rays (to determine the cause of pinching), as well as observations aimed at determining malfunctions in the movement of muscle groups associated with a compressed nerve.
To properly treat, you must first diagnose radicular syndrome. Its treatment directly depends on the reasons for its development. If the patient is worried about severe bouts of pain, the doctor prescribes bed rest for seven days, as well as systemic administration of painkillers and sedatives. Perhaps pain relief through the use of novocaine blockade.
For effective treatment, you need to follow a diet. Do not eat salted, smoked and spicy foods, because they interfere with the removal of water from the body. It is also strictly contraindicated to eat oily fish, broths and meat. It is allowed to eat fruits, vegetables, vegetarian soups, cereals.
If the doctor prescribes a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, physiotherapy exercises or manual therapy, his main task is to relieve inflammation.
In that place where pain symptoms are felt, you need to rub painkillers - ointments, creams, liquids. One of the main goals of treatment is stretching the spine, which can be either dry or underwater. A course of procedures aimed at removing the load from it is also prescribed.
In the case when a patient has tumors or hernias, it is necessary to eliminate this only with the help of surgical intervention.
There are a number of preventive procedures when radicular syndrome is developed at the initial stage. As prevention, massage, physiotherapy exercises, as well as strict control of body weight are prescribed. All these methods are aimed at eliminating the causes of radicular syndrome. Provided that you see a doctor in a timely manner, the treatment of the disease is greatly facilitated.