The sciatic nerve is the largest paired peripheral nerve, conducting both motor and sensory impulses from the spinal cord to the left and right leg. The Latin name is Nervus Ischiadicus, anatomically it refers to the sacral plexus. The sciatic nerve is formed by processes of the lower two lumbar and upper three pairs of sacral roots extending from the spine. Below the sciatic nerve passes under the piriformis muscle and, passing through the hole of the same name in the pelvis, goes to the lower extremities on both sides. Throughout the sciatic nerve has two weak points. Where its infringement is possible.
The first is the exit site from the spinal canal. The intervertebral discs of the lower lumbar vertebrae are most susceptible to such a degenerative disease as osteochondrosis. Destroyed, they become thinner and their middle protrudes. The distance between the vertebrae is reduced, which, together with the protruded core of the damaged discs, compresses the nerve, causing it to radiculitis. The whole process is accompanied by a pronounced pain syndrome, it seems that it’s “shocking” in the leg on the affected side, and if the process is two-way (which often happens), then it shoots in both limbs.
The second place where the sciatic nerve can still be subjected to sciatica is under the piriformis muscle. Such cases are not uncommon if a person is overweight and leads a sedentary lifestyle, that is, he simply “sits out” the sciatic nerve.
If there is an infringement of the sciatic nerve, treatment is required immediately and under the supervision of a doctor, that is, it must be consulted as soon as possible. Otherwise, compression - ischemic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve (also called pinching) can very quickly end in the death of nerve endings with paralysis of the limb.
If it is as a result of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine that the sciatic nerve is impaired, the symptoms of treatment will be the same as for osteochondrosis. This is, first of all, the appointment of anti-inflammatory drugs, which should only be selected by a doctor and the maximum discharge of the damaged back. This is achieved by horizontal position only on a solid surface without any deflections. That is, on the bed where the patient is lying, it is necessary to put a thin mattress, and under it is desirable a solid wooden shield. In the acute phase, any kneading massage is strictly contraindicated - this can lead to disability of the patient. A previously widespread method of relieving pain by local novacaine blockade is currently not recommended for use, as it causes depletion of blood flow and aggravates ischemic lesions. Locally various warming ointments, which firstly contain an anti-inflammatory component that is absorbed through the skin into the lesion site, are well affected. And secondly, the warming effect contributes to the flow of blood into the focus of ischemia and improves the condition of the damaged nerve.
Only after removal of the acute phase of inflammation, acupressure is possible in order to dilute the vertebrae. And then it should be carried out carefully and only by an experienced specialist who understands the essence of the procedure. In some cases, skeletal traction of the spine is used, which, if used correctly, gives a good effect. If the sciatic nerve is compressed in the pear-shaped fossa, then you need to start by activating the lifestyle, making it more mobile - walk more, do special therapeutic exercises, and, if necessary, take measures to normalize weight.
If there is no effect from the treatment, they resort to surgical treatment. Modern medicine has learned to make prostheses that completely replace the intervertebral discs and are not inferior to them in elasticity and strength, they are replaced for life. Sometimes you have to resort to prosthetics of a part of the destroyed vertebral body, especially if the process is already running . With timely and proper treatment, in most cases, patients manage to continue to maintain an active lifestyle.