Pinched the sciatic nerve is also called sciatica. This is a pathological condition that develops with compression or irritation of the nerve endings that form the sciatic nerve.
The zone of damage is the lumbosacral spine. With any degenerative processes in this area, a pain syndrome occurs in the lower extremities, and a characteristic feature is that violations occur only in one leg.
Etiology of the disease
Among the main causes that lead to this disease are the following:
• hernia of the intervertebral disc in the lumbar region;
• stenosis of the spinal canal in the lower back;
• osteochondrosis;
• spondylolisthesis - a pathology in which one of the vertebrae of the lower back shifts and pinches the nerve roots;
• piriformis syndrome - manifests itself as irritation or stretching of the sciatic nerve;
• disturbances in the sacroiliac joint, which provoke irritation of the fifth nerve ending in the lumbar region;
Pinched the sciatic nerve can also be observed in the presence of tumors, blood clots, abscesses, with an infectious process in the pelvis, fibromyalgia, as well as Lyme diseases and Reiter's syndrome, therefore, treatment of this pathology can be carried out after a thorough examination of the patient, which allows you to identify the true cause of patient complaints.
For this purpose, an X-ray examination, a radioisotope scan of the spine. It is also necessary to conduct a neurological examination of patients.
Clinical manifestations
Pinched sciatic nerve is manifested by the following symptoms:
• pain, which is localized in the sacral region and passes to the buttocks, thigh and lower leg, and also descends to the foot. The pain syndrome is quite intense, aggravated by the slightest movements, in some cases it becomes unbearable;
• violation of the sensitivity of the skin in the form of tingling, a burning sensation or cold, as well as numbness or "crawling";
• weakness of the muscles of the buttocks, thighs and lower leg;
• impaired motor function of the lower limb when the patient cannot move his leg or change the position of the body.
Sciatica Treatment
Pinched sciatic nerve is treated with medication. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed that can be given epidurally. A positive effect is given by physiotherapy methods. UHF therapy, electrophoresis, paraffin baths and magnetotherapy are performed. Massage of the sciatic nerve can reduce muscle spasm, which helps to release pinched nerves.
In the treatment of this pathology, traditional medicine can help. The treatment of the sciatic nerve in this case involves the use of tincture of red pepper or garlic to rub the affected area, as well as various plants, such as barberry, which are used to prepare oral preparations. In this case, it must be remembered that any folk remedy should be used only after consulting a doctor.