Pinch of the sciatic nerve: the essence of pathology and the principles of therapy

The pinch of the sciatic nerve is also called sciatica. This is a pathological condition that develops when the nerve endings contract or irritate, which form the sciatic nerve.

The zone of damage is the lumbosacral spine. With any degenerative processes in this area, painful syndrome occurs in the lower extremities, and a characteristic feature is that the disturbances are manifested only in one leg.

Etiology of the disease

Among the main causes that lead to this disease, we can name the following:

• hernia of intervertebral discs 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 waist is displaced and jams the nerve roots;

• pear-shaped muscle syndrome - manifested by irritation or stretching of the sciatic nerve;

• disturbances in the work of the sacroiliac joint, which provoke irritation of the fifth nerve end in the lumbar region;

The pinch of the sciatic nerve can also be observed in the presence of tumors, thrombi, abscesses, in the infectious process in the pelvis, fibromyalgia, as well as with Lyme and Reiter's syndrome, so treatment of this pathology can be carried out after a careful examination of the patient, which allows to identify the true cause of patients' complaints.

For this purpose, X-ray examination, radioisotope scanning of the spine is performed. It is also necessary to carry out a neurological examination of patients.

Clinical manifestations

The pinch of the sciatic nerve is manifested by the following symptoms:

• pain, which is localized in the sacrum and passes to the buttocks, thigh and lower leg, and also descends to the foot. The pain syndrome is quite intense, intensified with the slightest movements, in some cases becomes unbearable;

• a violation of the sensitivity of the skin in the form of pricking, a burning sensation or a cold, as well as numbness or "crawling";

• weakness of the buttocks, thighs and lower legs;

• impaired motor function of the lower limb, when the patient can not move his foot or change the position of the trunk.

Treatment of sciatica

Pinch of the sciatic nerve is treated with medication. Anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, which can be administered epidurally. The positive effect is given by methods of physiotherapy. UHF-therapy, electrophoresis, paraffin applications and magnetotherapy are carried out. Sciatic nerve massage allows to reduce spasm of muscles, which facilitates the release of jammed nerves.

In the treatment of this pathology, folk medicine can help. Treatment of the sciatic nerve at the same time involves the use of tincture of red pepper or garlic for rubbing the affected area, as well as various plants, such as barberry, which are used to prepare the means for ingestion. It should be remembered that any folk remedy should be used only after consulting a doctor.