One of the functions of the nervous system is to transmit signals to muscles. Therefore, nerve fibers originate in the brain and spinal cord and disperse throughout the body. If the sciatic nerve root is compressed by vertebrae, a hernia, a tumor or spasmed muscles, then the person feels a sharp and burning pain in the leg. How to give yourself first aid and what is the treatment for this disease?
The main reason is considered to be a hereditary predisposition to this problem. There are certain diseases of the spine and muscular system in which nerve compression occurs. In addition, obesity or diseases leading to weight gain (hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus) are a dangerous factor. What ailments pose a danger to nerve fibers?
Osteochondrosis . This articular cartilage disease often affects the intervertebral discs. They are deformed, covered with growths, and this reduces the distance between the vertebrae and pushes the nerve root out of its usual place. If the pinching occurs in the lumbar region, the pain always radiates to the leg.
Radiculitis. This disease is diagnosed in 80% of men and women after 45 years of age. It is a chronic inflammatory process in the nerve roots located between the vertebral discs. In this case, the pain can be so severe that the person may even lose consciousness.
Hard labour. In addition to illness, a pinched nerve can be caused by heavy physical labor or monotonous, repetitive movements in athletes. Such actions often lead to muscle spasms, which provoke tension. Another factor is a person’s stoop, as it causes additional pressure on certain areas of the spine.
A pinched nerve is manifested by a sharp stabbing pain, a burning sensation or a feeling of numbness in the limb. Moreover, the pain symptom originates in the lower back and spreads to the entire leg to the foot. The patient experiences swelling that increases in the area of the foot and knee joint. Sometimes the victim experiences severe spasms in the gluteal or thigh muscles.
What to do if a nerve is pinched in your leg? How to alleviate a person’s suffering and provide him with first aid?
It is forbidden to apply a heating pad to the sore spot, since the effect of heat can provoke an increase in the inflammatory process, and if sensitivity is lost, the formation of a burn.
A conservative treatment method involves taking medications to help relieve pain, reduce swelling and restore impaired functions. For this purpose, analgesics, diuretics, antispasmodics are used, produced in the form of tablets, injection ampoules, ointments and gels for local rubbing.
Surgical methods are used extremely rarely, only when traditional treatment does not bring results. At the same time, doctors eliminate hernia or processes on bone tissue, and in especially severe cases, restore damaged nerve fibers. The operation is considered difficult and requires a long rehabilitation period.
A feature of this disease is the periodic nature of its course. During remission, massage sessions are very effective. They should only be carried out by an experienced and suitably qualified professional. A lasting result is possible after a full course consisting of 10-15 hour-long manipulations using medicinal oil with a warming effect.
Manual therapy, unlike massage, can only be carried out as prescribed by a doctor, since a specialist acts on deep muscles, joints, ligaments and even the spine. He is able to unblock the pinching, straighten displaced vertebrae, relieve muscle spasms, and stop the development of hernias and protrusions. The doctor performs twisting and stretching of the body, using forceful and gentle techniques.
Shock wave therapy is an excellent alternative to surgery. It represents the impact on the area of nerve damage with a wave with a clearly established pulse frequency. Sessions eliminate inflammatory processes, restore spinal nerves and accelerate lymph and blood flow. The procedure is painless and has no side effects.
Acupuncture can also help relieve pain. A prerequisite is a highly qualified specialist. Otherwise, infection, bruising, and even exacerbation of the disease are possible. But with the right choice of tools and points of influence, the intensity of pain decreases, nerve conduction is restored, metabolism improves, and the flow of blood to the problem area increases.
In order to reduce the likelihood of a pinched nerve in your leg, you should normalize your weight. To do this, you need to contact a nutritionist and create a menu, leaving only healthy, easily digestible foods in it. Regular physical activity and cosmetic procedures will help speed up the weight loss process.
Watch your posture. A straight back and natural curves of the spine allow you to correctly distribute the load on the muscle roots. Experts recommend purchasing an orthopedic mattress and pillow and not slouching while walking or sitting on a hard surface.
Exercise done incorrectly can also lead to pinched sciatic nerves. Therefore, during a class at the gym, take an individual lesson where the instructor will explain how to squat, lift heavy sports equipment, and exercise on exercise machines. In addition, try not to carry a bag on one shoulder, do not make sudden movements after rest, avoid traumatic situations and observe safety precautions in the workplace.
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The sciatic nerve hurts - what to do? The principles of sciatica treatment will be discussed in detail below. You will also learn about why this disease occurs and what its symptoms are.
Pinching of the sciatic nerve, the symptoms of which are difficult to miss, as well as lumbar radiculitis, accompanied by pinching of the roots of the sacral region, are one and the same disease. The pain syndrome with it is localized in the thigh, lumbar region, foot and lower leg. It also gets worse when walking and coughing.
At the very beginning of the development of the disease, it occurs as lumbago, lumbodynia or lumboischialgia.
It should also be said that sciatica is synonymous with this pathological condition. In medical practice, it is also called neuritis, inflammation or pinching of the sciatic nerve. Its main symptom is lower back pain that radiates to the leg.
In the absence of proper treatment, the pain syndrome associated with this disease can be weak and unbearable. In the latter case, the sick person can neither sleep nor stay awake normally.
Why does sciatic nerve entrapment occur (symptoms of this condition will be presented below)? Modern medicine claims that such a disease may be associated with mechanical (for example, vertebral hernia, vertebral displacement or osteochondrosis) or temperature (for example, severe hypothermia) factors.
It should also be noted that in some cases this pathological phenomenon occurs due to a tumor, Reiter's syndrome, infection, etc.
In addition to the diseases listed, pain in the buttock radiating to the leg may be associated with the development of the following pathologies:
Before I tell you about how to cure the sciatic nerve, I should tell you that adults most often suffer from this disease. Sciatica develops much less frequently at the age of 20-26 years. In addition, this disease can occur in the last months of pregnancy due to the fact that the load on the spinal column of the expectant mother increases significantly.
Why does sciatica occur (symptoms and treatment of this disease will be presented below)? There are many reasons for the development of this disease. The most common factors are the following:
Where does the sciatic nerve hurt? What is its location? Experts say that these are the two longest and largest nerves in the human body. They run on both sides from the lower back to the fingers of the lower extremities.
As a rule, when this nerve becomes inflamed, the patient begins to experience pain in only one of them, localized at the back of the thigh, in the gluteal muscle, and also at the back of the knee along the calf, all the way to the foot.
How does sciatica manifest? The symptoms and treatment of this disease are known to few. With neuritis, pain can be burning, stabbing, sharp and cutting. They can appear suddenly and disappear just as suddenly. In more severe cases, the inflammation is chronic.
Typically, such attacks occur after physical or emotional stress. They can also bother you after hypothermia.
Along the course of the nerve, with this disease, the sensitivity of the skin may be impaired and tingling, numbness, goosebumps, etc. may appear.
Pain in the buttock, radiating to the leg, is the main symptom of the disease in question. Also, the pain syndrome can extend along the back of the thigh, gradually descending to the foot and lower leg.
After an attack, unpleasant sensations remain between the 1st sacral and 5th lumbar vertebrae, as well as in the center of the buttock and under the knee.
Due to severe pain, a person may lose consciousness. In addition, he may experience autonomic disorders such as increased sweating of the feet, redness of the skin and swelling.
If the sciatic nerve is pinched, the pain may intensify with prolonged walking, standing, or sitting on a hard surface. To improve his condition, the patient takes a forced position of the body, in which he relies on a healthy lower limb. Therefore, one of the signs of the disease in question is gait disturbance.
In the case of severe inflammation of the sciatic fiber, the signs are expressed in complete disruption or severe decrease in nerve function. With this disease, the thigh, gluteal or calf muscles may even become smaller. In this case, the patient experiences difficulty when trying to bend the lower leg, toes, or turn the foot. This occurs due to temporary immobilization of the muscle tissue on the back of the thigh.
The sciatic nerve hurts - what to do? First, you should contact a neurologist. Before prescribing treatment, the specialist must find out the cause of the development of pain in the area of the sciatic nerve. Only after this can he carry out an adequate diagnosis, because sciatica is only a syndrome that can accompany completely different pathological conditions.
First, the neurologist examines the patient, checking his leg reflexes by tapping with a hammer. It also determines sensitivity on the skin, which allows you to assess the degree of damage to the nervous system.
So what if the sciatic nerve hurts? What to do with such a pathological condition in order to identify the cause of its development? To make a diagnosis, the most accessible and simplest method is radiography. It is the photograph taken that can confirm or exclude serious bone changes.
If such a diagnosis is not enough, a specialist may recommend an MRI or CT scan.
If a tumor is suspected, radioisotope scanning of the spinal column may be used. Most often, this procedure is recommended for people who have been taking corticosteroids for a long time, as well as for HIV-infected patients.
If such a disease develops, treatment should be trusted only to a qualified neurologist. Modern medicine provides several methods of treating sciatica. Let's look at them in more detail.
According to experts, this method of treatment helps to significantly reduce pain, but does not eliminate the true cause of the disease. The doctor can prescribe to his patient procedures such as electrophoresis with vitamins, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants, as well as phonophoresis, UHF therapy, laser or magnetic laser therapy, paraffin baths, electrosleep, ultraviolet irradiation of the affected area, etc.
As practice shows, the effect of physiotherapy significantly improves blood circulation, and also relieves pain and swelling.
How to cure a sciatic nerve? During the subsidence of the acute inflammatory process, general and cupping massage, cauterization and acupuncture sessions, and acupressure are highly effective. It should also be noted that the use of “needles” - the Kuznetsov applicator - helps to significantly relieve pain and remove excessive tension in muscle tissue.
According to neurologists, absolutely any type of reflexology and massage can improve lymph flow, reduce pain, restore nerve function and prevent muscle wasting.
What injections are prescribed for a sciatic nerve that is pathologically inflamed? Non-steroidal painkillers are the most effective. They are drugs that can stop the action of the COX enzyme and have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
So what medications treat sciatic nerve? Drugs belonging to the mentioned pharmacological group are sold in all pharmacies. They usually use Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ortofen, Sulindac, Ceberex, Ketorolac and Naproxen. All of these drugs have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and have a negative effect on the kidneys, and also reduce blood clotting. In this regard, their use should be limited.
Also, for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, a neurologist can prescribe vitamins (especially B vitamins), mineral complexes and medications that improve blood circulation and metabolic processes, and also relax muscle tissue.
For sciatica, even the simplest exercises are very effective. However, they should be performed only after the acute process has subsided, that is, during periods of remission.
Gymnastics must be done slowly and smoothly, without much tension.
In acute sciatica, the patient should remain in bed. In this case, it is advisable to use a hard mattress. It is also necessary to limit physical activity (until the acute inflammation passes). In addition, it is possible to alternately use heating pads and ice, massage in the area where the pain is located, and other things.
It is impossible not to notice a pinched nerve in the area of one or both legs, because it is accompanied by severe pain. Women in the later stages of pregnancy, people who perform work with significant physical exertion, as well as professional athletes and people over 60 years of age are most often susceptible to this problem.
Signs indicating a pinched nerve in the lower extremities are as follows:
The appearance of acute and sharp painful sensations in the pinched area. They may also be tingling;
Swelling of the epidermis, change in shade to red at the pinching point;
Increased sweating (quite rare);
Inability to straighten limbs in the morning. As the disease worsens, this symptom becomes permanent.
The patient appears more constrained; when in an upright position, unbearable pain is noted;
Painful sensations can also reach the back area.
Most often, symptoms of this kind appear unexpectedly, but disappear just as quickly. In later stages of the disease, the presented sensations continue uninterrupted. In the area in which the pain is felt most strongly, there is precisely the point where the nerve is pinched. This may be due to both physical and psychological influences.
Painful sensations may also occur during sleep. Additional factors that determine pinched nerves in the lower extremities, as mentioned above, may be redness and swelling of the skin. Constant sweating is sometimes added to this. There is a worsening of motor activity in situations where the motor nerve is affected, and sometimes atrophy.
A pinched nerve in the lower extremities can form due to the following factors:
Osteochondrosis at the acute stage. Cartilage and discs, changing their shape, leave a small space that highlights the vertebrae. This has a positive effect on increasing compression in the area of the nerve branches. If we talk about muscles, then they, being in a much more active state and with increased tone, further aggravate the situation. Indeed, in connection with this, painful sensations turn out to be much more noticeable;
Radiculitis. As you know, a large number of people over the age of 45 are faced with this disease. It is this disease that can cause a pinched nerve in the leg. The pain can be so severe that prolonged loss of consciousness is even possible. In this regard, at a critical moment it is necessary to reduce pain as soon as possible;
Tumors of any origin;
Loads that are associated with heavy or prolonged physical labor;
Received injuries that change the optimal structure of the bones and thereby affect pinching.
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Before prescribing a course of treatment, a person must undergo a standard examination, which consists of x-rays of the spine and leg bones. In case of a controversial diagnosis or contraindications, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (CT or MRI) is prescribed.
If a tumor is suspected, scintigraphy, or radiological examination, of the spine is performed.
First of all, when starting treatment, you should release the nerve endings or fibers from the compressed state. This is explained by the fact that it is this phenomenon that provokes pain in the leg area in case of a pinched nerve. In order to achieve the stated goal, specialists use manual therapy and some types of massage (in particular, acupressure, electric massage, vibration massage). Acupuncture and shock wave therapy are considered no less effective, which, however, are not recommended for people over 60 years of age. Additional recovery methods include osteopathy, magnetic therapy and electrical stimulation.
If the pinching is not associated with complications, such as a hernia or protrusion, the pain can be eliminated in a fairly short period. In the same situation, when the sensations are too forced, painkillers and novocaine blockades are prescribed. Experts recommend that the patient observe bed rest for at least two to three days, and also avoid increased and active movements and stress after being at rest.
After this, it is necessary to begin restoring the functioning of the nerve. For this purpose, so-called complex therapy is being introduced, for example, moxotherapy, medications, vitamin complexes. The final stage of this complex treatment will be an accurate determination of the factor that provoked the pinched nerve in the leg area.
It is no secret that in the vast majority of cases this manifestation is the result of the emergence or aggravation of a disease already present in the patient. So, for example, pinching of the sciatic nerve in the leg area most often has a direct connection with osteochondrosis. It is in this regard that restoration without eliminating the real causes provokes a repetition of the situation if the lower limbs hurt due to a pinched nerve.
The surgical method of treatment is resorted to exclusively in situations where other treatment methods do not help and the person is bothered by periodic serious pain. In this case, surgery is performed to eliminate the cause of the pinched nerve. Most often we are talking about removing a herniated disc.
Thus, a pinched nerve in the lower extremities is a serious problem that must be solved as soon as possible. The relative advantage of the presented pathology is that the pain is easily relieved, however, without establishing the exact cause of the disease, this will constantly recur. Therefore, you should consult a specialist and not self-medicate.
The sciatic nerve rarely bothers people, so many don’t even know what it is. In fact, it is the largest nerve in the human body, which is why it requires serious attention. Sciatic nerve pain, also called sciatica, can almost instantly seriously limit a person’s mobility.
A separate question is where the sciatic nerve hurts. The fact is that with sciatica, pain is felt approximately equally in the lower back and in the leg. A characteristic feature is the fact that pain almost always appears in only one nerve and is of a “shooting” nature. In addition, there may be sensory disturbances in the leg, a crawling or burning sensation.
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. We will not delve into the processes that occur during the formation of such a hernia (in this case, in the lumbar region), the only important thing is the fact that compression of the nerve roots occurs. It is this compression of the nerve that leads to the appearance of neurological syndromes and pain.
Until you start treating the inflammation, the pain will not go away.
Another equally common cause is osteochondrosis. This disease is degenerative; during its development, the intervertebral discs are primarily affected, which first lose their shock-absorbing properties, bulge and begin to become overgrown with bone growths. It is these growths that cause compression of the nerve roots, and, accordingly, the cause of pain.
Spondylosis is not a very common problem, but it is this disease that leads to compression of the nerve endings that form the sciatic nerve.
When the sciatic nerve hurts, the cause may not be neuralgia of the nerve itself, but piriformis syndrome. It should be noted that this nerve is located just behind it. Pain in this case appears due to stretching or irritation of the nerve by the muscle itself. The pain is absolutely the same as with sciatica.
Pain due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve can also be observed if the functioning of the sacroiliac joint is disrupted. A nerve root runs next to it, so joint problems can cause pain.
Unfortunately, these are not all possible reasons. For example, sometimes the sciatic nerve hurts during pregnancy, as well as with a number of serious diseases - abscess, tumor, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, etc.
It is worth noting that the severity of symptoms of sciatica can vary in severity. In some patients the pain is intense, in others it is mild, but may increase over time or with certain movements. In this case, as a rule, pain is present only on one side. Depending on how much of the nerve root is affected, the pain may spread throughout the entire leg and all the way to the toes. Often pain syndrome is accompanied by neurological disorders, numbness, for example.
The most common symptoms are:
It is also worth noting that very often in such a situation, back pain is often much weaker than the pain felt in the leg. In general, the severity of symptoms depends on how severely the nerve roots are affected.
In order to assess the complexity of the disease, it is necessary to undergo an MRI examination of the lumbosacral spine.
If you are wondering where to undergo such a study, then one of the leaders in this area is the European Diagnostic Center. When contacting there, the patient will be provided with the highest level of services. The center employs only professionals, whose help has earned many positive reviews. The examination is carried out on an expert-class tomograph, the power of which is 1.5 Tesla. This allows us to identify the patient’s health picture as reliably as possible.
It will be quick to undergo MRI diagnostics at the EDC, because the procedure itself and diagnosis take no more than a couple of hours. After which it is possible to receive an electronic version of the results (on a flash device, disk or e-mail) without additional expenses.
You will find basic information about the European Diagnostic Center on edc.ru. On the same resource you can apply for diagnostics. The specialist will call back soon to clarify all the nuances of the examination for the patient. The employee will indicate the appointed time of the procedure, the required preparation for it, and the necessary documents. You can also make an appointment by calling the center - 8 (495) 363-85-06.
If you want to get a step-by-step plan for treating a pinched sciatic nerve, then go to this page now.
There are several ways to relieve pain on your own.
But do not forget that such measures only help to temporarily eliminate pain . If you are wondering how long the sciatic nerve hurts, hoping that it will “go away on its own,” then the answer promises disappointment - sciatica can last a very long time.
In cases where the sciatic nerve hurts, the treatment is not original. It is almost similar to conservative methods of treating diseases in other parts of the spine.
At the first stage of treatment, pain and inflammation are eliminated, for which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, if necessary, analgesics are used.
After the pain syndrome can be eliminated or brought under control, a course of massage and physiotherapeutic procedures is prescribed. The last stage of treatment is therapeutic exercises. In the vast majority of cases, such a course is enough to rid a person of the problem. But at the same time, the patient must understand that now he has to change his motor pattern, eat right and lead an active (moving) lifestyle.
Otherwise, if you think about how long the sciatic nerve can hurt, the answer is simple. The pain will persist until you begin your treatment.
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Pinching of the sciatic nerve occurs in the lumbar or sacral region in the natural bone foramina (the place where the spinal roots forming the nerve exit the spinal canal) or in the muscle canals along the nerve.
Pinching develops as a result of increasing compression of the nerve roots with the addition of an inflammatory reaction, which further damages the nerve fibers, which increases swelling and compression of the nerve.
Factors that contribute to pinched nerves in the leg include:
Treatment of this pathology is aimed at eliminating the infringement and reducing the severity of inflammation and swelling of the nerve root or nerve trunk.
The main causes of a pinched nerve in the leg are:
Predisposing diseases that provoke the development of this pathology include:
Symptoms of a pinched nerve in the leg mainly manifest themselves as intense pain, first in the lumbar, sacral (when the root is pinched in natural bone openings) or in the gluteal region (with piriformis syndrome).
Read also about pinched nerves in the lower back.
A pinched nerve radiates to the leg: first the pain is localized on the back of the thigh with irradiation to the lower leg and foot.
Characteristic features of pain when a nerve is compressed and pinched in the leg include:
After taking painkillers, there is residual pain at the site of pinched nerve (lumbar or sacral region) or in the area of the muscular canal of the piriformis muscle (in the gluteal region).
When the sciatic nerve is pinched, clear clinical symptoms appear (pain and accompanying signs), so the diagnosis of this pathology consists mainly in identifying the main cause of the pinched nerve (spinal pathology, changes in the piriformis muscle, pregnancy and other conditions that can provoke pinched nerve).
Diagnosis of the pathological condition that caused a pinched nerve is primarily aimed at determining the inflammatory, bone-destructive or spastic process of the spine, muscles or nearby organs:
In modern neurology, there are two main areas of treatment for pinched nerves in the leg:
Therapy begins with conservative techniques, including:
Treatment at home consists of following all recommendations of the attending physician:
You can learn about the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia from another article.
Be sure to check out the treatment methods for intercostal neuralgia here.
Today, there are many effective methods for treating pinched nerves in the leg, which are aimed at complex, individual treatment of the pathology of the sciatic nerve and spine.
But it is necessary to remember that intense pain in the lower back and leg, as well as disturbances in active movements, can develop with urolithiasis, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (prostatitis, endomithreosis, adnexitis and paraproctitis) and other pathologies.
Therefore, if intense pain appears in the back and gluteal region, radiating to the thigh, lower leg and foot, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination and establish the true cause of the pathology.
A pinched nerve in the leg is a condition that occurs when the roots of the sciatic nerve coming from the spinal cord are compressed by neighboring vertebrae or other “obstructions” such as spasmed muscles, hernias, protrusions and tumors. This condition is always accompanied by severe pain (shooting, stabbing, burning).
Most often due to exacerbation of osteochondrosis , i.e. degradation of the cartilage of the intervertebral discs: the gap between the vertebrae narrows, which causes compression of the nerve branches. spasms ( hypertonicity ) further aggravate the pathological process, causing the person even more discomfort.
When a nerve in the leg ( sciatic ) is pinched, the blood vessels suffer from spasmed muscles. Therefore, this condition implies not only pain, but also a deterioration in blood circulation, brain function and internal organs. With prolonged compression, the nerve tissues die, and therefore sensitivity in the leg and areas of the skin on it may disappear. Often, when a nerve is pinched in the leg, it becomes inflamed and radiculitis develops.
The main symptom is sharp pain in the lower back (the place of compression) and limited movement . In severe cases, compression of the spinal cord, impaired motor function and sensation in the leg, paresis or even paralysis may develop.
It manifests itself as a tingling and burning sensation that radiates to the leg. She becomes less mobile; when a person stands, he feels shooting pain. If there is prolapse or hernia, the pain is sharper and more intense. Inflammation of a pinched nerve is called radiculitis . Often the cause of compression is excess weight, since the lower back bears the main weight of the body. If the cause is an exacerbation of osteochondrosis or an intervertebral hernia, then physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises are recommended, and massages are excluded.
The aforementioned physiotherapy ( UHF , DDT , amplipulse , darsonval ) and acupuncture . To relieve pain, the patient is prescribed bed rest , painkillers and novocaine blockades . For painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used, such as Nise , Diclofenac , Ibuprofen , Indomethacin , etc. The same drugs in the form of ointments are applied to painful areas. Also used externally are products containing irritating substances: tincture of red hot pepper , mustard oil , propolis .
Symptoms of pinching and inflammation of the sciatic nerve
Causes of inflammation and pinching of the sciatic nerve
Treatment of pinched and inflammation of the sciatic nerve
Traditional methods of treatment
Pinching or inflammation of the sciatic nerve causes severe pain and can cause difficulty moving. The sciatic nerve runs through the entire leg, diverging into several branches, so discomfort can be felt throughout the entire limb.
A pinched sciatic nerve is very painful and can cause difficulty moving.
The sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in the entire human body. It is formed by all the roots of the sacral plexus. The two sciatic nerves run down the back of the thighs. They are divided into fibular and tibial branches.
When the sciatic nerve is pinched, severe, sharp pain occurs where the nerve passes. Due to the position of the nerve, the pain spreads to the entire lower limb. If the sciatic nerve is pinched, it is difficult to walk and move your leg until the pain goes away. Sometimes complete numbness of the leg may occur. Also, when a nerve is pinched, sciatic neuralgia occurs. It is characterized by a short, sharp, shooting pain along the nerve.
When the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, the lumbosacral part of the spine is affected. This condition is also called sciatica. It is accompanied by quite severe pain and impaired sensitivity of the limb. The disease can occur after hypothermia, excessive stress, inflammation of the joints, etc.
Pinched sciatic nerves during pregnancy are a common problem. As the fetus grows, the load on the back increases. The disease occurs especially often in the second trimester of pregnancy and is difficult for pregnant women to tolerate due to the fact that all organs of a pregnant woman are especially sensitive. The pain can be long-lasting and usually stops as suddenly as it started. A pregnant woman needs to sleep on a hard surface, do rubbing (preferably with herbal preparations) and massages. Therapeutic gymnastics is also useful, but it must be done carefully so as not to overstrain the body, and exercises and loads should be given by a doctor.
Sciatic nerve entrapment can occur not only in adults. This disease can also occur in children. The child may feel pain in the leg, foot, or gluteal muscle. Pain occurs even with very little exertion.
As a rule, pinching of the sciatic nerve is unilateral. If the disease is not cured, then in advanced forms the consequences will be very unpleasant. Any movement will be accompanied by severe pain and surgical intervention will be required. Usually, sciatic nerve disease is treated with conservative methods, but it is not recommended for any patient to let the disease progress.
As a rule, pinching of the sciatic nerve is unilateral
Symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve vary in intensity. Usually the disease manifests itself as pain of varying degrees in one leg. The pain may intensify when sitting, and an unpleasant tingling and burning sensation may occur in the lower part of the leg, radiating to the foot. There may also be numbness in the leg in the area where the nerve passes, and movements are painful and difficult. The pain is usually shooting, sharp, of varying duration: from paroxysmal and short-lived to constant. Painful sensations can spread not only to the sciatic nerve, but also to the back or lower back.
Signs of inflammation of the sciatic nerve are pain in the leg during physical activity, pain that does not go away along the nerve. With severe pain, movement becomes very difficult, sometimes impossible. When the sciatic nerve is inflamed, the temperature may rise. Symptoms can occur not only after any physical activity, but also after emotional stress. After a painful attack, the pain may persist for several minutes. Sometimes pinching is accompanied by redness of the skin or even swelling. In severe cases of the disease, the function of the sciatic nerve is impaired.
The most common cause of a pinched sciatic nerve is usually a herniated disc. It can occur as a result of intense physical exertion or due to age. Nerve entrapment can also occur due to osteochondrosis. This disease appears as a consequence of metabolic disorders in the tissue of the vertebrae.
The causes of a pinched sciatic nerve can also be spinal injuries, various diseases (such as diabetes or abscess), a tumor that compresses the nerve, hypothermia of the lower back, and too much physical activity. This disease is most common in older women. It can also be caused by chemicals produced in the body.
Doctors quite often encounter pinched nerves after stress. Even a short-term strong negative experience keeps the body tissues under tension for quite a long time. And this can most likely lead to pinching of the sciatic nerve, which is actually very sensitive. If the cause of pain is stress, treatment will not help much. In this case, the patient needs to solve the problem that caused emotional stress, then the disease will go away.
Constant stress can cause pinching of the sciatic nerve
Factors that provoke the disease are frequent injuries, hypothermia, infectious diseases that affect the nervous system, poisoning, circulatory disorders, diabetes, alcoholism, and poisoning.
In order to make a correct diagnosis, the doctor first needs to find out the root cause of the pain in the sciatic nerve. First, the examination is carried out by a neurologist. He checks leg reflexes and skin sensitivity. An X-ray is usually sufficient for an accurate diagnosis. It will show strong bone changes, if any. When X-rays are not enough, the doctor may send the patient for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan. People living with HIV may also have a diagnostic scan of their spine to check for tumors. Therefore, if sharp shooting pains appear at the site of the sciatic nerve, you need to see a neurologist.
To treat a pinched sciatic nerve, the neurologist refers the patient to appropriate therapy. Physiotherapy is performed to relieve pain. To treat the sciatic nerve, massage is performed: acupressure, cupping, regular massage. Acupuncture can also be used for treatment. This will help relieve muscle tension.
To treat inflammation of the sciatic nerve, another treatment option is suitable - pain relief and anti-inflammatory therapy. For anti-inflammatory drugs, your doctor may prescribe medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. For pain in the back and lower back, use ointments or give an injection. It should be remembered that painkillers do not eliminate the initial cause of the disease. The doctor also prescribes vitamins, especially group B, B12, E, mineral complexes, drugs to improve blood circulation and relax muscles. Medicines are usually prescribed in tablets.
In the treatment of inflammation of the sciatic nerve, analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy is indicated
During an acute period of inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the patient must remain in bed. It is better to sleep on a hard mattress. Some patients find it better to apply cold to the painful area, while others benefit from heat. In any case, you need to limit physical activity.
When the pain subsides, gymnastics will be useful for treatment. No complicated exercises required. Stretching, recumbent cycling, and pelvic rotation will be effective. But it should be borne in mind that the load for an unprepared body should be minimal.
Outside of exacerbation of the disease, doctors recommend sanatorium treatment for pinched sciatic nerve. Mud therapy and hydrotherapy have a beneficial effect on the body. Rest is also good for your mood and overall well-being, which is important for recovery.
If conservative treatment methods do not produce results, treatment is carried out promptly, eliminating the cause of the pinched nerve, although such cases are relatively rare.
Any treatment, medications or massages, is prescribed by the doctor depending on the intensity of the symptoms and the severity of the disease. If pain suddenly strikes you at home, you need to take a painkiller, wrap the painful area with something warm, lie down on a flat surface and call a doctor.
To prevent the disease, it is also necessary to do exercises. It won't take much time. For example, when you get up in the morning, you can do a “cat” (standing on all fours with your back arched), a bicycle, and set aside a few minutes for slow squats. These exercises will help keep your back toned. Swimming is good for the whole body and especially for the back. It is in water that the load is removed from the spine. It is important not to forget about moderation and regularity of loads so that the effect from them is only positive. If prevention is carried out so that the disease does not worsen, it is better to first consult a doctor. He will help you set the optimal load and suggest the most effective exercises. You can periodically go for a massage to a specialist to prevent the onset of illness.
It is also important to watch your posture. You need to try to keep your back straight at all times (this is especially important for children), and when working sedentarily, you need to periodically take breaks and walk around the room. Women with back pain are not recommended to wear high-heeled shoes.
Moderate physical activity is the best prevention of sciatic nerve problems at any age
In folk medicine there are effective means of treating a pinched and inflamed sciatic nerve.
To prepare a medicinal infusion of calendula, you need to pour two tablespoons of the plant’s flowers into two glasses (400 ml) of boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and leave for two hours. You need to take it four times a day, half an hour before meals.
Burdock will also help cure inflammation of the sciatic nerve. You need to pour a tablespoon of crushed burdock roots into a glass of red wine. Then it needs to be boiled over low heat for five minutes. Drink half a glass twice a day.
Among the traditional methods of treatment there are also recipes for compresses. A glass of potato sprouts is poured with half a liter of vodka and placed in a dry, dark place for two weeks. Every day you need to shake the container with infusion thoroughly. After two weeks, the infusion is rubbed into the sore spot, after which it is wrapped in something warm.
You can make an herbal balm. A spoonful of celandine leaves and an aloe leaf (must be older than 3 years) and crushed hot peppers are placed in one container. These herbs are also poured with half a liter of vodka and infused for about seven days. Then the infusion is rubbed into the diseased areas to treat the pinched nerve.
Fresh radish juice will help a lot, which should also be rubbed into sore spots. It can be mixed with the same amount of honey (of course, if the patient does not have allergies).
You can add an infusion of angelica angelica to your bath. You need to pour 50 g of the plant with half a liter of boiling water. So it is infused under the lid for 2 hours, then the infusion needs to be boiled for another half hour. Then it must be filtered and added to the bath for 14 days (daily) before bedtime.
A decoction of oak and spruce bark is also added to the bath. 1 kg of bark is poured into 5 liters and boiled. Then the broth is filtered and added to the bath. The water temperature in the bathroom should be about 37 degrees.
To treat problems with the sciatic nerve, add a decoction of the following herbs to the bath: oregano, elderberry, burdock, nettle, juniper, tansy, wheat grass, black currant leaves, violet, thyme, pine buds, hops and horsetail. All plants must be mixed in equal quantities. Then eight tablespoons of the mixture are poured into two liters of boiling water and boiled for ten minutes. Then the broth is cooled to 37 degrees, filtered and added to the bath.
Wax is suitable for treating an inflamed sciatic nerve using folk remedies. It is heated until elastic, applied to the affected area and covered with something warm. Polyethylene is placed on top. They go to bed with this compress.
You can also make a homemade ointment. Juniper needles (1 part) and bay leaves (6 parts) are ground into powder and mixed with melted butter (12 parts). Lubricate sore spots. This ointment quickly and effectively relieves pain.
Even though a pinched sciatic nerve can be treated quite easily, you should consult a specialist before undertaking any self-medication. The disease responds well to treatment, so there is no need to start it, because it is easier to get rid of the disease while it is in its initial stage.