Sciatica. Symptoms of sciatica. Effective treatment of sciatica with a therapeutic patch DORSAPLAST

Classification of painkillers

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Treatment of sciatica at home is permitted if home therapy is carried out in the form of prevention. The patient is discharged from the medical institution if the main foci of the affected tissue are restored and the pain is practically not bothered. Drug exposure can already be significantly reduced.

Compresses

1. Boil a mixture of nettle leaves, black currants, and burdock root in half a liter of sunflower oil, add one hundred grams of salt and use for compresses.
2. Apply a cabbage leaf scalded with boiling water as a compress.
3. Mix turpentine with water 1:2 and apply gauze soaked in the mixture to the body for a quarter of an hour.

Applications

1. Heat natural beeswax in the microwave or in a water bath until it becomes soft. Quickly form a plate out of it, place it on the painful area, cover it, and insulate it overnight.
2. Form a flat cake from dough mixed with flour and liquid honey. Use as wax.
3. Grate potatoes, about 500 g, drain the water, pour a tablespoon of kerosene into the cake. Place between two gauze and place on your back, first lubricating the skin with oil.

Rubbing

1. Prepare an infusion of vodka (300 g) and white acacia (100 g of dried flowers) for a week. Then rub into painful points. Instead of acacia, you can use white Persian lilac.
2. Mix black radish juice with honey 3:1 and rub on sore areas.
3. Infuse fresh (not dried) bay leaves (20 leaves) in a glass of vodka for three days.

1. Herbal decoction: calendula, chamomile, fir oil. The water should not be hot, the duration of the bath should be a third of an hour.
2. Grind raw horseradish root and place in a gauze bag. Place in a bath filled with water (one bath – 100 g of horseradish). Stay in the water for no longer than 5 minutes.
3. Place a kilogram of young pine shoots in three liters of boiling water, heat for ten minutes, leave for four hours and pour into the bath. Immerse yourself in it for a quarter of an hour.

Ingestion

1. Horse chestnut seeds - a tablespoon, pour half a liter of boiling water, heat for a quarter of an hour (water bath). Take 100 ml cooled before each meal.
2. Calendula flowers - a tablespoon per glass of boiling water. Pour and cover (do not cook). Half a glass of cooled, strained infusion is drunk before each meal (no more than four times a day).
3. Dried and crushed burdock root is stirred in a glass of Cahors wine and heated over low heat for five minutes. This dose is taken in two doses, before breakfast and before dinner.

How to treat a pinched sciatic nerve

If symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve occur, treatment should begin as early as possible; based on the results of the diagnosis, the specialist will prescribe appropriate therapy:

1. The first step is to determine what caused the pinching of the sciatic nerve. Treatment may vary depending on the cause. For example, tumors may require surgery.
2. Drug treatment. The first stage of this treatment is aimed at pain relief and relieving the inflammatory process. For this purpose, muscle relaxants and NSAIDs are used.
3. B vitamins (combilipen, milgamma) help normalize metabolism in nerve cells. In the acute period, they are prescribed intramuscularly for a period of 10 days, then switch to oral administration.
4. Physiotherapeutic treatment. Such treatment includes electrophoresis, the use of electromagnetic fields or ultraviolet radiation, massage (impact on certain points, cupping, vacuum types of massage), therapy through paraffin procedures, hydrotherapy.
5. Unconventional treatment, which currently includes many different methods. This includes acupuncture, the use of Kuznetsov’s applicators, stone therapy, hirudotherapy, herbal medicine, and moxibustion.
6. Treatment with traditional recipes. So, when pinched, horse chestnut, bay leaf tincture, cakes made from flour and honey, potato compresses, beeswax, spruce and pine buds, dandelion tincture and many other methods are used.
7. Diuretics are used to reduce swelling in the area of ​​the nerve roots (furosemide).
8. Physiotherapy . Helps improve blood flow in the affected area and strengthen muscles. The doctor decides which exercises to perform in a particular case, based on the degree of neglect of the disease, the severity of the pain syndrome, the presence of an inflammatory process and other factors.
9. Surgery . If medications and physiotherapeutic procedures are ineffective, the only option for eliminating pinching is surgical intervention: discectomy and microdiscectomy.

It is worth noting that treating inflammation or pinching of the sciatic nerve at home is a complex, lengthy undertaking that does not always give an immediate effect, so you have to take care of your health over a long period of time.

If the pain does not subside within several months, the patient is prescribed steroid injections administered epidurally into the affected area. This procedure reduces the symptoms of inflammation at the local level, giving an immediate but very noticeable effect.

One of the main components of treatment is the creation of a therapeutic and protective regime for the patient.

The patient should lie on a hard bed, the possibility of movement is recommended to be limited until the obvious signs of inflammation subside. Bed rest is indicated until the condition improves and pain is eliminated.

What is sciatica

Sciatica (from the Greek ischias - seat) is a disease associated with pinching and inflammation of the sciatic nerve in the lumbosacral spine. Other names for this disease are lumbosacral radiculitis or sciatic neuralgia.

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It originates in the lower back from the nerve roots of the lumbar spinal cord and passes through the gluteal region throughout the lower limb.

An attack of sciatica is usually caused by damage to one or more roots of the lumbosacral spinal cord. But sciatica syndrome can also be caused by pinching of the sciatic nerve as a result of muscle spasm.

Folk remedies

These products contain bee or snake venom, red pepper, and essential oils. All these components have an irritating effect, which reduces the perception of underlying pain.

Listed below are effective irritant ointments. For inflammation of the sciatic nerve, they bring quick relief:

1. "Viprosal." The drug is produced on the basis of viper venom. The composition also contains camphor, fir oil, paraffin, glycerin, and petroleum jelly. After applying the product to the skin, massage should be performed. Frequency of use - up to three times throughout the day.
2. "Apizartron." A three-component product based on bee venom, allyl isothiocyanate and methyl salicylate. The ointment has an irritating effect, thereby reducing the underlying pain syndrome and inflammation. Use three times a day until the unpleasant symptoms are completely eliminated.
3. "Finalgon" Active ingredients: nonivamide, nicoboxyl. When applying the product to an inflamed area, lightly rub it into the skin. After the procedure, wash your hands with soap. Regularity of use: 2 times a day.

Prepare a compress from yeast dough. You will need rye flour and water. The dough should be dense. Place it on your lumbar region, covering it with plastic wrap and a towel (to keep warm)

The compress should be kept for about an hour, then carefully rub the sore spot with turpentine.

A mixture of beeswax and propolis is an equally well-known folk remedy for the treatment of sciatica. Wax and propolis should be warmed up a little, after making a homogeneous mixture of them. Form the warm mixture into a large patty (about the size of two palms). Apply it to the sore spots, covering with plastic wrap, and keep the compress for an hour or an hour and a half.

If you are not allergic to horseradish, take a warm bath with it. Prepare a piece of gauze in advance by wrapping finely grated horseradish in it. The water should not be very hot. Reception time - 60 minutes, course - from one to two weeks.

Conifer baths are one of the best folk remedies. Essential oils and resins have a relaxing effect on muscles and the entire body, calm the nervous system, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. You will need about 1 kg of pine branches. They need to be poured with three liters of boiling water and boiled over medium heat for 15 minutes. The warm infusion is poured into the bath, after filtering and infusing for 4 hours.

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Regular stearin also perfectly relieves inflammation and pain. Melt an ordinary household candle and wait until the mass cools down a little. Apply a thin layer of warm stearin to the lumbar region.

Local treatment of diseases of the cervical spine begins with the use of NSAIDs in the form of ointments, gels or creams. The advantage of transdermal agents of this group is low absorption into the bloodstream and rapid penetration into joint structures, usually into synovial fluid. Pharmacokinetic features ensure not only the absence of systemic side effects, but also the development of skin allergic reactions.

The best effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in therapy is observed in patients with moderately severe neck pain in the presence of pathologies without radicular syndromes, as well as in people leading an active lifestyle. The mechanism of action of NSAIDs is to block the enzyme cyclooxygenase. This biologically active substance is involved in the production of the main mediators of pain and inflammation - prostaglandins.

Ointments and gel

To eliminate moderate pain, external agents are used, in particular ointments and gels, as they have a low level of side effects. According to their composition, they are divided into:

• anti-inflammatory;
• complex action;
• chondroprotectors;
• homeopathic.

Anti-inflammatory ointments include products that contain non-steroidal drugs. In particular, Ketoprofen, Fenal, Indomethacin, Nurofen relieve pain well. Capsicam, Finalgon, Viprosal, and turpentine ointment have a warming and analgesic effect. To achieve a better result, after applying the ointment, you need to wrap the sore spot in a woolen scarf.

For sciatica, chondroprotective ointments are used, since they contain chondroitin, which promotes the rapid restoration of connective tissue and the production of the required joint fluid. They also have an analgesic effect and help eliminate inflammation.

Homeopathic ointments contain substances and medicinal plants that help reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process and relieve pain. Such products include Sabelnik, Zhivokost, ointments containing bee venom.

Such medications must be used very carefully, as there is a high probability of allergies.

Nonsteroidal drugs

One of the most effective drugs in the treatment of sciatica is Diclofenac. Its action is aimed at relieving muscle spasm, reducing swelling, restoring the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, eliminating the inflammatory process, as well as relieving pain and normalizing body temperature if it has increased.

Diclofenac helps prevent the body from releasing prostaglandins in order to relieve the patient of pain as quickly as possible. Injections are considered more effective; doctors usually prescribe them at the first stage of therapy. When the pain syndrome is suppressed, you need to switch to such forms of release as Ointments and tablets.

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Steroid medications for sciatica are hormonal medications. Diprosan, Kenalog, Hydrocortisone and others are used for therapy.

Steroid medications do not have a pronounced analgesic effect, but they help quickly eliminate inflammation and reduce tissue swelling, which quickly eliminates pain. In this case, there is often a need to inject medication into the tissues located around the damaged nerve. This procedure is called a blockade and is performed only by a doctor.

The main advantages of such drugs are that they act directly on the affected area, which reduces the occurrence of side effects. Such drugs are prescribed only by a doctor indicating the exact dosage, and at the same time supplemented with other methods.

Ointments that improve blood circulation and warm

Ointment for inflammation caused by long exposure to cold or stress will help relieve compression of the nerve processes (decompression). The active components of such drugs can be both natural components and synthetic substances. These include:

Apizartron

Active ingredients: main component bee venom, methyl salicylate. Release form: aluminum tube, 20 and 50 grams. The color is white or slightly yellowish.

Capsicam

Active ingredients: racemic camphor, turpentine oil, dimethyl sulfoxide and others. Release form: tubes of 30, 50 grams with an applicator. White or yellowish in color, with the smell of camphor.

Efkamon

Main active ingredients: tincture of capsicum, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, camphor and others. Release form: tube of 10, 25 grams. With a yellowish tint and a characteristic odor.

Products are available without prescription. Treatment at home with these remedies is quite effective.

This category of ointments for pinched sciatic nerves includes: Doctor Mom Inhaler, Finalgon, Saliniment and others. Increased blood circulation caused by irritation reduces pain. The effect is enhanced by wrapping or using a warm compress.

Not recommended for use in children and pregnant women. If there are skin lesions on an area of ​​the body, then such an ointment cannot be used for sciatica. After use, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

Steroid medications for treatment

Eliminating the cause of pain during drug treatment of sciatica is the main goal of the disease. To do this, you need to find the place where the nerve is pinched. Acute pain is eliminated using potent blockades with anesthetic drugs. This is carried out in stationary conditions. Then a complex of tablets and other medications is prescribed, which should:

• prevent the appearance of acute pain during a course of treatment;
• reduce the inflammatory process;
• saturate damaged tissues with a sufficient amount of microelements;
• Provide nutrition to the entire body for rapid recovery.

Preventative drug treatment for sciatica is helpful if attacks occur regularly. The drugs used in this case are somewhat different from those prescribed to relieve acute attacks.

The patient is transferred to outpatient therapy when the cause of acute pain is found and home treatment is prescribed. At the same time, a person must move independently.

Steroid drugs are prescribed if other groups of drug treatment have not helped. They relieve inflammation and relieve pinched nerves. Most often prescribed for sciatica are: Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisone.

These medications do not affect prostaglandins, but they quickly relieve spasms and swelling, thereby reducing pain. Steroid substances are most often used to inject into the tissue around the injured area.

With regular use or long-term course treatment with steroids, side effects appear: weight increases, osteoporosis develops, stomach ulcers may occur, edema occurs, and blood clotting rates increase.

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The main advantage of ointments is that they have a targeted effect. At the same time, the likelihood of developing side effects is minimal, since the active component enters the blood in small quantities and is not able to have a negative effect on the body.

Below we briefly describe the main types of ointments for inflammation of the sciatic nerve and their features:

1. Homeopathic. Promote biological regulation of the body: improve metabolism, accelerate blood circulation, relieve pain, increase immunity. Disadvantage: slow action.
2. Warming. The effect on the inflamed area occurs due to the heat generated. As a result, the pinched muscle relaxes and frees the nerve root. As a result, blood restores its circulation in the damaged area, and inflammation decreases.
3. Irritant. The operating principle is based on distracting effects. When using the drug, skin receptors are irritated, distracting from the main source of pain. As a result of this, the skin secretes certain substances that improve blood circulation in the problem area, which helps eliminate pain and relieve inflammation.
4. Chondroprotectors. These drugs restore cartilage tissue between the discs. Prescribed to prevent relapses, the result of therapy is achieved 3-4 months after the start of treatment.
5. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Highly effective, fast-acting drugs. The disadvantage is a large number of contraindications. Use only on the recommendation of a doctor.
6. Combined. The peculiarity of the products is that they combine several properties at the same time. Most often they relieve inflammation and reduce pain, but they can also help resolve blood clots and improve blood circulation in the lower extremities.

Drug treatment of sciatica

Before starting treatment with medications, you should undergo a full examination and establish an accurate diagnosis. After consultation with a doctor, you will be prescribed a group of drugs of different types, which should relieve you of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease .

What groups of medications are used in the treatment of sciatica?

Complex drug treatment of sciatica includes several groups of drugs that are used depending on the goals of treatment (elimination of certain symptoms, improvement of the general condition of the body).

To treat inflammation of the sciatic nerve, medications such as:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group of drugs is designed to block the formation of enzymes that trigger inflammatory reactions in the body. They are not addictive, but have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa, so it is not recommended to use this type of drug for people suffering from peptic ulcers. It is also not recommended to overindulge in these drugs, as they have a detrimental effect on kidney function;
• Steroid drugs. In other words, hormones. This type of medication is prescribed when other medications are no longer effective. They have a huge list of side effects, half of which are sometimes hushed up by both doctors and drug manufacturers. Aimed at relieving inflammation and swelling;
• Muscle relaxants. This group of drugs is aimed at relieving muscle tension, reducing excessive muscle tone, relieving swelling, and reducing inflammation;
• Ointments and gels;
• Vitamins and minerals;
• Antidepressants.

List of possible drugs and methods of their use

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Nonsteroidal drugs:

• Analgin. The most affordable anti-inflammatory drug. It can be used orally (in the form of tablets in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations or instructions), and injections are also given intravenously and intramuscularly (in the form of a system). Contraindicated in case of excessive sensitivity to the drug, anemia, bronchospasm, pregnancy and lactation;

• 
  Check out the list of non-steroidal drugs that are used for inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Ibuprofen.

  Available in tablet form. The dose is selected strictly individually, in accordance with the patient’s clinical picture. Contraindicated if you are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. It is also not recommended to take this drug if you have kidney failure or bleeding disorders;
• Celebrex. Available in capsule form. Take 200 mg orally twice daily (your doctor may increase the dose to 400 mg if necessary). The drug is contraindicated in case of intolerance to sulfonamides, as well as in case of allergy to aspirin. The drug is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation;
• Indomethacin. Available in the form of tablets, 5% gel and 10% ointment. Tablets should be taken 1 piece at a time. three times a day during or after meals. You need to take the tablets with milk. If there is no positive trend, then the dose is increased to 2 tablets. Therapy is carried out over four weeks. If positive results appear, then a gel (or ointment) is added to the tablets, which are used to rub the affected area three times a day. All manipulations should be carried out under the strict supervision of your doctor, who should also increase the dose and prescribe additional medications. The drug is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, and the ointment (gel) cannot be used in the presence of open wounds;
• Ketoprofen. Available in the form of tablets, capsules, suppositories, intramuscular injections, gel (for external use). The type of drug and how to use it will be determined by your doctor based on the symptoms that are bothering you. The drug in any form is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components, pregnancy, lactation, as well as in cases of kidney and liver dysfunction.

Steroid drugs:

• Dexamethasone. Available in tablet and injection form. Injections can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or intraarticularly. The dosage and method of administration are prescribed strictly by your doctor. The drug is contraindicated in infectious processes occurring in the joints, viral diseases, diabetes mellitus,

  
  If the effectiveness of the drugs is low, steroid drugs may be prescribed for hypersensitivity to the components;

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• Hydrocartisone . Available in the form of an ampoule suspension for intra-articular and intramuscular use, as well as in the form of an ointment. The type of drug, as well as its dosage, is selected strictly by your attending physician. Uncontrolled use of the drug leads to serious complications. The drug is contraindicated for wounds and infectious skin lesions, individual intolerance to components, pregnancy, alcoholism, syphilis, epilepsy, diabetes and renal failure;
• Diprosan. Available in the form of a suspension for intra-articular and intramuscular use. The dose and length of therapy are selected strictly by your attending physician. The drug has an immunosuppressive effect. Contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, infectious arthritis, lactation;
• Kenalog. Available in the form of tablets, as well as suspensions for intramuscular and intra-articular administration. The dose and length of therapy are selected strictly by the attending physician. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, individual intolerance to components, diabetes mellitus, stomach ulcers;
• Metipred. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration, as well as in the form of a suspension for intramuscular or intraarticular use. The drug is contraindicated in case of lactose intolerance, tuberculosis, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, and viral and infectious diseases.

Muscle relaxants:

• Mydocalm. Available in the form of tablets for oral use and in the form of injections. The drug is able to relax muscles and relieve severe swelling. He is also able to cope with severe pain. The drug is contraindicated in case of excessive sensitivity to lidocaine, during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in myasthenia gravis;

Ointments and gels for external use:

Vitamins

The vitamin complex is selected by your attending physician based on the data obtained during diagnosis. Therefore, there is no specific list of drugs here. Borivit , vitamin injections that contain B6 and B1, can be prescribed The drug has a number of serious contraindications, so you need to familiarize yourself with them before starting use.

Antidepressants

Antidepressant medications are prescribed by the attending physician strictly individually , in order to maintain the patient’s body in a normal state, reduce nervous tension and help calm down. Such medications are available only by prescription.

More details about non-drug treatment

As we just noted, in the treatment of sciatica, in addition to pharmacological drugs, non-drug methods are also used that complement traditional therapy.

Pinched sciatic nerve

Physiotherapy

With the help of special exercises, you can not only quickly relieve pain, but also completely recover from the disease. However, provided that you do them regularly. There are only three positions in which these exercises are performed - sitting, lying and standing. Below is one of the most common groups of exercises (used for the thoracic and lumbar regions).

1. You need to lie on your back and pull your knees to your chin, and then clasp your buttocks with your hands. Stay in this position for thirty seconds.
2. The next position is lying on your side. You need to pull your legs bent at the knees as close as possible.
3. Then you need to lie down on your back again and straighten/bend your arms (the same as during push-ups). However, the whole body must remain motionless.

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Special exercises relieve pain and gradually allow the body to completely heal.

It is worth paying attention to another group of exercises - they are performed in a standing position. Thanks to such exercises, you can normalize blood circulation throughout the body.

Place your feet shoulder-width apart, raise one arm and lower the other along your body. Bend your torso to the side (to the side with your arm down). Then change hands and bend in the other direction.

Set of exercises

What about treatment with folk remedies?

If we talk about folk remedies for treating sciatica, rubbing with birch tincture and bear fat is most often used. In addition, you can wrap the sore spot with horseradish leaves. Less commonly, stones (jade and agate) and special healing magnets are used for treatment. Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) is also very effective.

Hirudotherapy

Be that as it may, pinched sciatic nerve is an extremely unpleasant disease; it should be treated in the early stages of development. Therefore, if you notice the first signs of sciatica, contact your doctor as soon as possible to start therapy.

Video - How to treat a pinched sciatic nerve

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Physiotherapy

A set of physical exercises, effective and quite simple, are designed to improve vascular blood flow in the lower back and buttocks. They are prescribed only by a doctor outside the period of exacerbation of pinched sciatic nerve.

In the acute phase, you can perform exercises while lying on the bed (leg raises, bicycle exercise).

Unblock the Sciatic Nerve: These 2 Exercises Will Relieve Your Pain

Stretching exercises can be of great help as they help calm inflammation and thus relieve pain. Of course, they may not be easy, so perform the exercises slowly, increasing the stretch as you exhale.

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1.Lie on a flat surface, bend the leg in which you feel pain, and gently pull it towards your shoulder. When you feel a stretch, try to hold your leg in this position for 30 seconds.

When you feel the stretch, try to hold your leg in this position for 30 seconds.

Extend your leg and lie down for a while.

Do 2 more approaches.

2.In a lying position again, bend your knees and carefully pull them towards your chest without lifting your pelvis from the floor. Cross your legs as shown in the figure and, clasping your healthy leg with your hands, stretch

Cross your legs as shown in the figure and, clasping your healthy leg with your hands, stretch.

Hold your legs for 30 seconds, release and return to the starting position.

Do 2 more approaches.

I have selected several more videos with techniques for performing therapeutic exercises when the sciatic nerve is pinched to unblock it. These complexes can only be performed outside the period of exacerbation, when the pain subsides a little.

There is no need to increase the load too much. All exercises are done smoothly, without sudden jerks.

How to cure your own sciatic nerve in 2 minutes

Sciatica. Two super cool exercises for acute pain

Just one most effective exercise for pinched sciatic nerve

Unblocking the sciatic nerve

Pinched sciatic nerve Eliminate pain Prevention

Remember that movement is the most effective way to combat sciatica, no matter how paradoxical it may sound.

By stimulating blood circulation, you eliminate congestion in the muscles and thereby speed up recovery.

Diagnosis, causes, severity

First of all, they start with an examination by a neurologist. An experienced doctor will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis based on the main signs. But in order to confirm it, it is necessary to do an x-ray, computed tomography, MRI or electromyography. Laboratory tests and tests will complete the picture.

Causes of sciatica

The International Medical Classification distinguishes between primary and secondary causes.

Primary (neurological):

• may be associated with hypothermia;
• result from infectious diseases;
• result from injury.

Secondary:

• destructive changes in the joints and cartilage tissue of the spine, that is, osteochondrosis. The term “spinal curvature” is often used in everyday life. A characteristic feature of the disease is that it rapidly becomes younger. A consequence of a sedentary lifestyle and computerization;
• the most common cause of sciatica, intervertebral hernia;
• spasm of the deep muscles of the spine, which can block certain areas of the vertebrae. This ultimately leads to nerve entrapment;
• During pregnancy, the load on the spine is redistributed and increases. This can cause pinching of nerve endings;
• The piriformis muscles are located on the buttocks, under which the sciatic nerve passes. A temporary spasm or inflammation can lead to a pinched nerve.

Severity

Each of these reasons can cause quite severe pain. They are divided into three degrees. Symptoms:

• Mild or tolerable pain.
• Moderate pain.
• Severe and sharp pain.

When the attending physician determines the cause and severity, he will prescribe treatment.

Types of ointments for illness

All external use products, which are produced in the form of ointments, can be divided into several large categories, differing in their composition and mechanism of action.

Table. Review of the main groups of ointments used for sciatica.

Ointments for sciatica

The doctor’s prescription in this case will depend on the disease that sciatica is associated with, how severe the patient’s pain is, and whether he has any contraindications.

Treatment of the sciatic nerve

NSAIDs

They are rightfully considered the most popular group of ointments used for pinched sciatic nerves. This includes the following:

• "Diclofenac";
• "Piroxicam";
• "Nise";
• "Ibuprofen";
• "Ketaprofen" and others.

"Diclofenac"

Pain and inflammation after using such ointments are eliminated almost instantly. NSAIDs are often prescribed if sciatica was caused by hypothermia or injury. However, drugs in this group have numerous contraindications, including:

• liver/kidney diseases;
• childhood;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• period of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In addition, the course of taking NSAIDs should be no more than three to four days.

"Piroxicam"

Irritating/warming agents

Such products are made from turpentine, hot pepper, snake/bee venom and other irritants. Helps improve tissue nutrition and blood circulation, help cope with swelling and inflammatory processes. After application, a burning sensation occurs, distracting from the unpleasant sensations caused by pinching of the sciatic nerve.

"Kapsikam"

The most common representatives of this group are the following:

• "Capsicam";
• "Betanikomilon";
• "Viprosal";
• "Nicoflex";
• "Apizartron";
• "Finalgon"

As a rule, the duration of treatment with warming ointments varies between five and ten days.

"Finalgon"

Chondroprotectors

Helps restore connective tissue in the body. In case of intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis, protrusion, causing sciatica, chondroprotectors not only eliminate the symptoms, but also prevent new attacks of nerve inflammation.

"Chondroitin"

Chondroprotectors include:

• "Chondroitin";
• "Sofia";
• "Teraflex M";
• "Chondroxid" and other drugs.

All of them are low-toxic, and therefore treatment can last up to 3 months. However, such ointments are used in tandem with analgesics, since they do not eliminate pain after the first use.

"Chondroxide"

Homeopathic medicines

The effectiveness of these remedies is not recognized by all experts, since homeopathic ointments contain very few active ingredients. As for research on this topic, their results are also contradictory.

"Target T"

But do not forget that these drugs, unlike their stronger analogues, have practically no side effects or contraindications, and therefore ointments can be used for children, pregnant women and other diseases that accompany pinching of the sciatic nerve.

As a rule, “Zel T” or “Traumel” is used for sciatica. They are made from animal and plant components, as well as from sulfur, a trace element that is very important for cartilage tissue. All these components have an anti-inflammatory effect.

"Traumel"

Combined products

They consist, as you might guess, of several components that act not only on the symptoms, but also on the causes of the pathology. The most famous drug is Dolobene; it eliminates not only pain, but also inflammation and swelling. Analogs of this drug are “Dimexide” and “Dexpanthenol”.

"Dolobene"

"Dimexide"

It is also worth noting that when treating a pinched sciatic nerve, the main thing is an integrated approach; without it, you are unlikely to be able to get rid of the disease once and for all.

Therefore, drug therapy should be combined with other methods - massage, therapeutic exercises, making adjustments to lifestyle (for example, increased caution should be exercised during physical activity).

Causes of pinched sciatic nerve

Sciatica is a common phenomenon. A significant proportion of people suffering from lumbar radiculitis are susceptible to this pathology.

The causes of nerve compression are usually:

• Traumatic damage to the muscular system of the pelvis or its physical overload;
• Displacement and herniation of intervertebral discs;
• High loads on the spinal column;
• Injuries of the spinal column, accompanied by dislocation and displacement of the vertebrae;
• Possible simultaneous pinching of the nerve and gluteal artery by the piriformis muscle in osteochondrosis;
• Infectious processes in gonorrhea and syphilis;
• Hypothermia;
• Diabetes;
• Displacement of the vertebrae in the last months of pregnancy;
• Tumors, blood clots or abscess.

Treatment of sciatica

Diagnosing sciatica is not difficult. Usually a simple examination by a neurologist is sufficient. But to identify the causes of sciatica, it is necessary to do an x-ray, ultrasound, MRI and undergo urine and blood tests.

To alleviate the condition when pinched, a blockade of the part of the nerve that has undergone inflammation, a course of medications with an anti-inflammatory effect, vitamin preparations and means to improve the body's metabolic processes, physiotherapeutic methods (warming, electro- and phonophoresis), therapeutic gymnastic exercises and massage are used.

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All these methods help relieve swelling, reduce the area of ​​inflammation and pain, and improve blood supply to the tissues around the affected nerve.

During the acute period of the disease, physical activity should be limited, the patient must lie on a hard bed. Intramuscular injections of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen, diclofenac, are performed.

At home, the patient can alleviate his condition with a massage with warming or anti-inflammatory ointments, cupping massage, heated wax applications and regular exercises. The most preferred exercises are cycling, walking on the buttocks, and various stretching exercises. During an exacerbation, heating pads should not be applied to the lower back and buttocks, so as not to provoke swelling of the inflamed area.

If treatment does not help, the pain becomes chronic and there is a disturbance in the functioning of the pelvic organs, then surgical intervention is indicated.

List of ointments for sciatica

A number of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal ointments, muscle relaxants, and ointments with a warming effect can effectively reduce pain and reduce inflammation.

• Finalgon is an ointment for rubbing. Has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces pain.
• Viprosal - ointment with bee venom. Warms up the affected area, which leads to the subsidence of pain.
• Betalgon is a product with a local irritant and analgesic effect, improves blood supply to the skin.
• Flexen – 2.5% gel for external use, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
• Carmolis is a herbal preparation based on medicinal oils (anise, thyme, cloves, Chinese lemongrass, lavender and sage, menthol and mint). Has an analgesic effect.
• Virapin is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Naftalgin is a local irritant.
• Ointments with propolis, mustard oil and turpentine.

Recommendations on dosage and proper use of ointments should be given by a doctor to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

To reduce the risk of sciatica, you should try to maintain correct posture and avoid carrying heavy objects. It is recommended to rest on a hard mattress.

You should also bring your weight back to normal, avoid hypothermia, and accustom yourself to regular exercise to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles.

Ointments for sciatica help relieve symptoms of exacerbation. The main mechanisms of action of external forms of drugs are aimed at irritating the skin with the aim of reflexively reducing pain, anti-inflammatory effects, or combinations thereof.

Currently, the drug market presents a wide selection of homeopathic ointments for inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The effectiveness of this group of drugs has not been scientifically proven, and the effect is associated with a psychological effect or the placebo effect.

Basic principles of sciatica treatment

As already mentioned, inflammation of the sciatic nerve requires long and complex treatment. First, you will need to be examined by a neurologist. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor will prescribe you a treatment regimen that you will need to follow responsibly.

Typically, medical therapy in the case of sciatica contains several types of therapeutic measures:

• physiotherapy (it is prescribed to relieve pain, swelling, improve blood circulation);

• 
  Physiotherapy is mainly used to treat sciatica; in individual cases, UHF, phonophoresis, electrophoresis, laser therapy, paraffin baths ;

• reflexology. This type of therapy is prescribed to the patient to relieve pain and muscle tension, improve lymphatic drainage, and restore nerve functionality. This type of therapy is only suitable if the acute stage of inflammation has passed (or has almost passed);
• massage;
• acupuncture;
• cauterization and home applications by Kuznetsov;
• medication course;
• vitamin course (groups B, B12, E to improve metabolic processes and blood circulation);
• physiotherapy. Typically, simple exercises are included that can keep the lower spine in good shape: “bicycle” from a lying position, rotational exercises for the pelvis and buttocks.

In the acute stage of the disease, the patient is prescribed bed rest, a minimum of movement, alternating ice compresses and heating pads. When the period of exacerbation has been overcome, it is recommended to undergo recovery in a sanatorium, where mud baths, water extracts, and radon hydrogen sulfide baths will be organized. This will strengthen the immune system and improve the general condition of the body.

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Inflammation of the sciatic nerve - the main causes

Sciatica is a fairly common disease. In a large number of people who suffer from spinal radiculitis, this disease occurs as a concomitant. It can arise for various reasons. The most common of them are:

• damage to the pelvic muscles or severe physical stress on it;
• disc displacement and formation of intervertebral hernia;
• heavy loads on the spine;
• spinal injuries resulting in vertebral displacement;
• osteochondrosis;
• hypothermia;
• vertebral displacement during pregnancy;
• blood clots and tumors.

In the International Classification of Diseases, sciatica has code M54.3 in the section “Dorsalgia” (M54). There are primary and secondary inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Scientists have identified a number of factors contributing to sciatica:

• hormonal disorders;
• enzyme imbalance;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• increased or decreased sensitivity of the body;
• infection;
• intoxication;
• stress;
• physical overload;
• features of the profession;
• injuries.

The most common cause of inflammation of the sciatic nerve is considered to be pathological processes in the sacrum and lumbar region. The following conditions are accompanied by a pinched nerve:

• intervertebral disc displacement;
• intervertebral hernia;
• osteophytes (bone growths);
• tunnel neuropathies (piriformis syndrome);
• consequences of infectious diseases;
• hypothermia of the body;
• excessive physical activity;
• injuries to the spine or pelvic organs;
• post-injection abscesses;
• curvature of the spine (scoliosis, flat feet);
• tumor processes.

Intoxication of the body with alcohol, salts of heavy metals and other toxic compounds plays a certain role in the development of the disease. Often, damage to the sciatic nerve is caused by toxins secreted by pathogenic bacteria.

Often the cause of sciatica is spinal cord tumors, both benign and malignant, as well as metastases of cancerous tumors of other organs, growing into the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

The main symptom of sciatica is pain, the intensity of which depends on the cause of the inflammation. The pain is usually localized along the nerve, that is, felt in the buttock, popliteal fossa, back of the thigh and lower leg.

Pain syndrome may be present constantly or occur occasionally. In this case, the attack usually begins with pain of low intensity, which soon becomes very strong. They exhaust a person, deprive him of peace and sleep.

In addition to pain, the patient’s condition is aggravated by such manifestations as difficulty bending limbs, decreased sensitivity and muscle tone, impaired thermoregulation (cold feet), and a feeling of goosebumps crawling on the skin.

• Symptom of sitting (the patient cannot sit down independently).
• Lasègue's sign (inability to raise a straight leg).
• Sicard's symptom (pain increases when trying to bend the foot).
• Paresthesia (decreased sensitivity of the limbs). At the initial stage, this syndrome is manifested by numbness and a tingling sensation in the skin of the buttocks and the back of the limbs from the inflamed nerve. As the disease progresses further, sensitivity disappears completely.
• Impaired motor function. As a result of prolonged infringement of the motor fibers of the nerve, muscle weakness in the limbs increases. Over time, a person’s gait becomes impaired and he begins to limp on his affected leg.
• Dysfunction of the pelvic organs. They develop as a result of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that occurs against the background of pinched fibers passing through the sciatic nerve. In severe cases, symptoms such as burning during urination, urinary and fecal incontinence, or the development of chronic constipation occur.

An attack of inflammation usually begins suddenly, most often at night. It can be provoked not only by chronic diseases, but also by simple hypothermia or a severe stress factor and a nervous breakdown.

At the same time, accompanying vegetative manifestations appear - swelling, increased sweating of the feet, redness of the skin. If the lesion is infectious, the pain syndrome is accompanied by high fever, chills, weakness and other symptoms of intoxication of the body. Sometimes, if the pain is too sharp and severe, a person may lose consciousness.

In severe cases, the functions of the nerve are completely disrupted, a decrease in the volume of the gluteal, femoral or calf muscles is noted, temporary immobility occurs, the patient cannot turn the foot, bend and straighten the toes.

Symptoms of sciatica

The clinical symptoms of sciatica vary. This may be a sharp shooting pain from the lower back to the buttock and down the back of the limb. Often observed:

• acute pain in the buttocks, which intensifies when sitting;
• shooting pain that occurs when trying to stand up;
• numbness or weakness in the leg;
• severe pain when walking or bending over.

With sciatica, pain in the buttock and the back of the thigh, often radiating to the lower leg and foot, is more pronounced than pain in the lower back.

Other symptoms of sciatica include pain in the leg such as burning, tingling, numbness, or pins and needles.

Most often, sciatica affects only one limb, but there are cases when the patient experiences pain in both legs.

The pain with sciatica is usually not as severe as with lumbago. In the initial stages of the disease, the symptoms of sciatica may not be very pronounced. But in advanced cases, such attacks of pain are possible that the patient cannot not only walk, but even stand and sit, and sometimes the pain does not subside even in a lying position and does not allow him to fall asleep.