Sciatica is a disease in which the roots of the spinal cord are affected, which causes pain, vegetative and motor disorders.
Causes of sciatica
The main reason provoking the occurrence of this disease is degenerative–dystrophic changes of the vertebral column (developmental anomalies, spondylosis, osteochondrosis).
The cause of inflammation in the spine can be infectious diseases (syphilis, influenza, meningitis), injuries, hypothermia, tick-borne encephalitis.
Sciatica provokes the lifting of excessive weights, awkward movements and colds. When the fibrous ring is stretched or ruptured, the gelatinous disc extends beyond its boundaries, and a hernia forms in its place.
The pain syndrome in sciatica increases significantly if not only the spinal root is squeezed, but also the tissues that are located nearby.
Symptoms of sciatica
The main sign of this disease is pain syndrome, vegetative disorders, sensitivity disorder and decreased reflexes. The first attacks of pain caused by tearing of the fibrous ring, as a rule, have a diffuse character. After the formation of a herniated disc, a radicular syndrome appears, which is characterized by a tingling and numbness sensation.
Where the affected root is located, innervation is observed, that is, a gradual decrease in sensitivity, both painful and tactile. In the area of the affected root, muscle weakness is observed, which can lead to their complete atrophy.
Signs of primary radiculitis with a toxic or infectious cause are symptoms characteristic of the disease that provoked the development of radiculitis (elevated body temperature, chills, etc.).
Lumbosacral sciatica is characterized by pain in the lumbar region, which increases with coughing and walking.
Lumbago is characterized by sudden pain in the lower back, which manifests itself after lifting weights, hypothermia or awkward movement. At the same time, the mobility of the lumbar spine is limited.
Lumbalgia is characterized by dull pain in the lower back, which has frequent relapses. At the same time, the mobility of the lumbar spine is limited.
Lumboishagia is characterized by acute pain in the lower back, radiating into the legs. At the same time, trophic disorders of the lower extremities and alignment of lumbar lordosis are noted.
With cervical sciatica, there is pain in the neck and increased tone of the cervical muscles.
Diagnosis of radiculitis
Radiography of the back, which is prescribed to clarify the diagnosis, usually reveals osteochondrosis. To clarify sciatica, additional studies are needed that will present a more complete picture of the disease:
spondylogram;
lumbar puncture;
CT;
MRI;
Treatment of radiculitis
A neurologist or a vertebrologist prescribes treatment. The main direction of therapy consists in immobilization of the spine and taking analgesics to relieve pain. In addition, local remedies are also prescribed, such as rubbing and pepper plaster.
Stretching, blockade of spasmodic muscles and physiotherapy also help to relieve pain.
After the acute pain is removed, manual therapy, massage, physical therapy, injections of vitamin B are prescribed.
In severe cases, the appointment of novocaine blockades and intravenous infusions is practiced.
In the absence of a positive result of treatment, the patient is prescribed surgical treatment for hernia removal.
In order for relapses of this disease not to bother the patient, resort treatment is recommended.
