Radiculitis: what is it? causes, symptoms, treatment

Radiculitis - what is it? Radiculitis: causes, symptoms and treatment regimen

Pain in the back of modern man is not surprising.

Sometimes they arise periodically and disappear without a trace, but often such painful sensations with enviable periodicity torment a person. It can be a sciatica.

What is this for a disease, why it arises, and what symptoms can be observed in a person - this is what I want to tell you about.

Terminology

First of all, we need to understand the concepts. So, radiculopathy or radiculitis - what is it? These are severe pains that a person can feel not only in the back, but also in the cervical region.

They can appear not only during movement, but also in a calm state of the body.

It is necessary to say that this is not an independent disease, but a complex of symptoms that are provoked by irritation or by a pinch of the spinal nerves. Neuropathologist is engaged in these problems.

Causes

Having understood the notion of "radiculitis what it is and how it is called in medicine, this illness must be told about the reasons for its occurrence.

So, at the very beginning it should be noted that this is a scourge of people of advanced age. Statistics show that about 10% of people over 40 years old know firsthand what it is.

And the whole point is that with the age of a person the most important minerals are washed away from the body. And this is the main cause of various problems with the spinal column and the near-vertebral nerves.

But most often radiculitis causes various forms of osteochondrosis. According to statistics, this occurs in 95% of all cases.

The reasons for this are dystrophic changes in intervertebral discs and various complications of this disease.

Also, sciatica can be a consequence of spine trauma, tumors, diseases of internal organs.

Doctors also say that radiculitis is one of the symptoms of the intervertebral hernia. This stiffening of the nerve roots can also be caused by spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

Main symptoms, types

So, radiculitis. What it is is understandable. Now we need to talk about what symptoms accompany the disease.

• Pain. With this disease, the pain can be either acute or dull. Very rarely it is localized in one place, most often it gives to different parts of the spine.
• Disturbance of sensitivity. In this disease, nerve fibers are damaged, which can lead to numbness of some parts of the body. Loss of sensitivity is often accompanied by a tingling sensation or a burning sensation.
• Muscle weakness. Often, with this disease, the nerve impulses are interrupted, because of which the muscles just stop working normally. There may even be muscle atrophy.

View 1. Cervical radiculitis

There are three types of radiculopathy. The first of these is cervical radiculitis. From one name it can be understood that it is localized in the cervical region. Symptomatics standard. Pain can be in any part of the neck, depending on where the affected nerve roots are.

View 2. Radiculitis of the thoracic department

The next kind of radiculopathy is chest radiculitis. From the name you can draw a simple conclusion that it is localized in the middle of the spine. Characteristic tingling, pain with irradiation, muscle weakness and numbness of affected areas.

It is worth mentioning that chest radiculitis is extremely rare. All the fault is the slight flexibility of this department of the spine. Potential causes are often degenerative disc changes, disc hernias, stenosis, etc.

View 3. Lumbar radiculitis

So, the sciatica of the lumbar region. Localized in this case is the disease in the lower back, in the lumbar part of it (this is where de center of gravity of the human body is located).

Therefore, the problem can also be called sacral sciatica. Symptomatics for this type of disease is the same as with the rest. It is important to note that it is this subspecies of the disease in medicine that is called ischialgia.

There is a sciatica of the lumbar region most often as a consequence of diseases such as arthritis, a hernia or disc protrusion, degenerative changes of the vertebrae, compression fracture, etc. Problems.

Diagnosis of the type of disease

As mentioned above, radiculitis is a set of symptoms, not a single disease. However, with such problems, it is best to seek help from a doctor. So, the complex of his actions will be as follows:

1. Clarification of symptoms. The doctor will need to know about the nature, intensity of pain, its duration and distribution.
2. Then the doctor will examine the patient. The procedure will take place with a feeling of the affected area. So the doctor will be able to determine the volume of movements of the patient and the weakness of his muscles.
3. You may need a neurological examination. In this case, the doctor will check the sensitivity and reflex activity of the muscles.
4. Also, the doctor can refer the patient to the X-ray. This is necessary in order to identify degenerative changes in different parts of the spine.
5. Sometimes the patient is referred to CT or MRI. These studies perfectly visualize the presence of root compression.
6. EMG. This study makes it possible to determine the degree of damage to nerve fibers.

Treatment, on which it depends

At the very beginning it is necessary to say that the treatment will depend on what kind of symptoms are manifested in this disease. And also from what caused radiculitis.

So, initially it is necessary to cope with the cause of the disease. As for the symptoms, the medication will be aimed at relieving pain, inflammation and reducing possible edema.

• Manual therapy. Manual techniques are primarily aimed at stretching the spine along its entire axis. They also help to relieve spasm and pain, which is very important for the patient.
• Exercise therapy. Organism is important dosage physical activity. They can help restore the biomechanics of the spine, as well as a normal stereotype of movement.
• Acupuncture. There is an effect on biologically active points of a person with the help of special needles.

Massage

One of the most effective techniques is massage with radiculitis. So, it's good if it can be done by professionals. However, otherwise, these actions can be carried out by any member of the family.

1. Strokes. This is the initial stage (takes about 3-5 minutes), is carried out in order to stretch the muscles and prepare them for more serious exercises.
2. Kneading. By the time this stage takes about 20 minutes. With these movements, there is an acceleration of blood flow and metabolism. Also, edema and muscle spasm decrease. Warm-up options - a huge amount. You need to choose the one that helps the patient as much as possible.
3. Trituration. These movements should take approximately 5 minutes. They help to eliminate stagnation and blockages in the blood vessels, restore muscle tone. The data of movement by the pads of the fingers are produced, more intensively than stroking, but not as actively as kneading.
4. Stroking. The first and last stage are similar. However, in this case, the goal of action is to bring the nervous system in order.

So, massage with radiculitis is over. However, the patient is not recommended to get up. It takes half an hour to lie down, covered with a blanket. After that, the patient site should be wrapped in a warm kerchief for two hours.

Medicines

You can get rid of some of the symptoms of radiculitis with the help of medication.

• Anesthetics. Tablets form: preparations "Nimesulid "Ibuprofen". Injection preparations: "Ketanov "Dexalgin". Also very active is the "Olfen" patch.
• Ointments from sciatica. Ointment "Bystrum Gel "Fastum gel "Voltaren "Diklovit."

Folk remedies

Already almost completely considered such a problem as radiculitis (symptoms). Treatment with folk remedies is what is also important to tell.

1. Sheep's wool. Specialists of traditional medicine say that the clothes made of sheep's wool work very well. To cope with the problem, you need to soak a piece of woolen cloth in brine and attach it to your back. Wool and salt can "stretch" the pain.
2. Bathhouse. Help to cope with radiculitis can be done with the help of a bath. So, you need to go to the bath, steam out well, then you need a stricken place for 5 minutes to thoroughly rub with black soap. After that, you must wrap yourself up and go to bed as soon as possible. The next day the pain will completely pass.
3. Garlic. You need to put three garlic heads in a saucepan, pour half a liter of boiling water, to pour a couple of minutes on the fire. From garlic you need to make a gruel and put it all on the affected area. Attention: after the skin there may be burns.
4. Ledum. Eliminate the ointment from this plant from radiculitis. For its preparation in a pan it is necessary to put two tablespoons of dry ingredients, pour five tablespoons of sunflower oil, then everything is warmed up (oil can not be brought to boiling). After everything is poured into the jar, it is infused for 10 hours. Everything is filtered through gauze. The ointment is rubbed into the sore spot in the morning and evening.

A source: http://.ru/article/161978/radikulitchto-eto-takoe-radikulit-prichinyi-simptomyi-i-shema-lecheniya

Radiculitis (lat. radicula - spine)

Radiculitis- (Lat. radicula - spine) - lesions of the roots of the spinal cord, causing motor, vegetative and pain disorders.

Radiculitis is manifested by intense pain syndrome, decreased muscle strength, reflexes and sensitivity in the zone innervated by the affected spinal nerve.

Diagnosis of radiculitis is carried out using radiography, CT and MRI of the spine, according to indications, it is possible to carry out myelography and lumbar puncture.

The treatment uses painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, blockades, physiotherapy procedures, manual techniques, spinal traction, physiotherapy and massage.

Radiculitis- (Lat. radicula - spine) - lesions of the roots of the spinal cord, causing motor, vegetative and pain disorders.

The etiological factors of radiculitis are degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, such as osteochondrosis, deforming spondylosis, as well as various anomalies in the development of the spine (sacralization, spondylolisthesis, additional ribs, aplasia vertebrae). Provoke inflammatory processes in the spine are also capable of hypothermia, trauma, infection (influenza, tuberculosis, syphilis, cerebrospinal meningitis), as well as radicular forms of neuroviral diseases (tick-borne encephalitis, etc.).

Pain syndrome with radiculitis can manifest itself as a result of lifting the severity, awkward movement, infection or cold when it occurs stretching or rupture of the fibrous ring of the disc, the gelatinous disc extends beyond its borders, and in its place an intervertebral disc hernia.

Often, an advanced disc or osteophytes squeezes not only the spinal root, but also the surrounding membranes and tissues, which in turn serve as an additional source of pain syndrome. In addition, two other factors play a role in its pathogenesis: discalgia and muscular-tonic pain.

Classification of radiculitis

Depending on the topography of the inflammatory process, radiculitis is divided into a number of forms:

• lumbosacral,
• thoracic,
• cervical,

which in turn can have a chronic or acute form.

In addition, distinguish primary radiculitis (toxic, infectious origin) and secondary, due to abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord.

With meningoradiculitis, the inflammatory process develops simultaneously in the spine with a spinal nerve. and the membranes of the spinal cord.

The main symptoms of sciatica are pain, decreased reflexes, partial sensitivity disorder, vegetative disorders.

The first bouts of pain associated with tearing the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, are diffuse (reminiscent of "myositis" or "lumbago").

And only with the formation of a disc hernia, which squeezes the spine, formed radicular syndrome, when there are sensations of tingling and numbness.

Symptoms of primary radiculitis (infectious and toxic etiology) are manifestations that correspond to the disease that caused radiculitis (in the case of acute respiratory viral infection - fever, chills, etc.).

In the lumbosacral radiculitis, the localization of pain, which is aggravated by walking and coughing, is possible in the lumbar region, shin, thigh or foot.

At the initial stage the disease proceeds according to the type of lumbago, lumbargia and lumboschialgia.

The main symptom of lumbago is a sudden sharp pain in the lower back, which results from lifting of gravity, awkward movement or hypothermia.

In the initiation of pain syndrome, the role of stimulation of the receptors of the fibrous ring of the disc or the subluxation of the intervertebral joints play a role. Limited mobility in the lumbar spine, the tone of the lumbar muscles is increased, they are painful when palpated.

In most cases, severe pain ("lumbago") does not allow patients to be in a standing or walking position.

Lumbalia is a dull pain of a subacute nature in the lumbar region. Often recurs. The sitting position, walking and any movements in the lower back are difficult. In some cases, the tension symptoms (Lasega, Wasserman) are weakly positive.

There is an increased muscle tone of the waist, restriction of movement and lumbar lordosis lining.

For partial removal of the pain syndrome with radiculitis, patients take a "protective" posture: they sit, bending their legs under themselves and resting their hands on the bed, or lie, laying a pillow under their stomachs.

The gait changes: in movement, patients tend to rely heavily on a healthy leg. Quite often there is an increased tone of the lumbar muscles, antalgic scoliosis, less often kyphosis.

When palpation painful become paravertebral points in the lumbar region, the back of the thigh, popliteal fossa, heel (the Gara point) and the middle of the foot (the Bekhterev's medioplanatary point), and this is almost the defining symptom of the lumbosacral sciatica.

The first symptoms of cervical radiculitis - pain in the neck (one-sided), forced position of the head (hypoplastic torticollis), increased tone of the neck muscles, pathological lordosis of the neck.

Pain increases with coughing, sneezing and any movement of the head.

With the formation of a disc hernia and squeezing the roots, pain sensations extend to the hand (proximal parts), the anterior surface of the thorax or the scapula.

There is a decrease in deep reflexes and paresthesia (in the distal parts of the arm). Pain with radiculitis can worsen at night, in such cases, patients are forced to walk for a long time, "rocking" the sick arm.

The development of thoracic radiculitis begins with reflex-irritative symptoms (soreness of the paravertebral points, muscular-tonic abnormalities).

On the radicular stage of thoracic radiculitis, sensitivity disorders occur in the area of ​​the affected roots, motor disorders (paresis of the extensor fingers and the brush as a whole).

In cases where the inflammatory process affects sympathetic arm formations, there are vegetative-vascular disorders (swelling, sweating, cooling). Possible development of spondylocoronary syndrome.

The defeat of the spinal roots and the formation of a herniated intervertebral disc can lead to compression (or blockage) of large radicular veins and radiculomedullary arteries.

Reduction of blood flow can lead to the development of ischemia of various etiologies and, as a consequence, spinal cord infarction, in which the sensitive and motor functions of a person are disturbed.

In this state, a definition of the disability group is possible.

Diagnosis of radiculitis

Radiographic examination of the spine with various forms of radiculitis usually reveals osteochondrosis, which is quite common. Therefore, the survey should be deployed.

In order to exclude destructive processes in the spine, a spondylogram is shown. However, it is not able to verify the discogenic etiology of the disease.

Lumbar puncture is performed in the lumbosacral radiculitis, which reveals a slight increase in the protein content.

For the recognition of the etiology of radiculitis, a careful study of the history, clinic, as well as a large number of paraclinical data (a clinical blood test, myelography, a spondylogram, a study of cerebrospinal fluid, MRI and CT of the spine, etc.)

It should be noted that with discogenic radiculitis, as a rule, only one or two roots are affected. And in cases of thoracic radiculitis, vertebrogenic osteochondrosis should be excluded, here the cause of compression of roots is hidden in other diseases.

In addition, the radiculitis must be differentiated from the acute myositis of the back muscles.

Treatment of radiculitis

Treatment is carried out by a vertebrologist or neurologist. The leading triad in the healing process is immobilization of the spine (hard bed), heat and analgesics (diclofenac, indomethacin, etc.).

It allows you to firstly relieve the exacerbation of pain. In cases of hypercalic forms of radiculitis, intramuscular administration of analgesics (amidopyrine + butadione, metamizole sodium) should be added.

Recommended and local irritants - pepper patch, rubbing. Of great importance in the treatment of radiculitis are physiotherapy, blockade of spasms, traction.

The use of vitamin B12 in large doses has a pronounced analgesic effect. In severe cases, it is possible to carry out Novocain blockades (with vitamin B12, hydrocortisone, etc.) or intravenous infusions of diazepam, diphenhydramine, and euphyllin.

In the case of persistent pain (regardless of 3-4 months of therapy), it is recommended to offer the patient an operation on the spine (removal of the intervertebral hernia).

Obligatory indication for surgical intervention with radiculitis can serve as paralyzing sciatica caused by compression of the horse's tail, with the development of violations of the functions of the pelvic organs.

For the treatment of relapses, sanatorium-and-spa treatment with the use of mud applications, hydrogen sulphide and radon baths is recommended.

Prognosis for radiculitis

A favorable prognosis is possible in case of timely diagnosis and detailed treatment, including all possible directions. Only with this approach one can expect recovery without fear of relapse.

In the case of development of ischemia and, as a consequence, a spinal cord infarction, it is impossible to predict a complete recovery, as a result of such complications often become a violation of motor and sensitive functions organism.

Prevention of radiculitis

Prophylaxis of radiculitis includes measures aimed at maintaining proper posture, strengthening the muscles of the back. It is recommended to avoid excessive stress on the spine.

Correct posture during sleep and wakefulness minimizes the stress experienced by the vertebral column. Do not sleep on too hard mattresses.

Contrary to popular belief, they are able to distort the position of the spine and disrupt its function.

To avoid this and preserve the natural bending of the spine, it is recommended to puncture small pillows under neck and waist, or use a semi-rigid mattress that is able to maintain a natural position the spine.

Maintaining proper posture is very important in everyday work. When lifting objects from the floor, it is recommended to bend your legs in the knees, without tilting the trunk.

Thus, the load will move from the back to the feet.

It is recommended to avoid uncomfortable poses (prolonged sitting at the table with the head down, sitting in front of the TV, dropping the chin on the chest, etc.).

In addition, an important role in the prevention of radiculitis is gymnastics, which helps to strengthen the muscles of the back, and also sports and hardening, which increase the body's resistance to physical stress and hypothermia.

A source: http://www.krasotaimedicina.ru/diseases/zabolevanija_neurology/radiculitis

Radiculitis: symptoms and treatment

Category: Neurology and psychiatry 25339

• Back pain
• Pain in the neck
• Numbness in the affected area
• Loss of sensitivity
• Violation of pain sensitivity
• Skin tingling
• Lumbago

Radiculitis is such a disease of the nervous system, in which the spines of the spinal nerves are affected.

Radiculitis, the main symptom of which is pain in the neck or back (depending on such lesion), can also be designated in medical practice as radiculopathy.

general description

At a radiculitis there is an irritation of nerves provoked by a lesion for any reasons of an intervertebral disk.

In particular, such a lesion can develop due to degeneration (or, more simply, "wear") of the area external disc ring, due to injury due to injury or a combination of both reasons.

Because of this, in turn, the central part of the disk, being softer by nature, can break through (it happens through external disc ring), thus touching the spinal cord or with its nerves originating from the side of the vertebral post. The irritation of the nerves from the cervical discs against the background of a degenerative disease is cervical radiculopathy.

Also, there are banal radiculitis (this is discogenic radiculopathy), they are involved in motor, pain and vegetative disorders that occur on the background of lesions of the spinal roots, which in particular occurs because of the urgency of such a disease in the patient, like osteochondrosis the spine.

Most often, the causes of radiculitis are reduced to the effect of three main factors. In particular, this is already noted osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, and also deforming spondylarthrosis.

In addition to these factors, radiculitis can also be caused by certain diseases, such as tuberculosis, influenza, syphilis, brucellosis, rheumatism, cerebrospinal meningitis, tumors, neuroviral diseases of the radicular form (such as tick-borne encephalitis etc.).

Inflammation of gums in periodontitis and gingivitis

Radiculitis: symptoms

Symptoms of radiculitis manifest themselves depending on the form of this disease, which is due to the characteristics of the lesion in a particular area. In particular, the radiculitis can be cervical, thoracic or lumbosacral.

In general consideration, it can be indicated that the main symptom of the disease is pain that focuses on one particular area and accompanied by systematic "firing under the lumbago is meant a sensation that resembles in the manifestation an electric shock current.

Later, such sensations as tingling and numbness, as well as sensation of "goosebumps noted in a certain area of ​​the skin, manifest themselves.

The area of ​​innervation of the root subjected to lesion is marked or decreased in its sensitivity or its complete disappearance (this concerns sensitivity to the temperature or pain effects).

Cervical sciatica: symptoms

With cervical radiculitis, lesions occur in the cervical nerve of the spinal roots.

The main and first symptom of cervical radiculitis is neck pain, manifested with an additional spread to the muscles of the arms, this one-sided pain.

The emerging pain by the nature of the manifestation is sudden, it can be noted when attempts are made to bend the patients to the head. The pain is intensified when the head movement is unsuccessful or when it is tilted.

The possibility of some easing of pain is possible, which is achieved due to accurate slopes or turns of the head.

Hands with cervical radiculitis can largely lose their inherent muscle strength, which can reach a state of absolute loss of their sensitivity.

The disease begins mainly at the age of 40 years and older, in many cases, the flow is prolonged, accompanied by periodic exacerbations.

Thoracic sciatica: symptoms

This form of the disease is characterized by the fact that the area of ​​localization, as is clear, is in the thoracic vertebral part. This form is diagnosed less frequently than cervical or lumbar sciatica.

As the main manifestations of the symptomatology in this case, there are pain, numbness and tingling in the intercostal area. Changes are also subject to muscle strength - it, respectively, is reduced.

Thoracic radiculitis is also accompanied by the need for flexion in the direction of the lesion of the spine with the retention of the trunk in appropriate position, in addition, patients try to avoid any unnecessary movements that could strengthen soreness.

The causes of this form of the disease are the effect of, as a rule, a viral infection (for example, it is shingles), Rarely the cause of radiculitis becomes degenerative-dystrophic (already noted osteochondrosis, deforming spondylarthrosis). To develop the disease, in addition to this, against the background of compression, applied to the roots of the spinal nerves by adhesive or tumor process.

Lumbosacral sciatica (aka - sciatica): symptoms

Most often, radiculitis manifests itself in this form. The basic age group is patients aged 30 to 50 years.

Another characteristic feature of patients affected by the development of this disease is their professional activity, carried out in unfavorable temperatures.

Lumbar radiculitis in some cases is also defined as "ischialgia."

This definition corresponds to such a lesion of the sciatic nerve region, because of which there are pronounced pain sensations of unilateral character of the manifestation from the thigh or buttock.

These painful sensations are sudden and abrupt, because of the intensity of their manifestation to the patient it is extremely difficult to find a convenient position for their contraction.

Against the backdrop of unsuccessful movements, the symptoms of radiculitis can be amplified, the pose for sleeping is also difficult to pick up. During the night rest, painful shooting sensations can be seen, marked in the lumbar region or in the leg. There is also a decrease in muscle strength in the legs, which in some cases reaches a complete loss of their sensitivity.

Nerve root compression with radiculitis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of radiculitis is based on the results of a series of studies that a doctor can prescribe in this direction. These include, in particular, the following:

• Radiography - X-ray of the spine area along the lateral and direct projections, in addition, in accordance with the indications, X-ray of the pelvis, hip joints and other areas can be made;
• CT, MRI (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging);
• densitometry;
• scintigraphy - procedure for scanning the bone system of the spine;
• Ultrasound of retroperitoneal space, pelvic organs and abdominal cavity;
• laboratory tests of blood, urine.

Treatment

Treatment of radiculitis must necessarily be complex, and, therefore, should be oriented not only to the elimination of symptoms that are troubling patient, but also on the restoration of adequate mobility of the vertebrae in combination with the provision, within the framework of the produced effect, of their due functioning.

It is a universally recognized fact that in the treatment of radiculitis there is a need to ensure a gentle home treatment.

At the same time being in bed longer than 2-5 days is highly not recommended - due to the early onset of motor activity in combined with the gradual resumption of standard physiological load, earlier recovery of patients is achieved.

With regard to the concomitant recovery of this scheme of drug treatment, it is based on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, Diclofenac, Orthofen, etc.)

), B-group vitamins, analgesics, local warming-up agents.

In addition to drugs in the treatment of radiculitis, physiotherapeutic methods (dynamic current, electrophoresis, etc.) are also used.

Treatment of the disease in the early stages can be the local application of cold or dry heat. Cold in this case is applied in the form of a bubble with ice applied to the waist several times a day for up to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, both heat and cold are measures of individual effectiveness, that is, one patient is helped by one option, the other, respectively, by another, all strictly individually.

Help in anesthesia can fix the area of ​​the lower body (lumbar bandage or circular dense bandage).

A separate place is occupied in the treatment of manual therapy, as well as therapeutic exercise and therapeutic massage. Folk remedies for radiculitis, with all their diversity, are mainly aimed at eliminating symptoms, or, more precisely, eliminating painful sensations.

Rubbing and ointment also play a significant role in the treatment, the only thing that should be done correctly is this procedure. So, when rubbing it is necessary that the hands of the person who conducts it are warm.

Further, the sore spot needs to be "warmed up wrapped up for warming.

In the treatment of radiculitis, mud therapy, balneotherapy, as well as other methods of influence in the conditions of sanatorium-resort complexes are additionally recommended.

Treatment and prevention of complications require the exclusion of sudden movements (tilt, turns), lifting weights, long unilateral loads and stationary sitting. It is also necessary to exclude hypothermia.

When there is a symptom that indicates possible radiculitis, it is necessary to consult a therapist and neurologist (neurologist).

A source: http://SimptoMer.ru/bolezni/nevrologiya/341-radikulit-simptomy

Symptoms and treatment of sciatica

The explanation of what is radiculitis lies in the term itself, which in translation from Latin means inflammation of the root. At the heart of this process is damage to the spinal roots.

They form the nerves that innervate various areas of the human body and internal organs.

The development of inflammation is characterized by the synthesis by cells of the immune system of substances of inflammatory mediators - prostaglandins, which determine a number of effects:

• expansion of arteries and narrowing of veins at the site of inflammation - this leads to stagnation of blood in tissues and hyperemia;
• irritation of sensitive nerve endings with the development of sensation of pain;
• The swelling of the tissues is due to stagnation of the blood and the release of its plasma into the intercellular space.

The mechanism of development of inflammation predetermines the appearance of symptoms of pathology and appropriate treatment. Initiate damage to the nerve fibers of the spinal roots with subsequent inflammation of several etiological (causative) factors:

1. squeezing of the spinal roots is the most common cause of sciatica, it causes a decrease in the diameter of the intervertebral openings due to osteochondrosis, protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral disc, vertebral injuries, their displacement or instability;
2. aseptic inflammation - because of local hypothermia, the tissues around the vertebrae inflame, then the process passes directly to the roots;
3. infectious process - bacteria or viruses cause an inflammatory process in the near-vertebral tissue with its subsequent transition to the roots;
4. violation of trophic (feeding) of the nervous tissue of the spinal roots (dystrophy) is such a cause of inflammation rootlets can occur with malnutrition, alcohol abuse, or chronic intoxication with chemical substances;
5. a prolonged static load on the spine causes overstrain of the back muscles with their subsequent inflammation, spasm and squeezing of the roots.

Symptoms of sciatica

The basic manifestation of inflammation of the spinal root is a pain syndrome with characteristic features:

• a sharp start in the form of a lumbago, which provokes hypothermia or significant loads;
• high intensity of pain in the period of acute radiculitis;
• burning nature in the localization of the inflamed spinal root;
• irradiation - the spread of pain to the area of ​​innervation of a nerve formed from an inflamed root;
• periodicity of intensification and reduction of pain intensity depending on physical exertion on the spine.

In parallel with the pain, paresthesia often develops (a violation of the sensitivity of the skin in the form of numbness), which is associated with blocking the conduction of a nerve impulse along the sensitive nerve fibers of the spine in the region of the inflammatory process.

Signs of radiculitis, depending on the localization of inflammation of the roots in a specific section of the spine:

1. cervical radiculitis is characterized by pain in the neck on the one hand, the intensity of pain is enhanced by movements in it. Often pain is given in the shoulder and shoulder from the appropriate side, with parallel paresthesia of the skin;
2. thoracic radiculitis develops with inflammation of the spinal roots in the thoracic region of the ridge, characterized by unilateral back pain, which irradiates along the rib arch;
3. radiculitis of the lumbar and sacral part of the ridge is manifested by characteristic lumbago at inclinations or lifting of weights. The pain is intense, burning character, gives to the buttock and the back surface of the leg on one side, respectively, the affected root. Paresthesia is often associated with the same localization as pain.

Diagnostics

Due to the characteristic clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of radiculitis does not cause complications.

To clarify the location of the affected root, the doctor performs palpation (palpation), finding out between which vertebrae the intensity of pain is the highest.

To find out the cause of inflammation of the spinal roots and to conduct differential diagnosis with other diseases of the ridge and spinal cord, an additional instrumental examination is includes:

• an overview radiograph of the spine in various departments and projections;
• tomography (computer and magnetic resonance imaging);
• ultrasound examination of intervertebral joints;
• A study of blood on the markers of a tumor or autoimmune process.

Treatment of sciatica

Therapeutic approaches in the treatment of inflammation of the spinal roots imply an integrated approach and several main directions:

1. etiotropic therapy;
2. pathogenetic treatment;
3. symptomatic therapy;
4. rehabilitation.

Etiotropic therapy

The therapeutic measures depend on the cause and are aimed at its elimination, they include:

• liberation of strangulated spinal roots - surgery is performed for plasty of a hernia disk between vertebrae or its protrusions, correcting subluxation of the joints and restoration of the intervertebral holes;
• activities aimed at reducing aseptic inflammation - peace and dry heat for the muscles and tissues of the back or neck.
• antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone, amoxicillin) for the destruction of bacteria with radiculitis of infectious origin;
• restoration of trophic nerve fibers of roots - used drugs that improve blood flow in the tissues of the spine (pentoxifylline);
• removal of the spasm of the striated musculature of the back with the help of medications, dry heat and massage.

Pathogenetic therapy

This treatment is aimed at the mechanism of action of the inflammatory process, namely, blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicamentous treatment is carried out with the use of several dosage forms, depending on the severity of inflammation:

1. parenteral form - injections are applied, the drug (diclofenac, denebol) is administered intramuscularly or intravenously with pronounced inflammation and pain for its rapid accumulation in the pathological focus;
2. tablets - oral dosage form (rheumoxicam, orthophen) for pain of medium intensity;
3. Ointments (Dip-Relief, Diklak-gel) are effective for mild inflammation and in combination with other dosage forms, are applied directly to the skin in the area of ​​maximum pain sensations.

Symptomatic treatment

It is aimed at the elimination of pain with its strong intensity in the case of ineffectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs. Novocaine blockade is used - the introduction of an anesthetic of novocaine into the area of ​​the inflamed root to block the pain impulse in it.

Rehabilitation

During the period of reducing the symptoms of pain, gymnastic exercises are performed to restore the nerve fibers of the roots and take vitamins B, which improve the metabolism.

How to treat sciatica in the home

When there are symptoms of sciatica and lack of opportunity to seek medical help, at home it is possible to use the tablet forms of anti-inflammatory drugs available in the medicine cabinet (analgin, ketones). In place of the localization of pain, you can apply dry heat in the form of a warmer or pepper patch.

After the examination and appointment of treatment, the doctor can discuss traditional methods of therapy and the possibility of using them. Usually compresses are used from grated garlic, white clay, tinctures of wild garlic and medicinal chamomile, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Given that radiculitis is the result of various causes of inflammation of the spinal roots, it is better to first consult a neurologist for advice and examination. Only after this, you can get adequate and effective treatment.

A source: http://LechenieSpiny.ru/content/simptomy-i-lechenie-radikulita