Lumbar sciatica: in search of effective treatment

By itself, lumbar sciatica is not dangerous to human life, but the disease is very unpleasant:changes of the spine often are irreversible, and difficult to conservative treatment. Some people are forced to live with the pain constantly that interferes performance of professional duties, greatly complicates a self-service.

Lumbar sciatica - a very common disease in both men and among women. Of course, the peak incidence is observed in patients of older age groups (after 40-45 years), but not uncommon, and the emergence of back pain in young (20-25 years), and even in adolescents.

Symptoms: acute and chronic forms

Lumbar sciatica can occur in two forms:

1. Acute (lumbago). There are mainly in young people with not sharply pronounced degenerative-dystrophic processes, in some cases changes in the spine, and not at all. Generally, in most cases of the disease completely disappear without leaving any consequences. Lumbago or lumbodynia characterized by the following symptoms:

• Sharp, piercing pain, usually occurs when a sharp movement, tilt, swivel, straining, lifting weights, after which the person is unable be unbent. Most lower back pain, but the pain may radiate into one or both legs (this is evidence of the involvement of the sciatic nerve - ischialgia);
• Numbness, burning sensation in the lower back and leg;
• Back muscle strain, stiffness, muscle contraction;
• Limited mobility, a man takes forced position in bed, sitting, even minimal movement causes great pain.

2. The chronic form. Is developing or after bad, or not fully cured of the acute form, or may occur independently, when the pain is minimal at first, but over time, increases not only the intensity of the pain, but the frequency of exacerbations. Many are forced to take painkillers to stop the pain. The symptoms of the chronic form of the lumbar sciatica:

• Pain dull, aching, enhanced after exercise or a long stay in the same position (after a night's sleep). In the morning, these patients need to move, to do exercise, it reduces the pain;
• Often appear weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the foot that interferes the patient to move around;
• Muscle strain the lumbar is small, but can persist for a long time;
• Constant tingling, numbness in the lumbar region and legs.

Treatment of lumbar sciatica

1. In the first 3-4 days of exacerbation is required to provide a rest to a sore back, minimize movements;

2. When expressed pain syndrome - hospital treatment in the neurology department with the introduction of drugs intravenously or streamly;

3. Intramuscular injections (analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, improving neuromuscular conduction, vitamin drugs);

4. Tablets: painkillers and anti-inflammatory; to relieve muscle tension; the vascular to improve the nutrition of the affected muscles and nerves;

5. Physiotherapy treatment - if a severe pain is not recommended, as the procedure can trigger deterioration;

6. Massage during the recovery period when the pain is minimal;

7. Acupuncture;

8. Manual therapy may be needed.

Prevention of exacerbations:

• chondroprotectors courses 2 times a year;
• massage, physiotherapy courses 2 times a year;
• swimming, physiotherapy constantly;
• wearing a corset for 3-4 hours a day (during physical exertion).