Characteristic symptoms of sciatica sciatica

On our planet, almost every eighth person after 45 years knows what the symptoms of radiculitis are - a disease that has arisen as a result of the inflammatory process or damage to the spinal roots (bundles of nerve fibers stretching from the spinal cord). By the location of the affected area, the neck, cervico-brachial, thoracic and lumbar radiculitis are distinguished.

Causes of radiculitis

Depending on the cause of the appearance, the primary and secondary radiculitis is determined. Primary is a consequence of a viral infection, and the secondary develops against a backdrop of degenerative changes in the spine: a herniated disc, its degeneration, stenosis, spondylosis, trauma or a tumor of the spinal column. Radiculitis can occur as a result of hypothermia.

The most common is the lumbosacral disease. It is here that the center of gravity of our body is located and, accordingly, the load on this part of the spine is the greatest, which leads to deformation of the intervertebral discs.

Radiculitis: symptoms and treatment

Lumbar radiculitis is localized in the lower back (waist). This pathology manifests itself with painful sensations that radiate to the thigh shin, foot. As a rule, the pain in the limb with this type of radiculitis is more pronounced than in the waist itself.

Characteristic are also sensations of weakness, numbness, tingling in the leg when moving. Often there is discomfort in the foot, fingers, and also strong shooting pain at the time of movement by the lower limb or when trying to lean on it. By the way, a characteristic sign of this disease is the fact that a person is forced to lie (usually on his side, tucked his legs) or walk, but can not stand and sit.

Any named symptoms of radiculitis require compulsory medical attention. Only a specialist will be able to pinpoint the cause that caused the disease. And without this, treatment is impossible.

How is the clinical picture of radiculitis determined?

It should be noted immediately that radiculitis is not defined in medicine as an independent disease. This is a symbol of the complex of signs that signal damage to one of the spinal roots.

For the statement of the exact diagnosis, not only the listed symptoms of radiculitis are needed. The doctor will need to perform an examination to see the volume of movements and strength of the muscles in the affected area, as well as an x-ray examination that gives a picture of the spinal column changes, the results of MRI, CT and EMG - to determine the degree of nerve fiber damage.

Radiculitis: symptoms, treatment, injections

Depending on the etiology and form of the disease (chronic or acute), radiculitis is treated. For this, various painkillers (Novocain blockade, for example), electrophoresis, which helps to get rid of the edema in the affected area, are used. Widely used (especially with discogenic radiculitis) is ultrasound therapy and ultraviolet irradiation. Positive impact is provided by mud applications, which facilitate a stable pain syndrome.

With infectious radiculitis, all the above procedures are applied against the background of intramuscular injection of antibiotics or "Urotropin" (intravenously).

Finding out the symptoms of sciatica, do not self-medicate! Refer to a doctor.