Radiculitis is a complex of symptoms that manifests itself when the spinal cord roots are damaged (compressed) (bundles of nerve fibers emanating from the spinal cord). Most often, sciatica occurs in middle-aged and elderly people and is seen in the lumbar or lumbosacral section. It is this department of the spine, consisting of five vertebrae, which undergoes the greatest loads, in it is the center of gravity of the body. The reasons, symptoms and treatment of lumbar (sciatica) radiculitis will be discussed in this article.
The main symptoms of lumbosacral radiculitis
The defeat of the lumbosacral roots has the following manifestations:
- pain due to damage to nerve fibers, localized in this section of the spine - can be permanent or periodic, be stinging or blunt, shifting to the buttocks on the back of the foot;
- violation of sensitivity along the affected nerves (pain, temperature, tactile);
- muscle weakness - due to the interruption of the arrival of impulses due to compression (compression) of the nerve root, with prolonged disruption of the normal conductivity of impulses, muscle atrophy can occur.
In addition, there may be a feeling of numbness of the skin, tingling. Patients are trying to limit movement, tk. any activity increases pain. Often the person takes a forced posture, bending the spine to the side of defeat and holding it in this position.
Causes of lumbar sciatica
The compression of bundles of nerve fibers is explained, first of all, by the loss of the elasticity of the intervertebral cartilaginous discs and the decrease in the distance between the vertebrae. This can occur due to the following diseases:
- lumbar osteochondrosis ;
- intervertebral disc herniation;
- displacement of the vertebra;
- tumors (benign and malignant);
- infectious diseases;
- trauma of the spine;
- abnormal development of the spinal column, etc.
Treatment of lumbar radiculitis
Treatment of radiculitis is complex and varies depending on the causes and stages of pathology. It can include:
- taking medications (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming up and other means);
- manual therapy (correction of the spine, vertebral repositioning);
- wearing a special fixing belt (corset);
- massage;
- physiotherapeutic procedures (resonant magnetic quantum therapy, electromyostimulation, electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation, etc.);
- therapeutic physical training.
Recommended adherence to bed rest during an acute period, as well as sleep on a hard flat surface, sparing the regime of physical exertion in the future.
Acute lumbosacral radiculitis
This form of radiculitis is also called lumbago or "lumbago". It manifests itself by a sudden attack of acute pain in the lumbar region and muscle tension, which is more often associated with certain movements of the trunk.
When an attack occurs, a person is forced to freeze in a half-bent position, as muscle spasm occurs, and any movement increases pain. Often the pain disappears after a few minutes or hours as suddenly as it appeared.
To facilitate the patient's condition, it is recommended to lie on a firm surface, slightly lifting and bending his legs. The causes and treatment of acute lumbar sciatica are similar to those described above.