Injections
How to treat inflammation if it becomes acute? In the acute period of sciatica, injections help relieve severe pain. When injected, the medicine immediately enters the bloodstream and quickly has a therapeutic effect.
In severe cases, it is possible to use stronger drugs than regular Analgin for pain relief: for example, Tramadol or even Morphine, but they cannot be used constantly so as not to cause addiction in the patient.
The same applies to steroids (hormones). Hydrocortisone or Prednisolone is prescribed very carefully, under the strict supervision of the attending physician.
There are other injections for sciatica that are absolutely safe, provided the patient has no allergic reactions. For muscle spasms, a mixture of No-shpa and Papaverine, as well as Mydocalm, is prescribed. Analgin has not only an analgesic, but also an anti-inflammatory effect. To restore nerve conduction and in case of sensitivity disorders, neurologists recommend a course of Neuromidin injections to patients.
No-spa in injection form will quickly relax spasmodic muscles
B vitamins also improve nerve conduction that is impaired as a result of a pinched sciatic nerve. Vitamin injections may be painful, but their benefits should not be doubted. It is these drugs, as part of complex treatment, that speed up recovery and help the patient quickly enter a period of remission:
- vitamins B1, B6, B12;
- Combilipen - from 200 rubles;
- Milgamma (a well-known mixture consisting of several B vitamins and lidocaine - a local anesthetic) - from 300 rubles.
Milgamma will help prevent the recurrence of sciatica pain
Vitamin complexes stimulate metabolic processes in weakened tissues and ligaments, restoring their proper nutrition.
Sometimes, with severe pain, patients are prescribed several paravertebral blockades. This is a special type of injection where medications are injected into the space next to the spinal cord. The therapeutic mixture usually consists of an anesthetic (novocaine or lidocaine) and one of the anti-inflammatory drugs. Typically, injections are given:
- into the muscle;
- in the area of the nerve bundle;
- into the space next to the inflamed root.
Paravertebral blockade temporarily relieves pain. It is not a full-fledged treatment, but serves as a temporary measure to alleviate the condition until complex treatment takes effect.
Paravertebral block for sciatica
Great article on the topic:
TOP 30 injections for inflammation of the sciatic nerve: list of effective drugs
Symptoms of a pinched nerve
The most obvious sign that you have a pinched sciatic nerve is severe pain. It is usually localized in the lumbar region, covers the entire buttock and goes to the thigh. The discomfort also affects the lower legs, runs through the entire leg and can radiate to the big toe. The pain can be described as weak, aching and throbbing, or acute - it all depends on the degree of pinching. This disorder can also be recognized by the occurrence of short attacks of pain, or lumbago, throughout the body.
A person begins to complain of numbness in the limbs
, he is tormented by a constant burning and tingling sensation in the buttocks and back of the thigh. Soreness can affect the legs and feet, but this is not always the case. Discomfort increases significantly when sitting on the buttocks - burning and tingling in the back and legs increases. The patient experiences the least discomfort when lying on a soft, flat surface.
When a nerve is pinched, the pain increases significantly with any activity: moving the body, lifting weights, or normal coughing. A person encounters enormous difficulties while walking; the disease prevents him from leading a full life. In the absence of drug therapy for a long time, muscle weakness may develop, which provokes serious complications later.
Sometimes, when you wake up in the morning, you may feel discomfort in your hand. The limb becomes insensitive and you begin to feel a tingling sensation in it. This discomfort is numbness of the hand and occurs for various reasons. Read more in the article: “Why do your hands go numb during sleep?”
Ointments and gels
In addition to tablets and injections prescribed by a neurologist, patients often use local treatment in the form of ointments and gels at home. As mentioned earlier, in the acute stage of the disease you cannot use ointments with a warming effect, but as the inflammatory process subsides, some of them can be used in moderation.
Be sure to read: TOP 50 warming (warming) ointments for muscles and joints, legs and back
Local remedies can be used in addition to injections and tablets to enhance the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Ointments should be applied 2-3 times a day. There are painkillers and warming ointments.
It is important to understand that warming ointments cannot be used in the presence of an inflammatory process.
Effective pain relieving ointments:
- Voltaren emulgel (contains NSAIDs - diclofenac) - from 250 rubles;
- Diclofenac - from 30 rubles;
- Nise - from 200 rubles;
Nise gel provides good pain relief for sciatica - Ketoprofen - from 50 rubles;
- Traumeel S is a homeopathic ointment. It contains herbal extract, improves metabolism in affected tissues, reduces pain. Costs from 500 rubles;
- Teraflex M, Chondroitin, Chondroxide. The funds cost from 100 rubles. Such ointments and gels restore the structure of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine. They contain several components that are part of the natural “composition” of our cartilage, discs and ligaments.
- Sofia - from 150 rub.
Warming ointments should be used only after the acute process has subsided and prior consultation with a doctor. When used correctly, they warm tissues, relieve pain and provide oxygen flow to affected areas.
Good warming ointments and gels (apply only with an applicator):
- Viprosal B - from 300 rubles;
- Finalgon - from 300 rubles;
- Kapsikam - from 300 rubles;
Capsicam - a strong warming ointment for sciatica - turpentine ointment - from 30 rub.
Good article to follow up:
TOP 20 best ointments for pinched sciatic nerve: warming, analgesic, anti-inflammatory
In what cases is injection therapy prescribed?
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It is possible to get rid of a pinched nerve in the initial stages with the help of ordinary tablets. However, in some cases their use is unacceptable. Injections are always prescribed for diseases of the stomach or in the presence of oncology in the digestive tract. Also, the use of tablets is not advisable if the absorption of nutrients is insufficient. In such cases, the doctor determines an individual treatment method. It is necessary to determine which drug and in what dose it is needed.
The results from injections occur much faster than from taking pills.
Among the advantages of using injections to relieve pain caused by a pinched sciatic nerve is the speed of the result - after just a few minutes a person feels serious relief. Despite this, the use of too high doses of the active substance leads to serious complications from the cardiovascular system.
Gastrointestinal bacteria can live in the intestines and even in the stomach, despite the aggressive acidic environment. In some cases, without treatment, they lead to the development of serious diseases, so monitoring the condition of the stomach is necessary. Read more in the article: “Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach.”
Plasters
This is a more convenient method of treatment compared to ointments: you just need to stick the patches on the affected area and wait for the analgesic effect. Here is a list of the best patches that modern medicine offers:
- Voltaren. This is a patch that contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug - diclofenac sodium. Voltaren can reduce minor pain and inflammation. Some patients note that the Voltaren patch does not adhere well to the skin. The effect of the patch is 24 hours, the course of treatment is 10-14 days. — from 150 rub.
- Versatis. This anesthetic patch contains lidocaine. Versatis has a good anti-inflammatory effect and relieves pain worse. The patch is effective for 12 hours, the course of treatment is no more than 5 days. — from 800 rub.
Treatment at home
With the exception of severe cases, patients receive treatment at home. In the first days of the disease, you need to stay in bed, but this does not mean that you need to completely limit yourself in movements. With a constant fear of moving, there is a risk of muscle atrophy.
If the treatment is comprehensive and correct, the pain syndrome will decrease every day. As it decreases, you need to train yourself to carefully get up and walk around the apartment, avoiding hypothermia and drafts. During treatment you will have to change your lifestyle by giving up smoking, drinking alcohol and spicy food. It is better to completely exclude coffee from the diet, and drink tea that is moderately sweet and not very thick.
An excellent remedy for removing toxins from the body is cranberry juice. It can be prepared at home at any time of the year. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and tonic effects.
The applicator Lyapko and Kuznetsova have a good relaxing and analgesic effect. The procedure increases blood circulation, removes toxins, and relieves spasms.
Vacuum massage cups are suitable for relieving the symptoms of sciatica at home. The therapeutic procedure will relieve all muscle tension, quickly relieve acute pain, increase blood circulation, and remove toxins. Patient reviews are only positive.
Video: a good way to treat the sciatic nerve with therapeutic massage and vacuum cupping
Be sure to read this good article:
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica): TOP 50 methods of quick treatment at home
Causes of pinched sciatic nerve
Sciatica causes severe pain, the cause of which may be hidden in the presence of the following pathologies:
- osteochondrosis;
- A herniated disc in the lumbar spine is the most common cause of pinched sciatic nerve. The protrusion, moving into the hernia stage, begins to put pressure on the nerve root in the intervertebral foramen, and as a result, pain develops;
- osteochondrosis. This is a serious disease characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. Deformed intervertebral discs in a certain position can compress the roots of the sciatic nerve, causing pain;
- stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal. This pathology involves narrowing of the canal where the spinal cord is located. As a result of compression of the canal, and with it the nerve, side pathologies, neurological symptoms and pain develop. The disease is more common in people over 60 years of age;
- spondylolisthesis. Vertebral misalignment caused by clinically increased spinal mobility can cause sciatica;
- piriformis syndrome. In this case, compression of the nerve occurs against the background of excessive pressure or spasm of the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock area above the sciatic nerve;
- infectious diseases of the pelvic organs;
- abscess in the area of the sciatic nerve.
Sudden pain of any nature in the spine may indicate the development of serious pathologies. If you experience uncomfortable pain in the back area, you should contact a competent specialist who can accurately determine the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
Folk remedies
How to treat sciatica using folk remedies and when is their use acceptable? Like warming ointments, traditional medicine methods cannot be used in the acute period of the disease. It is best to be treated with home treatments during the remission stage, to prevent subsequent exacerbations.
Prepare a compress from yeast dough. You will need rye flour and water. The dough should be dense. Place it on the lumbar region, covering it with plastic wrap and a towel (to keep warm). The compress should be kept for about an hour, after which you should carefully rub the sore spot with turpentine.
A mixture of beeswax and propolis is an equally well-known folk remedy for the treatment of sciatica. Wax and propolis should be warmed up a little, after making a homogeneous mixture of them. Form the warm mixture into a large patty (about the size of two palms). Apply it to the sore spots, covering with plastic wrap, and keep the compress for an hour or an hour and a half.
Be sure to read: All about spinal blockade: is it dangerous, what is it, types, medications
A compress with beeswax and propolis is a good folk remedy for sciatica.
If you are not allergic to horseradish, take a warm bath with it. Prepare a piece of gauze in advance by wrapping finely grated horseradish in it. The water should not be very hot. Reception time - 60 minutes, course - from one to two weeks.
Conifer baths are one of the best folk remedies. Essential oils and resins have a relaxing effect on muscles and the entire body, calm the nervous system, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. You will need about 1 kg of pine branches. They need to be poured with three liters of boiling water and boiled over medium heat for 15 minutes. The warm infusion is poured into the bath, after filtering and infusing for 4 hours.
Regular stearin also perfectly relieves inflammation and pain. Melt an ordinary household candle and wait until the mass cools down a little. Apply a thin layer of warm stearin to the lumbar region.
When treating sciatica at home, good results are shown by the use of physiotherapeutic devices: Almag-01, Denas, Milta, Vitafon. Due to weak electrical impulses and other technologies, physical devices will help eliminate the symptoms of many diseases of the spine and joints. Depending on the degree of the disease, improvement may occur after 2-3 sessions or a full course of treatment.
Therapeutic exercises
After diagnosing inflammation of the sciatic nerve, do not despair. Try to lead an active lifestyle during periods of remission and do not forget about therapeutic exercises. A simple set of exercises will help you maintain physical activity at the proper level:
- standing on all fours, try to relax your lumbar region, then inhale and carefully arch upward (angry cat pose). Now, as you exhale, bend your spine closer to the floor. Repeat 10 to 20 times;
- the starting position is the same. Stretch one leg back while reaching forward with the opposite arm. Change arm and leg, do the same movement, repeat the exercise 10-20 times;
- starting position, lying on your back, knees bent, heels placed as close to the buttocks as possible. Place your hands under your head. Pressing your chin to your chest, try to reach your elbows to your knees, exhaling air. Return to the starting position while inhaling, remember to stretch your stomach. Repeat the movement 5-6 times;
- Lying on your back, place your arms along your torso. Raise and lower your pelvis as you inhale and exhale, monitor your sensations. Repeat the movements 10 to 15 times.
Photo: exercises for sciatica
All exercises for sciatica should be done carefully, listening to your feelings. You cannot do gymnastics while overcoming severe pain.
Physical therapy is best combined with physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed by a doctor. Physiotherapy includes ultrasound, electrophoresis and magnetic therapy. Depending on the patient’s condition, procedures can be prescribed both in the stage of exacerbation of the disease and in the period of remission.
Video: two super cool exercises for acute pain
How to sleep with sciatica
During the pathology, severe pain occurs, especially with movement or compression. Therefore, the patient becomes uncomfortable sleeping, he constantly wakes up due to the onset of pain. Doctors recommend drug therapy before bedtime to get enough sleep during an exacerbation of the disease:
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- Ketorolac
injections no more than 1 ml for 3 days; - use Omeprazole
1 tablet per day to reduce the load on the stomach.
If the exacerbation is prolonged, it is not recommended to drink or inject the medicine every day. To sleep with sciatica of the sciatic nerve, you need to take a comfortable position in your sleep; you can only lie on your side. An orthopedic mattress is used to reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system. Exercises are performed in bed:
- from a position lying on its side, the upper leg is bent at the knee, the body is turned in the other direction (alternately in both directions);
- from a supine position, bend your knees and pull them towards your chest;
- legs hanging from the bed, alternately tightening the chest, first the left, then the right limb.
Exercises are done before bedtime. They can be performed if the patient feels pain at night. They relieve tension and reduce stress on the nerve.
Massage and acupuncture
If you manage to find a good massage therapist or acupuncturist, use massage or acupuncture. Massage tones, restores sensitivity and movement of the limbs, and acupuncture improves nerve conduction and relieves spasms. Read more: TOP 6 types of massage for sciatica: acupressure, cupping, honey, self-massage, video, how to do it
Video: sciatica. What to do if the pain “shoots”
Sciatica is a condition in which drug treatment must be combined with a correct lifestyle, therapeutic exercises and procedures carried out at home or in a clinic. It is necessary to understand which spinal disease causes the symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and only then prescribe appropriate therapy.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are available in pharmacies without a prescription, but you cannot use them alone when self-medicating. Pain and inflammation require only complex treatment, and it can only be prescribed by a qualified neurologist.
