Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a common and unpleasant phenomenon. The disease is manifested by sharp pain during movements, which disrupts the habitual way of life of a person and limits working capacity. One of the common methods of treatment are external medications - ointments. Their use allows you to reduce pain and restore lost activity. What ointment to use for pinched sciatic nerve and how to apply it correctly, you should know.
Features of the disease
The sciatic nerves are the largest paired nerves in the human body. They are responsible for the sensitivity and movement of the lower extremities. Their diameter reaches 1 cm. The sciatic nerve originates in the cavity of the small pelvis, then passes through the muscle tissue of the buttocks. Going down, it diverges into severalsmall parts that control the muscles, joints and buttocks. In the region of the popliteal fossa, its branches form the tibial and peroneal branches, which are responsible for the sensitivity and movement of the lower leg and foot.
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve occurs due to compression of its roots without violating the integrity of the membrane. Most often, the inflammatory process is localized in the lumbosacral region, where the nerve originates.
This may be due to various factors:
- vertebral hernia;
- vertebral deformity;
- osteochondrosis;
- flat feet;
- injuries;
- improperly performed intramuscular injection in the buttock;
- hypothermia;
- diabetes mellitus;
- excessive stress on the spine;
- sedentary lifestyle.
Treatment of the sciatic nerve with medicines is carried out taking into account the underlying cause of inflammation. Therapy is initially aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of the pathological process
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, sciatica, sciatica - these are the names of the same disease. Symptoms of pathology may vary slightly, depending on the cause of its development. For some people, the disease can be characterized by minor discomfort, while for others it causes acute pain that prevents them from sitting, sleeping, or walking normally.
Main symptoms of inflammation:
- growing pain in the buttock on one side, whichin the absence of adequate treatment, subsequently spreads to another;
- numbness of the inflamed area;
- burning in the legs;
- general weakness;
- muscle spasms.
When alarming symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause of the pathology. Only on the basis of the data obtained from the study, a course of treatment is prescribed. Therapy is carried out in a complex, with the use of internal and external means. Ointments for inflammation of the sciatic trigeminal nerve are auxiliary drugs. They help reduce pain and significantly speed up the healing process.
What ointments are used to treat sciatica
The main advantage of ointments is that they have a point effect. At the same time, the likelihood of side effects is minimal, since the active component enters the blood in an insignificant amount and is not able to have a negative effect on the body.
The main types of ointments for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, their features are briefly described below:
- Homeopathic. Contribute to the biological regulation of the body: improve metabolism, accelerate blood circulation, relieve pain, increase immunity. Drawback - slow action.
- Warming. The action on the inflamed area occurs due to the heat generated. As a result, the pinched muscle relaxes and releases the nerve root. As a result, the blood restores its circulation in the damaged area, andinflammation is reduced.
- Irritant. The principle of operation is based on distracting effects. When using the drug, skin receptors are irritated, distracting from the main source of pain. As a result, the skin releases certain substances that improve blood circulation in the problem area, which helps to eliminate pain and relieve inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors. These drugs repair the cartilage between the discs. Appointed to prevent relapse, the result of therapy is achieved 3-4 months after the start of treatment.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Highly effective preparations of fast action. The disadvantage is a large number of contraindications. Use only on the recommendation of a physician.
- Combined. A feature of the funds is that they combine several properties at the same time. Most often, they relieve inflammation and reduce pain, but they can also help dissolve blood clots and improve blood circulation in the lower extremities.
How to apply?
Before you treat inflammation of the sciatic nerve at home, you need to study the rules for using ointments:
- An allergy test should be done first. To do this, the product is applied to a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. If after 40 minutes no rash appears, the ointment can be used.
- Before applying the product to the inflamed area, it is recommended to wash the skin with soap and water. This will enhance the effect of the medicine, since the pores of the skin willopen.
- After spreading the ointment, the treated area should be massaged, which will accelerate the therapeutic effect.
- After application, the lower back should be wrapped in a warm scarf or wrapped in a blanket. If possible, lie down and move less.
You can use ointments for sciatica from two weeks to one month. More accurate data on the duration of treatment is given by the attending physician, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the severity of the disease.
Homeopathic medicines
The composition of these ointments includes natural ingredients. They have a gentle effect on the body. Therefore, they are recommended to be used if the disease is characterized by minor discomfort. The maximum result of treatment is achieved after 2-3 months.
Recommended ointments for inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
- "Traumeel S". The composition of the ointment includes 14 natural ingredients. The tool has an anti-inflammatory, regenerating, analgesic effect. During an exacerbation, apply the ointment daily, and for preventive purposes - twice a week.
- "Goal T". It has anti-inflammatory, chondroprotective, analgesic effect. Apply up to 5 times throughout the day.
Warming ointments
The composition of ointments contains warming substances. Their action helps to increase the circulation of lymph in the inflamed area, improve metabolism and helps to relax tight muscle tissue. After applying the product, there is a feelingwarmth and tingling. The skin in the treated area becomes red. The result of the action is felt in a few seconds.
The following is a list of ointments for treating sciatica at home with a warming effect:
- "Capsicam". Active ingredients: dimethyl sulfoxide, turpentine oil, racemic camphor, nonivamide, benzyl nicotinate. It quickly has an analgesic and relaxing effect. The daily dosage of the remedy should be strictly observed, since if these recommendations are ignored, severe burning and tingling appear. Apply to the inflamed area three times a day with a frequency of 4 hours.
- "Rescuer Forte". The basis is: beeswax, sea buckthorn and lavender oil, tea tree extract and echinacea. The warming effect is achieved 5-10 minutes after application. Apply up to 3 times a day.
- "Gymnastogal". The ointment includes hydroxine, methyl-trans, methoxybenzyl and other substances. After application, it is desirable to massage, which will improve the effectiveness of the ointment. Apply twice daily.
Irritants
The composition of these products includes bee or snake venom, red pepper, essential oils. All of these components have an irritating effect, which reduces the perception of underlying pain.
The following are effective irritant ointments. For inflammation of the sciatic nerve, they bring quick relief:
- "Viprosal". The drug is made on the basis of gyurza poison. Also in the composition are camphor, fir oil, paraffin,glycerin, vaseline. After applying the product to the skin, massage should be carried out. The frequency of applications - up to three times throughout the day.
- "Apizartron". A three-component product based on bee venom, allyl isothiocyanate and methyl salicylate. The ointment has an irritating effect, thereby reducing the underlying pain syndrome and inflammation. Use three times during the day until the unpleasant symptoms are completely eliminated.
- "Finalgon". Active substances - nonivamide, nicoboxyl. When applying the product to the inflamed area, gently rub it into the skin. Wash your hands with soap after the procedure. Regularity of application - 2 times a day.
Chondroprotectors
These drugs for symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve are used if the cause of the disease is osteochondrosis. Ointments contribute to the restoration of cartilage located between the discs of the spine in the lumbar region.
Common remedies:
- "Chondroxide". Active ingredients: chondroitin sulfate, dimethyl sulfoxide. Spread the ointment over the surface of the skin and rub it in for 2-3 minutes. Duration of application - from 2 weeks to 3 months. Regularity of application per day - up to 3 times a day.
- "Teraflex M". Active ingredients: glucosamine hydrochloride, peppermint oil, chondroitin sulfate, camphor. Apply the ointment to the inflamed area and rub until completely absorbed into the skin. Regularity of application per day - 3 times.
NSAID group
This group of drugs is the most extensive andfast. But their main drawback is the presence of a large number of contraindications. It is permissible to use them only on the recommendation of the attending physician.
Effective painkillers and anti-inflammatory ointments for inflammation of the sciatic trigeminal nerve are listed below:
- "Diclofenac". The active substance is diclofenac sodium. Relieves inflammation and eliminates stiffness of movements. The agent should be applied with light rubbing movements. Regularity of application per day - up to 4 times.
- Voltaren. The active ingredient is diclofenac sodium. The drug relieves swelling, inflammation and relieves pain. Use the ointment three times a day daily for 2 weeks.
- "Ketorol". The active ingredient is ketoprofen. A tool of the same action as the previous ones. The regularity of using the ointment for inflammation of the sciatic nerve is 1-2 times a day. Duration of therapy - 14 days.
Combined
This group of drugs has a complex effect on the inflamed area. The most common combined remedy is Dolobene. Active ingredients: sodium heparin, dimethyl sulfoxide, dexpanthenol.
The ointment has a decongestant, anti-inflammatory effect. Apply 2 to 4 times a day under a bandage until discomfort in the lumbar region is completely eliminated.
Folk recipes for inflammation of the sciatic nerve
Along with medications, the use of folk medicines is also acceptable.ointments based on natural ingredients.
The best ointments for inflammation of the sciatic nerve from the arsenal of folk remedies are as follows:
- Based on horse chestnut. Grind to a powder consistency 4 chestnuts. Mix them with 50 ml of badger fat. Apply the product twice a day for 1 month.
- Based on propolis. One stick of propolis pour 500 ml of vodka. Keep 10 days in the dark. Apply in this proportion: 10 drops of tincture, 30 g of honey, 20 g of butter. Apply this composition to the inflamed area 2 times a day. The course of therapy - 1 month.
Contraindications
The use of ointments has a number of contraindications that you should pay attention to.
Funds cannot be used:
- with individual intolerance to components;
- when carrying a fetus;
- if there are open wounds in the inflamed area;
- during lactation;
- under the age of 12.
The list of restrictions is generalized, so when using a specific tool, you should carefully study the annotation attached to it.
Expert reviews
Elimination of unpleasant symptoms and treatment of sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve) with ointments should be considered as an addition to the main therapy, since therapeutic components, when applied externally, can only penetrate into soft tissues, practically without affecting the vertebral discs and joints.
The advantage of ointments, according tospecialists, is that they are able to quickly relieve pain of low and medium intensity. This makes it possible to reduce the intake of drugs inside and reduce the burden on the body.
Any ointment from the above can be found in a pharmacy. But this does not mean that they can be used uncontrollably. Treatment of inflammation of the sciatic nerve should be prescribed by a doctor based on the cause of its development. Otherwise, self-medication can provoke the transition of the pathology into a chronic form, and then discomfort will appear regularly.
