The sciatic nerve, descending under the gluteus maximus, divides into smaller branches and passes down the entire lower limb, providing it with mobility and sensitivity. This is the main element of the sacral nerve plexus, on which the normal operation of almost all organs of the small pelvis depends. Its inflammation is known as sciatica. Symptoms of the pathological process usually appear depending on the causes of the disease.
The large area of innervation of the sciatic nerve also determined the features of the clinical manifestations of sciatica. Its symptoms depend on which part of the nerve root began to develop pathological changes. The most characteristic sign of sciatica inflammation is pain localized in the buttock, in the lower leg or on the back of the thigh. It usually increases with any awkward movement. The nature of the pain can be very different and manifest itselfin the form of shooting pain, tingling, burning, numbness and goosebumps.
Sciatic neuralgia is usually a symptom complex rather than a separate disease. Osteochondrosis that has arisen against the background of sciatica in the lumbar region, intervertebral hernia, tumor processes, narrowing of the spinal canal, pregnancy are the most common causes of sciatica. Symptoms of its manifestation are expressed by pain syndrome due to compression of nerve endings. The defeat of the sciatic nerve in the occurrence of sciatica in the lumbosacral region covers the entire lower limb. Pain is localized in the lumbar region and spread throughout the leg. There is a so-called lumbago with sciatica, which is characterized by pain on the side of the lesion in the buttock area with irradiation along the back surface of the limb.
Pain sensations usually occur after various physical overstrains, microtraumas, irritation of the meningeal nerve, past infections. Lumbago with sciatica can manifest itself in acute (lumbago), subacute (lumbalgia), chronic (lumboischalgia) forms. Specific neurological symptoms are detected in the chronic stage of the disease.
According to the etiology of the pathological process, primary sciatica is classified, provoked by an infectious factor (toxic nerve damage), and secondary sciatica that occurs due to damage to the hip joint or femur. Symptoms of the disease are expressed by intense, sharp pain, which can often last for several days. Main clinicalmanifestations: backache from the lumbar region to the foot, sharp pains with a burning sensation, tingling, limited movement, numbness, impaired mobility, loss of sensation in the legs. Often, the patient complains of weakness in the legs, manifestations of bowel dysfunction, urinary system.
Often the disease develops with pathological changes in some internal organs. A variety of reasons for its occurrence have also led to various clinical manifestations that characterize sciatica. Symptoms of pain syndrome can be felt in different ways: from shooting pain to a feeling of numbness. It may not appear in the lumbar region, but may occur as discomfort only in the buttock or in the thigh, foot, or toes. Sciatica often affects one limb, but pain can occur in both legs.
It is impossible to ignore the manifestations of the disease, because over time the disease progresses so much that already in the advanced stage it will be impossible to endure pain. It becomes so strong and goes away with such painful attacks that it is difficult for a person to walk, bend over, stand, sit. Pain haunts the patient at night, preventing sleep.
Complete treatment of the disease can not be carried out in a short time. To relieve inflammation, eliminate muscle spasms, pain syndrome, NSAIDs, painkillers, warming ointments and gels are prescribed. During the recovery course, rest is recommended, restriction of movements in the diseased limb in order to relieve irritation of the nerve roots. Aftercompletion of the medical technique, acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are recommended. Promising treatment of sciatica in 2 days often involves only certain methods that relieve severe pain, such as a series of injections.
