Sciatic nerve entrapment

The pain is sharp, shooting, encircling, radiating to the legs, debilitating, persistent or suddenly appearing. If you are familiar with the listed symptoms, then you know about the largest nerve in the body firsthand. The fibers of the sciatic nerve come out of the pelvic cavity and branch out on both sides of the thigh down to the very tips of the toes. The most common neuralgic problem is pinched sciatic nerve.

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Causes sciatic nerve entrapment

Pinching of the sciatic nerve most often develops against the background of an intervertebral hernia. A rupture or injury to a disc as a result of age-related changes or under the influence of stress leads to compression/overstretching of the spinal nerve roots, from which the sciatic nerve is formed. An equally common problem - osteochondrosis - is one of the factors that increases the risk of pinching. Bone tissue growths due to metabolic disorders are called osteophytes, which look like spikes that damage the spinal nerve.

The following causes of sciatic nerve entrapment are identified:

• excessive physical exertion;
• spinal injuries;
• infectious diseases (for example, brucellosis, tuberculosis) and infectious-allergic manifestations (for example, multiple sclerosis);
• diseases that provoke complications (diabetes, abscess, circulatory disorders, etc.);
• development of the tumor process;
• intoxication (with pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, etc.);
• pinching of nerve fibers by the piriformis muscle;
• cooling of the lumbar and sacral areas.

The pathological condition can be provoked by excess weight, inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs, pregnancy, falls, stress. The human body is capable of producing chemicals (for example, as a response to a blow or fall), which have a negative effect on the sciatic nerve.

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Symptoms sciatic nerve entrapment

The intensity of the pain syndrome is individual, based on the characteristics of the pathological condition, the degree of infringement and the presence of concomitant diseases (hernia, protrusion, etc.). The harbinger of the disease, as a rule, is a pulling discomfort that occurs on the back of the leg. Moreover, the painful area can be noted in the thigh, buttock, shin or foot, or cover the entire leg. Most often, one side is affected; bilateral pathology is extremely rare.

Clinical practice indicates the complexity and versatility of symptoms in case of sciatic nerve damage. Patients' sensations may be insignificant or, on the contrary, have pronounced pain and bring a person to attacks of despair. The pain is localized on one of the lower limbs, and may be expressed in numbness and tingling.

Classic symptoms of sciatic nerve impingement:

• the pain increases while sitting, often covering the entire affected leg along the back surface;
• detection of burning of the toes, tingling that occurs when walking or at rest;
• the pain syndrome is constantly present in the back of the lower limb, preventing the patient from sleeping peacefully, exhausting him day and night (there is a feeling that the leg is being “wound up on a reel”);
• when standing, the pain transforms into attacks with shooting pains, which become more frequent when laughing, sneezing, coughing;
• change in gait (in order to reduce pain, a person bends over, transferring weight to the healthy leg);
• decreased/increased sensitivity of the affected limb;
• the appearance of muscle weakness on the side of the infringement.

Pinched sciatic nerve can lead to complete immobility of the leg, so there is no point in tolerating the pain. If the first signs of the disease appear, consult a specialist.

Temperature with sciatic nerve entrapment

Pinched nerve fibers may be accompanied by swelling, reddening of the skin, burning, impaired sensitivity of the affected area, and a slight increase in temperature. Sometimes the temperature when the sciatic nerve is pinched reaches 38 degrees. In this case, it is not recommended to bring down the temperature on your own, but you should consult a specialist.

Forms

Sciatic Nerve Compression During Pregnancy

The expectation of a baby is sometimes overshadowed by discomfort in the lumbar region. As the fetus grows, the load on the ligamentous apparatus, spine and pelvic bones increases. In the second trimester, sciatic nerve entrapment often occurs, causing a lot of trouble for the expectant mother. The intensity and duration of pain may vary. When walking, pregnant women note numbness in one of the limbs. But what treatments are acceptable during pregnancy? As relief, which occurs no earlier than after childbirth, doctors recommend:

• relaxation gymnastics course;
• warm baths with salt (2 kg per bath) or medicinal herbs;
• compresses or rubbing with infusions of medicinal herbs;
• yoga and swimming will have a positive effect;
• massage;
• rubbing in menovazine (cools and relieves pain at the same time).

Pinched sciatic nerve during pregnancy requires mandatory referral to a specialist and compliance with all instructions, in agreement with an obstetrician-gynecologist. When choosing therapy, it is important to take into account the presence of an allergy to herbal preparations, exclude plants with a teratogenic effect. Physical activity should be selected individually, taking into account the period and characteristics of gestation. Taking baths is possible only at the beginning of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications. A woman should monitor her posture, wear comfortable shoes and use orthopedic insoles.

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Pinched sciatic nerve after childbirth

Pinched sciatic nerve after childbirth occurs for the following reasons:

• as a result of muscle spasm during pushing;
• the birth process consists of the divergence of the pelvic bones, which take their original position after the birth of the child, due to which the nerve is pinched;
• postpartum trauma, if the fetus is large enough;
• the presence of a hernia or protrusion, which worsens during labor;
• displacement of discs during childbirth.

In the postpartum period, the pain from pinching is localized in the coccygeal area, covers the thigh, buttock and back of the leg. In addition to the pain syndrome of a shooting, wave-like or burning type, the woman experiences difficulty bending forward and returning to an upright position. Pinching of the sciatic nerve greatly complicates the care of the newborn. If the discomfort does not go away after a few weeks, specialist help and diagnostics are required. It is very important to do an X-ray to rule out a hernia, disc displacement. When choosing a therapy, preference is given to homeopathy, physical exercises. Menovazine, hot pepper or lilac tincture are recommended as a pain reliever. It is necessary to sit and lie on a hard surface.

Pinched sciatic nerve in a child

Clinical practice confirms that sciatic nerve entrapment is detected with the simultaneous development of a number of pathological factors. As a rule, this occurs against the background of changes in the spinal column and vascular dysfunctions. Such disorders are typical for patients over 30 years old. In childhood, nerve entrapment is extremely rare.

Neuralgia occurs with problems of the musculoskeletal system, so the first harbingers of a future uncomfortable condition are laid down as a result of childhood scoliosis. Pinched sciatic nerve in a child can be prevented by following a daily routine, paying attention to correct posture. An important place in prevention is occupied by proper nutrition, a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals in the diet, as well as maintaining muscle tone. Children need regular walks in the fresh air, swimming, as well as development in calm and harmonious conditions. Nervous experiences and shocks occupy one of the leading places in the development of pathology.

Complications and consequences

Pinched sciatic nerve, first of all, has a negative impact on the quality of life. Constant pain, nervous tension, fear of making a movement that will cause even more discomfort, sleep disturbance or complete lack of sleep - all this reduces the patient's social activity. It is difficult to do household chores, go to work, pay attention to loved ones and friends when it is impossible to sit, lie down or walk.

Pinched nerve fibers can be accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as: progressive pain, urinary incontinence and spontaneous defecation. If proper treatment is not provided and the disease is neglected, the consequences of pinched sciatic nerve will not take long to appear - curvature of posture, necrosis of nerve roots, numbness or complete immobility of the limb and, as a result, disability.

Pinching is often a consequence of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, which indicates the need to take care of your health. You should undergo a qualified examination, establish the cause of the pathological condition and immediately undergo a course of treatment. Only in this order will it be possible to avoid negative consequences.

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Diagnostics sciatic nerve entrapment

Diagnosing sciatic nerve entrapment is not difficult; the diagnosis is made based on an examination. To identify the causes of the pathology, other instrumental methods may be needed - ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

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Treatment sciatic nerve entrapment

First, consult a neurologist who will recommend:

• conducting a blockade along the line of inflammation;
• taking medications that have a beneficial effect on tissue metabolism (for example, vitamins);
• anti-inflammatory measures (course of medications, injections);
• therapeutic exercise;
• physiotherapeutic procedures – mud/paraffin applications, electro- or phonophoresis, UHF;
• massage (if not contraindicated).

Secondly, the patient can help himself:

• perform exercises to relax and stretch the lumbar and sacral areas;
• lie on the Lyapko mat, Kuznetsov applicator;
• rub the affected area with alcohol/vodka or menovazine as a local anesthetic;
• do a massage using jars with anti-inflammatory ointment;
• put wax applications.

The listed methods of treating sciatic nerve entrapment cope with inflammation, swelling, reduce pain, and activate blood supply to the area of the affected nerve.

Thirdly, in some cases, only surgical intervention is indicated to eliminate pain, so you should consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Prevention

Moderate physical activity is the key to the health of the whole organism. Each person should monitor the slightest changes in the condition of the spinal column, and if the first alarming symptoms occur, consult a competent specialist. It is known that spinal pathologies disrupt the functioning of internal organs and systems, are the cause of pinched nerve fibers and other negative consequences. Therefore, it is important to monitor your posture, do a warm-up every hour if you have a sedentary job, and do not forget about the need for proper rest if you do heavy physical labor.

Prevention of sciatic nerve impingement includes following these rules:

• the workplace must meet ergonomic requirements;
• do not sit on overly soft, low chairs;
• give preference to orthopedic mattresses or sleep on a hard surface;
• Do not lift heavy objects in jerks; if possible, use automated means for lifting loads;
• Avoid high heels and platform shoes;
• regularly do gymnastics, yoga, swimming, focusing on stretching and strengthening the back muscles;
• avoid overcooling the lumbar region;
• monitor your weight, adjust your diet if necessary;
• spend more time outdoors.

The above points are especially important for the first dysfunctions of the spinal column. If you have already experienced sciatic nerve compression, you need to follow the advice of your doctor.

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