Pincering of the sciatic nerve
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The pain is sharp, shooting, girdling, giving to the legs, exhausting not passing or suddenly appearing. If you know these symptoms, then you know about the largest nerve in the body firsthand. Sciatic nerve fibers exit from 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 pinching the sciatic nerve.
Causes of the pinch of the sciatic nerve
The pinch of the sciatic nerve most often develops against the background of the intervertebral hernia. The rupture, trauma of the disc as a result of age changes or under the influence of the load leads to squeezing / hyperextension of the spinal nerve roots from which the sciatic nerve is formed. No less common problem - osteochondrosis - refers to factors that increase the risk of entrapment. Bone growths due to metabolic disturbances are called osteophytes, which look like thorns that damage the spinal nerve.
There are the following reasons for pinching the sciatic nerve:
- excessive physical exertion;
- spine trauma;
- infectious diseases (eg, brucellosis, tuberculosis) and infectious-allergic manifestations (eg, multiple sclerosis);
- diseases-provocateurs complications (diabetes, abscess, circulatory disorders, etc.);
- development of the tumor process;
- intoxication (pharmacological drugs, heavy metals, etc.);
- infringement of nerve fibers with pear-shaped muscle;
- cooling of the lumbar and sacral zones.
Provoke a pathological condition can - excessive weight, inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs, pregnancy, falls, stress. The human body is capable of producing chemical substances (for example, as a response to a stroke or a fall), having a negative effect on the sciatic nerve.
[4]
Symptoms of the pinch of the sciatic nerve
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.). Harbinger of the disease, as a rule, becomes the discomfort of the pulling species that appears on the back of the foot. And the painful area can be marked in the field of the hip, buttock, shin or foot, or cover the whole leg. Most often affected by one of the parties, bilateral pathology is extremely rare.
Clinical practice indicates the complexity and multifaceted symptomatology in the defeat of the sciatic nerve. The patient's sensations may be insignificant or, on the contrary, have a pronounced soreness and lead a person to despair. The pain is localized on one of the lower extremities, can be expressed in numbness and tingling.
Classical symptoms of pinch of the sciatic nerve:
- pain grows in the process of sitting, often covering the entire affected leg on the back surface;
- burning sensation of the toes, tingling sensation that occurs when walking or at rest;
- painful syndrome is present constantly behind the lower limb, not allowing the patient to sleep peacefully, exhausting him day and night (there is a feeling that the leg is "wound on a reel");
- in the standing position the pain is transformed into seizures with lumbago, which become more frequent with laughter, sneezing, coughing;
- change gait (to reduce the pain syndrome, the person leaves, putting weight on a healthy leg);
- decrease / increase in sensitivity of the affected limb;
- the appearance of muscle weakness from the infringement.
The pinch of the sciatic nerve can lead to complete immobility of the leg, so it is pointless to endure the pain. When the first signs of the disease appear, consult a specialist.
Temperature at pinch of the sciatic nerve
Infringement of nerve fibers can be accompanied by swelling, redness of the skin, burning, a violation of the sensitivity of the affected area, a slight increase in temperature. Sometimes the temperature at a pinch of the sciatic nerve reaches a mark of 38 degrees. In this case, it is not recommended to knock down the temperature yourself, but it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Where does it hurt?
Forms
Pincering of the sciatic nerve during pregnancy
Waiting for the 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, there is often a pinch of the sciatic nerve, bringing a lot of trouble to the future mother. The intensity and duration of pain can be different. When walking pregnant, note numbness of one of the limbs. But what methods of treatment are acceptable in the period of gestation? As a relief, which comes not earlier than after the birth, doctors recommend:
- a course of relaxing gymnastics;
- Warm baths with salt (2kg per bath) or medicinal herbs;
- compresses or rubbing with infusions of medicinal herbs;
- a positive impact will be yoga and swimming;
- massage;
- rubbing menovazine (simultaneously cools and anesthetizes).
Injury of the sciatic nerve during pregnancy requires mandatory treatment to a specialist and the fulfillment of all prescriptions, in consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. In the choice of therapy, it is important to consider the presence of allergies to herbal collections, exclude plants with teratogenic effect. Physical loads should be selected individually, taking into account the period and features of bearing. Bathing is possible only at the beginning of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications. A woman should watch her posture, wear comfortable shoes and use orthopedic insoles.
[5],
Pincering of the sciatic nerve after childbirth
The pinch of the sciatic nerve after childbirth occurs for the following reasons:
- as a result of muscle spasm with attempts;
- the birth process consists in the divergence of the pelvic bones that occupy the original position after the child's release, because of which the nerve is impaired;
- postpartum trauma if the fetus is large enough;
- the presence of a hernia, protrusions, which are exacerbated in labor activity;
- dislocation of discs in childbirth.
In the postpartum period, the pain from pinching is localized in the coccygeal zone, covering the thigh, buttock and back surface of the leg. In addition to the pain syndrome shooting, wavy or burning type, a woman experiences difficulty when tilting forward and returning to a vertical position. The pinch of the sciatic nerve greatly complicates the care of the newborn. If discomfort does not go away in a few weeks, specialist help and diagnosis is required. It is very important to do an x-ray to exclude a hernia, a dislocation of the discs. When choosing a therapy, preference is given to homeopathy, physical exercises. As an anesthetic is recommended menovazine, tincture of hot pepper or lilac. Sit and lie on a hard surface.
Pinch of the sciatic nerve in a child
Clinical practice confirms that the pinch of the sciatic nerve is revealed with the simultaneous development of a number of pathological factors. As a rule, this occurs against the backdrop of changes in the vertebral column and vascular dysfunction. Similar disorders are typical for patients older than 30 years. In childhood, infringement of the nerve is extremely rare.
Neuralgia arises with problems of the musculoskeletal system, therefore the first harbingers of the future discomfort state are laid as a result of children's scoliosis. The pinch of the sciatic nerve in the child can be prevented by observing the regime of the day, paying attention to the correct posture. An important place in prevention is proper nutrition, a sufficient amount in the diet of vitamins and minerals, 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 upheavals occupy one of the main places in the development of pathology.
Complications and consequences
The pinch of the sciatic nerve, first of all, negatively affects the quality of life. Constant pain, nervous overexertion, fear of making a move that will cause even greater discomfort, a violation or a 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 relatives and friends when it is impossible to sit, lie or walk.
Infringement of nerve fibers can be accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as: progressive pain, incontinence and spontaneous defecation. If you do not provide proper treatment and start the disease, the consequences of pinching the sciatic nerve will not be long in coming - 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, an intervertebral hernia, which indicates the need to do their health. It is necessary to undergo a qualified examination, establish the cause of the pathological condition and immediately undergo a course of treatment. Only in this order it will be possible to avoid negative consequences.
Diagnostics of the pinch of the sciatic nerve
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Who to contact?
Treatment of the pinch of the sciatic nerve
First, contact a neurologist who will recommend:
- the blockade along the line of inflammation;
- the intake of medicinal substances that favorably affect the metabolism in tissues (for example, vitamins);
- anti-inflammatory measures (course of drugs, injections);
- exercise therapy;
- physiotherapeutic procedures - mud / paraffin applications, electro- or phonophoresis, UHF;
- massage (if not contraindicated).
Secondly, the patient can help himself:
- exercise exercises for relaxation and stretching of the lumbar and sacral zones;
- lie on the rug Lyapko, applicator Kuznetsov;
- rub the affected area with alcohol / vodka or menovazine, as a local anesthetic;
- do massage with cans with anti-inflammatory ointment;
- to put wax applications.
The above methods of treatment of pinch of the sciatic nerve cope with inflammation, edema, reduce pain, activate blood supply to the affected nerve.
Thirdly, in a number of cases, only surgical intervention has been shown to eliminate the pain syndrome, therefore it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner.
More information of the treatment
Prevention
Moderate physical activity is the key to the health of the whole organism. Each person should monitor the slightest changes in the state of the spinal column, and if the first anxious symptoms occur, consult a competent specialist. It is known that vertebral pathologies disrupt the functioning of internal organs and systems, cause nerve fibers and other negative consequences. Therefore it is important to monitor your posture, with sedentary work, arrange every hour a warm-up, and when hard physical work, do not forget about the need for a proper rest.
Prophylaxis of pinch of the sciatic nerve includes the following rules:
- The workplace must meet the requirements of ergonomics;
- Do not sit on excessively soft, low chairs;
- prefer orthopedic mattresses or sleep on a hard surface;
- Do not take the jerks seriously, if possible, use automated means for cargo;
- give up high heels and shoes on the platform;
- regularly engage in gymnastics, yoga, swimming, focusing on the stretching and strengthening muscles of the back complex;
- avoid supercooling of the lower back;
- watch your weight, if necessary, adjust the power;
- more walk in the fresh air.
These points are especially important for the first dysfunction of the spinal column. If you have already experienced a pinch of the sciatic nerve, then you need to follow the advice of the treating doctor.