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Radiculitis
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Radiculitis, or, in other words, radicular syndrome, is one of the manifestations of osteochondrosis: degenerative changes occur in the intervertebral discs, which causes the fibrous ring to rupture and a hernia to form. It compresses one or more spinal cord roots or exerts compression on the ligamentous apparatus of the spine. As a result of the pinched roots, radiculitis occurs.
[ Symptoms sciatica
In most cases, lumbosacral and cervical-brachial radiculitis are encountered. The main symptoms of radiculitis are pain in the lower back, which can radiate to the back of the leg, buttocks, knees or shin. If you try to bend forward or sit with your legs straight, the pain will be much stronger. To reduce the pain, the patient slightly bends the leg. Along with the pain, there is tingling or numbness in the shin and fingers. In addition to the pain syndrome, a change in the patient's posture and curvature of the spine are observed.
Radiculitis, regardless of its location, has similar symptoms: the appearance of rapid pain in the area of the affected roots, which increases when the patient moves, coughs or sneezes, stiffness of the spine; pain when palpating the spinous processes of the vertebrae and paravertebral points; increased or decreased sensitivity; weakening of the muscles in the area of radicular innervation.
The pains that accompany radiculitis are usually shooting, aching, increasing when raising the leg, coughing, hypothermia. Radiculitis can recur, accompanied by tension of nerves and roots, the presence of pain points and impaired sensitivity. Lumbosacral radiculitis is characterized by the appearance of pain throughout the day regardless of time, increasing with a change in the position of the body.
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Treatment sciatica
If you have radiculitis, you must strictly adhere to bed rest. To reduce pain, analgesics are used. Before getting out of bed, you need to fix the patient's lower back with a special belt; in the lying position, it should be removed.
Positive effects are achieved by blocking pain points with novocaine, lidocaine and vitamin B12. At night, a compress of dimexide diluted with water, novocaine, analgin, vitamin B12 and hydrocortisone can be applied to the lumbar region.
Indomethacin is taken internally. To relieve muscle tension that accompanies radiculitis, it is advisable to take seduxen and diazepam. Relaxing massage of the back and buttocks is also indicated. The massage should be performed by a professional so as not to injure the patient with careless movements. Radiculitis can also be relieved with the help of acupuncture and physiotherapy using current, ultrasound, etc.
Radiculitis can be soothed with heat on the lumbar region (hot-water bottle, paraffin applications), mud therapy, and the use of salt-pine baths are practiced. For prevention, it is also recommended to harden the body, limit physical activity, hypothermia, and long walks.
Traction therapy, or spinal traction, has a positive effect on the receptors of damaged ligaments of the spine and muscles, relaxing them. This method is widely used during the rehabilitation period after you have practically cured radiculitis and has the following effect: relieves the spine, increasing the space between the segments of the spinal column; reduces tension in the muscles; reduces pressure inside the disc, and also relieves compression on the nerve roots.
Prevention
To prevent radiculitis, it is recommended to do exercises that strengthen the back muscles, go swimming, avoid hypothermia, and physical overload. The main goal of physical exercises in the treatment of radiculitis is to help normalize the muscle tone of the back, increase the mobility of the spine, improve overall well-being, and speed up the process of rehabilitation and restoration of work activity. A set of exercises is selected based on the symptoms of the disease, the general condition, and the age characteristics of the patient.
Radiculitis is a fairly common disease of the peripheral nervous system, which is formed as a result of compression of the spinal cord roots. Only a specialist can prescribe treatment and conduct an examination. To determine the diagnosis of radiculitis as accurately as possible, the doctor will first determine muscle strength, differentiate symptoms, the nature of pain, their intensity, duration, determine whether there are any sensitivity disorders, prescribe X-rays or other examination methods, after which complex treatment will be prescribed.