Pinched nerves in the lumbar region always manifested acute painful backache. The discomfort may subside or worsen after exercise, exercise. Because of the fickle pain the person delays the treatment to the doctor, complicating treatment further.
A pinched nerve can be caused by several reasons, which will depend on the specific therapy.
A pinched nerve is the main source of pulling back pain. It may radiate to the right or left leg, across the surface, down to the foot. The reason for the defeat of the nerve roots of the lumbar or sacral spine.
The main reasons
They can nail the vertebrae for a variety of reasons, such as:
- osteochondrosis;
- disc herniation;
- excessive exercise;
- pregnancy;
- of the tumor.
Most often, the denial of roots – a consequence of osteochondrosis or herniated disk.
These pathologies are directly dependent on a person’s age. The mobility of the spine provide the elastic cartilaginous disks between the vertebrae. With age the discs become brittle and less elastic. Thin, older disks can no longer support the vertebrae at a proper distance from each other. The bones closer together, squeezing the nerve roots, which branch off from the spinal cord. If the infringement of the lumbar and sacral roots there is pain in the lower back.
If pinched nerves on the left, the back pain is localized to the left behind and gives in the left leg. If the affected roots on the right, the pain gives in his right leg. Nerve fibers emanating from the sacral and lumbar, form the sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in man. He is responsible for the innervation of the legs, so pinched in the spine roots give pain in the leg.
Symptoms
Doctors distinguish several types of pinched nerve, depending on the severity of the pain:
- Lumbalgia – pain predominantly in the lumbar region, the legs gives little or no give.
- Sciatica – pain, it is concerned about the hip or along the entire length legs, and lower back pain-free.
- Lumboischalgia – pain in the back radiates to the leg.
Victims describe the pain in the pinched nerve as bursting, pulling “backache”. When the soreness intensifies, especially when bending and bending the legs at the hip and knee joints. Besides the pain due to common nerve fibers, the person can be concerned about the problems with the pelvic organs. The pain may radiate to the lower abdomen, pain during urination, and sometimes diarrhea.
Treatment
Complex therapy of pinched nerve can be performed on an outpatient basis or in severe cases, the neurological hospital. Apply all known medicine from injections and pills to physical therapy and acupuncture.
Efficacy is different depending on the reasons of infringement of the nerve. Specific treatment depends on the severity of pain and is selected by the attending physician.
Pills
This is the most commonly prescribed form of medication for the treatment of back pain.
Used several groups of drugs:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory;
- the muscle relaxants.
Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the swelling of the muscles, which occurs around the site of the infringement, relieves the pain. Feature of these drugs – fast effect, even after the first pill. But they act aggressively towards the stomach and intestines, so taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills without consulting a doctor is dangerous. This can lead to ulcers or bleeding.
Muscle relaxants designed to relieve muscle tension. In the field of disadvantaged place due to reflexes, a strong spasm. This leads to a further increase in pain, obstruction of movements. Muscle relaxants relax the muscles of the back and legs, reducing pain and tension.
Injections
Means in the form of injections are used for very severe, severe pain, when to wait for the effect of the pill is difficult.
Apply:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory;
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- blockade with local anesthetic;
- vitamins.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory injections, this is:
- meloxicam;
- diclofenac.
They act faster than tablets, but still affect the gastrointestinal system. Use of these drugs in the injections is possible only with a doctor’s recommendation and a short course.
Hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs:
- prednisone;
- dexamethasone.
This is the strongest anti-inflammatory agents. They reduce tissue swelling, easing pain in the infringement. Hormones have many contraindications and side effects associated with the skeletal system, endocrine system, heart. The use of these drugs in the injections is possible only under strict indications, not at each nerve entrapment.
Vitamins beneficial effect on the nervous tissue. Particularly known for this effect of b vitamins:
- pyridoxine;
- Riboflavin;
- cyanocobalamin.
They are available as ready-made solutions, e.g. “Milgamma”. Vitamins are used in the form of complex treatment as its own anesthetic effect are small.
Locally your doctor may suggest a course of blocks. This is the introduction of the drug directly into the area near the nerve. Apply local pain relief medications, such as lidocaine. This shot is very quickly helps with pain, but his conduct can only qualified doctors neurologists and neurosurgeons.
Ointment
In addition to pills and injections are recommended by physicians to apply ointments for the treatment of pinched nerve. It can be pain relievers, anti-inflammatory or warming gels.
The most popular ointment for back pain:
- Ketoprofen;
- Amelotex;
- Voltaren;
- Fastum gel;
- Indomethacin;
- Eye drops;
- Finalgon.
They rubbed the area of pain with gentle, circular movements without strong pressure. After application should be observed for skin reaction: if she blushed and got a rash, itching, the cream should quickly rinse and consult a doctor, be sure to note the drug that had an Allergy.
Creams and gels cannot be used if in the lumbar region there is a rash or open wounds.
Exercises
When the acute pain when pinched passes, the doctors recommend a course of physiotherapy. Exercises help develop back muscles to prevent relapse.
Useful:
- smooth circular motion in the lumbar;
- shallow inclinations in the parties;
- bending forward;
- swimming;
- walking on skis.
Necessary to exclude heavy physical burden of lifting heavy weights. It is undesirable to exert himself within one month after an episode of exacerbation. In the future, be sure to do short morning exercises, avoid quick getting out of bed. Stretching and a little warm-up muscles in the morning will help to strengthen your back before the start of the working day.
A pinched nerve can be caused by a variety of reasons, but regardless of the source of pain is a condition that requires referral to a specialist. Modern medication will effectively cope with the pain. If medical care is unavailable, one should use the safest methods of treatment ointments and creams. Use injections and pills without a doctor’s advice may lead to side effects.
