Sunday, July 10, 2011

Information about Sciatica

Sciatica  is one of the most common complaints and most people experience it at least once during life. This is one of the most common reasons for health care.
On the other hand, can take certain measures to prevent or ease sciatica . If prevention does not work, simple home techniques and appropriate exercises to help relieve pain for several weeks and a long time to keep your spine in good functional condition. Surgical treatments are rarely used to treat sciatica .

Symptoms may include:
Myalgia
Shooting or cutting pain
Pain in the leg moves
Limited mobility or range of motion in his back
Inability to stand straight
sciatica  can last for days or weeks is called acute. If pain persists for more than three months, it is called chronic.
When the doctor
In most cases, sciatica  gradually decreased after treatment of household means. Despite the fact that pain can persist for several weeks, some relief of symptoms can be felt within the first 72 hours of self-treatment. If not, we should see a doctor.
In rare cases, sciatica  can signal serious medical problems. Consult your doctor if sciatica :
Constant or increases, especially at night or in the supine position
Spreads down one or both legs, especially in the area below the knee
Cause weakness, numbness, or voltage of one or both legs
Cause problems with bowel or bladder
Associated with pain or pulsation in the abdomen, as well as fever
Is the result of trauma or blow to the back
Is associated with unexplained weight loss </ ul> You also need to consult with your doctor if sciatica  first appeared in the age over 50, or, if in the past been diagnosed osteoporosis, cancer, or present long-term use of glucocorticoids.
Sometimes sciatica  associated with spinal osteochondrosis, degenerative changes that have vertebrae, resulting in a slow deterioration of the structure of intervertebral discs. Because of lower depreciation of properties, which normally provide discs, joints between the vertebrae have on each other more pressure, so there is pain and stiffness in his back. The organism tries to compensate for these changes and new bone formation, spikes to keep the place, experiencing the highest loads. Overweight and traumatic injuries are also risk factors.
Causes

The back is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments and discs. Wheels is hryascheobraznye structures between the vertebrae. Any damage to these components can cause pain. Sometimes the cause of sciatica  remain unknown.

Most often, sciatica  occurs when the load position:
Because of the tension in the muscles and ligaments
After the lifting of heavy weights
After the embarrassment of sudden movement
Sometimes a muscle spasm can be associated with sciatica .
Problems related to certain structural changes
Bulging disk contents or its rupture. Disks act as special "cushion" between the vertebrae, sometimes soft contents of the disc may bulge or rip the disc, causing pressure on the nerve. Despite this, many people with disk hernias do not have any complaints over a lifetime.
Sciatica. If the bulging disc, herniated or press on the nerve that goes from the lower back and down the leg, it can cause sciatica, that is - sharp, shooting pain that comes from the buttocks down the back of the leg.
Arthritis. Most often arthritis affects the hip joints, knees, lower back. Sometimes, arthritis of the spine can lead to a narrowing of the intervertebral space, the so-called spinal stenosis.
Violation of posture. sciatica  often occurs if the spinal violated natural curves, for example, if the upper back is too round, or there is excessive deflection in the lumbar region. Scoliosis, that is, curvature of the spine in any direction, can also lead to sciatica .
Osteoporosis. Compression fractures of vertebrae, causing severe sciatica , can occur with a decrease in bone density or increased fragility.
Rare but serious complications of
Cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious neurological problem that affects the nerve bundle that goes from the lower back, which is responsible for the function of the lower limbs and pelvic organs. This disease may be weakness in the legs, numbness in the groin area, loss of bladder control and bowel
Spinal cord tumors. The tumor can press on spinal nerves, causing pain ..
Infections of the spine. If there is fever, pain and increased local temperature in the back, it may be associated with an infectious process spine.
Preparation for consultation

If you are worried about sciatica , lasting at least several days and not passing on their own, it makes sense to consult a doctor. Here is information to help you prepare for the consultation.
What can be done independently
Record their complaints and their duration
Record your personal information, including any psycho-emotional factors in your life.
Make a list of medications taken, including any medications you are taking for other diseases as well as nutritional supplements and vitamins.
Recall the recent trauma that could hurt your back
You can take the advice a friend or family member. The satellite will help you remember details if you miss something.
Write down questions to Dr.
Key questions that can be asked:
What is the cause of the pain?
Are there any other possible causes?
Should I be tested?
What treatment is needed?
If I take medication, what are the possible side effects?
How long should be treated?
Is there a limit motor mode?
What can I do myself?
What should I do to avoid repeating the pain?
What you can do it yourself
While you are waiting consultations, can take medication to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. May also help to cool or warm compresses on the painful area in the back.
Research and Diagnostics


To find out the cause of sciatica , as a rule, diagnostic procedures are required.However, if you decide to visit a doctor, he explores:
backbone and its functional capacity
Can check reflexes with a special hammer
If there is cause for suspicion of neoplastic process, a fracture or infection, which causes pain, you may need the following tests:
Blood and urine tests to determine whether infection
X-rays. To check the integrity of the structure of vertebrae (possible fracture), or arthritis. On the x-ray can only see bone changes, and not damaged disks or nerves.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). In these studies we can see changes in the soft tissues at the back: drive (and a hernia), tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels, as well as structural changes of the vertebral bodies.
The study of electrical activity (electromyography, or EMG). This test measures the electrical impulses that arise in the work of nerves and muscles in response to these impulses. The procedure may confirm the compression of the nerve by disc hernia or narrowing of the spinal canal.

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