The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve trunk in the human body, running from the lumbosacral spine to the tips of the toes. Its inflammation or pinching, called sciatica, is accompanied by intense pain that can last from several days to a month. The main causes of this condition are compression of the nerve endings due to intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis, pelvic injuries and excessive physical exertion. Inflammation can also provoke hypothermia and impaired blood supply in the area where the nerve passes, writes IZ.
Clinical manifestations of sciatica include sharp pain in the lower back, which radiates into the leg along the back of the thigh and shin. Often the pain is accompanied by a feeling of numbness, tingling or muscle spasms. A person may experience difficulty walking, bending or even sitting for a long time. In severe cases, paralytic sciatica may develop, which leads to impaired foot mobility.
Treatment of sciatic nerve inflammation involves eliminating the root cause of the pathology and symptomatic therapy. Doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, physiotherapy, massage and therapeutic exercises. In some cases, alternative methods are used, such as acupuncture and manual therapy. Surgical intervention is used only in extreme cases, when conservative methods do not yield results.
Full recovery is possible if preventive measures are followed: regular physical activity, avoiding excessive strain on the back, proper workplace arrangement and protection from hypothermia. If a person follows the recommendations of doctors and leads an active lifestyle, sciatica can be completely cured. However, in the absence of proper treatment and prevention, the disease can become chronic, causing periodic exacerbations and limitations in mobility.
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