Rehabilitation for sciatica

The defeat of the peripheral nervous system, resulting from the pinching of the roots of the spinal cord - bundles of nerve fibers, is called sciatica. Arising, for example, in the lumbar region, the disease often takes a chronic form. Among people above average age, it is quite common. The reasons are the load on the spine, hypothermia and some other factors. Rehabilitation for sciatica is prescribed even in the acute period. It is combined with treatment. And if the patient is hospitalized, they are carried out in the form of procedures, massage and recreational physical education. Let's take a closer look at this stage of returning to the normal state.

About the disease

In the chronic form of the course, sharp exacerbations alternate with periods of remission. Lumbar sciatica occurs as a sharp pain in this area, passing to the back of the thigh. Sometimes the patient complains of discomfort in the lower leg or foot. Exacerbation lasts up to 3 weeks. At this time, the sick person restricts movement, as he is prevented by pain.

On the example of lumbar sciatica, two stages of the disease can be distinguished, differing in the degree of damage to the roots of the spinal cord.

• Neurological is characterized by significant pain, increased sensitivity. Muscles show tension.
• Neurotic with the extinction of reflexes in the area of ​​the strangulated root. Sensitivity fades, pain dulls.

Most often, sciatica occurs in the lumbar region, characterized by sharp pains. The restriction of mobility is especially evident when leaning forward. Posture is disturbed, sometimes scoliosis occurs. Turning into a chronic form, the disease worsens in case of injury, hypothermia, stress. In acute cases, the patient may be hospitalized.

Causes of the disease

Not so long ago, inflammation was considered the cause of sciatica. Although opinion has now changed, there is no definite explanation for the occurrence of the disease. Most cases indicate degenerative and dystrophic processes in the spine. In particular, the disease is diagnosed as a consequence of:

• osteochondrosis;
• meningitis;
• syphilis;
• injuries;
• stress
• influenza complications;
• other diseases.

With injuries of the spine and the formation of intervertebral hernias, adjacent nerve endings may be compressed, resulting in pain. Compression of the sciatic nerve roots sometimes leads to their inflammation. Pain can be extended to distant areas of the body in addition to the focus (for example, the lower back). In this case, the affected areas may lose sensitivity. After all, the conductivity of the nerves is reduced.

Treatment

To prevent the transition of the disease to the chronic stage, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Phenomena such as prolapsed intervertebral hernia are also dangerous, as a result of which disability may occur. Treatment is primarily aimed at relieving pain. The drug method involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Similar means - in the form of injections, tablets and ointments. Muscle relaxants relax muscles, analgesics relieve pain. Corticosteroids are used simultaneously with them in the form of an injection into the lesion.

Combination of treatment and rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation for sciatica is carried out individually for each case. The condition, period and stage of the disease are taken into account. Conduct the following activities.

• Therapeutic exercise (LFK).
• Strengthening gymnastics.
• Mechanotherapy, physiotherapy.
• Thermal procedures: paraffin, mud, applications.
• Firming massage.

All methods are applied in a complex, in combination. If a person is hospitalized in the acute stage, exercise therapy is carried out in a hospital bed. At the same time, they find less painful positions, make passive movements with a small load and amplitude. Conduct breathing exercises. During bed rest, the patient is given a massage. Prevent muscle atrophy and poor posture. Physiotherapy includes electrophoresis with painkillers, ultraviolet light, ultrasound and other procedures.

Half-bed mode allows you to do exercise therapy lying on your stomach, at an emphasis, sitting on your knees. These positions minimize the load on the spine. Exercises after sciatica in the lower back include turns. Tilts, slow twisting of the spine are practiced. The patient hangs on the gymnastic wall. The movements of the arms and legs are performed smoothly, but intensively, with a large amplitude. Do posture correction. Exercise therapy classes are held for up to half an hour.

Exercises

Physical education (LFK) is considered very important in the recovery process. It strengthens muscle groups in the affected area, allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, releasing the nerve roots. As a result, they receive more oxygen and other nutrition, and become capable of recovery. A set of exercises is selected individually, and then adjusted depending on the stage and condition. The choice is made by the doctor.

For example, lumbar sciatica requires muscle relaxation. Therefore, the patient lies horizontally on the floor using a roller. The following exercises are an example.

• The patient lies on his back, stretching his arms along the body, slightly bending his legs. The muscle on the abdomen is strained to a solid state, which is repeated up to 15 times.
• The patient lies on his back with arms extended along the body. The upper body is lifted and held for 10 seconds. With breaks of 15 seconds, repeat up to 15 times.
• Lying on your back, you need to bend your right leg. Resting the left hand on the knee, the lower limb is advanced to the forehead, and the hand prevents. Do this up to 10 times.

Rehabilitation tasks

The purpose of rehabilitation measures is to activate the blood and lymph flow. An important task is to eliminate the pain syndrome. And:

• muscle stimulation, relaxation;
• prevention of limitation of joint mobility as a result of loss of muscle activity (contractures);
• creating compensation;
• increase in tone.

Activities include exercise therapy, massage, diet, the use of traditional medicine (at home). Yoga classes are considered very useful, which complement physical education. Some of their exercises are effective and relieve pain. They also set cheerfulness and a good emotional background.

Physical rehabilitation - therapeutic massage

The patient is massaged, having him lying on his side or stomach. The impact is produced in the following sequence.

• areas near the spine;
• lumbar areas;
• buttocks, sacrum, lower leg and thigh.

A gentle massage is carried out: the zones are stroked, rubbed in a circle and in a zigzag. Knead longitudinally and transversely, eliminating spasms. After spending from 4 to 6 sessions, they begin to massage the pain points. The intensity is gradually increased. Along with the massage, movements and thermal procedures are used.

Proper nutrition

Diet is important in sciatica. By establishing a healthy diet with the use of healthy foods, the patient ensures his recovery. Rehabilitation includes such rules, using the following diet:

• a lot of fiber in the form of raw vegetables and fruits, which helps to restore the body;
• joints strengthen tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, carrots and cucumbers, any fruit;
• fruit drinks, fresh juices;
• polyunsaturated fats - vegetable oil, fish;
• cereals and cereals, grain bread.

Fat is excluded, the fat content of dairy products, the consumption of salt, and alcohol are limited. The menu combines 3 parts of vegetable and 1 animal products. They eat 4 or 5 times a day.

ethnoscience

There are many recipes used for radiculitis from folk remedies. These are warmed compresses from black radish for a day, garlic until burning. Mustard plasters are used for half an hour. The lower back is warmed with salt, applying a bag with it until it cools. after the procedure, drafts and cooling should be avoided. From the means taken orally, herbs that remove toxins are used. These are lingonberry leaves infused with vodka, which are drunk in a tablespoon three times a day. A decoction of parsley roots 1/2 hour before meals. Five and a half lemons are scrolled through a meat grinder, mixed with 1/2 liters of honey. Take 1 table before meals. l., the product is stored in the refrigerator.

Prevention

Such a dangerous disease as sciatica is easier to prevent than to treat. This also applies to the possibility of exacerbations. The load on the spine should be moderate, you should not lift heavy weights. But muscles need to be supported by sports. Physical therapy exercises must be continued. Sleep should be carried out on a comfortable bed or orthopedic mattress. When resting properly, you need to change your posture from time to time, stretch, control your posture.