What is radiculitis and how to treat it is a common question in the neurologist’s office. Radiculitis is a consequence of osteochondrosis, much less often it is the result of various injuries, hernia, and spinal deformities. Lumbar sciatica is the most common, because it is this part of the spine, which is the center of gravity of the body, that bears a large number of loads.

It is believed that radiculitis affects older people, but in recent years it has been diagnosed in people of middle age. Symptoms of sacral radiculitis are most often noticed in women after 30 years of age, and in men after 35 years of age. The causes of radiculitis are varied. The disease occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, various types of stress, and sedentary work.

Lumbosacral radiculitis is defined as a set of symptoms that occur when the spinal cord roots are damaged. This process is pathological, lower back pain is secondary. Girdle radiculitis is a consequence of damage to the tissues of the spine. At the moment when the intervertebral discs cannot receive sufficient nutrition, dystrophic type changes - protrusion - gradually occur among their tissues. During this process, connective tissue cords are significantly weakened.

To prevent displacement of the vertebrae, the edges are overgrown with bone growths - osteophytes. Displaced discs, together with tissues irritated by osteophytes, put pressure on nerve endings. This is how a pain syndrome arises that radiates to different limbs of the body.

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Signs

Very often, radiculitis of the lumbosacral region is confused with diseases of a different kind - varicose veins, flat feet, diseases of internal organs. Characteristic signs of radiculitis:

• Sudden onset of pain, its spontaneous cessation. In subsequent times, the sensation of pain worsens;
• Intense increase in pain when raising straightened legs while lying on your back;
• Instinctive bending of the legs when the patient tries to get up and sit down;
• Acute pain when bending the head forward;
• Inability to stay in one position all the time.

Causes

To understand how to cure radiculitis, you should also know its causes. Since sacral radiculitis is a set of symptoms, therefore, there are many reasons for its appearance:

• Vertebral injuries;
• The disease, for example,;
• Osteochondrosis. In 95 cases out of 100, the causes of the disease are its manifestations;
• Osteophytes are bony protrusions resulting from pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Heavy load in the lumbar region, as well as hypothermia;
• Physical inactivity as a result of a sedentary lifestyle;
• Pregnancy - significant manifestations can occur in the third trimester, when the center of gravity shifts due to sudden weight gain;
• Sciatica;
• Stress, poor diet, colds.

Constant attacks of radiculitis are most often caused by:

• Chills;
• Excessive physical training;
• Hypothermia;
• The sharpness of movements of the lumbar vertebra.

Symptoms

Symptoms of radiculitis are very diverse. Pain in the sacral region can radiate to the leg, there is a loss of sensitivity in the limbs, burning, and numbness. Doctors divide symptoms into groups.

• Pain symptom

The pain symptom is differentiated. Pain can be either dull or sharp; both local and affecting various particles of the body; continuous or temporary. The mere presence of pain already means that damaging actions are being carried out in relation to the tissues of the intervertebral discs. An important indicator is the exacerbation of pain symptoms at night, with coughing, sudden tilting of the head, and the cessation of pain while standing still.

• Symptom of impaired sensitivity

Hypersensitivity caused by disruption of nerve impulse transmission, resulting in numbness, tingling, and burning.

• Symptom of muscle weakness

Disruption of the natural functioning of muscles is most often caused by interruptions in nerve impulses. With long-term damage, atrophy of the gluteal muscles, thighs, and even lower legs occurs. With lumbosacral radiculitis, the symptoms are such that a person suffers from excessive sweating and the face becomes pale. If you have the same symptoms and treatment as sacral radiculitis, then you need to start appropriate treatment.

How to treat sciatica

To restore the range of motion of the spine, the human body needs moderate physical activity. This method not only stops the process of vertebral degeneration, but also improves muscle elasticity. Patients often feel relief as a result of gymnastic exercises. If gymnastics does not help, then it is recommended to treat lumbosacral radiculitis by choosing a different approach. Is it possible to treat lumbar radiculitis in several ways?

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Doctors do not prohibit combining therapy methods if they benefit the patient. No matter how many methods exist, they all answer the question of how to quickly cure sciatica.

Non-surgical options

There is a multivariate therapy to relieve pain from this disease, which helps to forget forever about the question of what to do with radiculitis. For example, if you have acute radiculitis, then in its initial phase it is recommended to use a warm heating pad or ice packs. They need to be applied to the sore spot for about 20 minutes. Some will benefit more from cold, others from warmth. To achieve the effect, it is better to alternate them. But remember - this is just a distraction therapy to relieve acute pain. The source of the disease cannot be cured this way.

Medicines

Treatment of lumbar radiculitis is carried out using non-steroidal antiphlogistic drugs. They provide relief from swelling and localization of inflammation. But such drugs are characterized by side effects that do not have the best effect on the patient’s body when used long-term. If, it is recommended to take Ibuprofen, Ortofen, Diclofenac more quickly. Having gotten rid of the pain, subsequently use medicinal ointments and creams applied to the areas where it is relieved. Some of the best medications that have positive reviews are Finalgon, Nise, Indomethacin, Viprosal.

If the patient suffers from severe pain, injections should be prescribed. As an anesthetic, give preference to Novocaine, Lidocaine.

Physiotherapy

In addition to taking medications, it is recommended to irradiate lumbar radiculitis and treat the legs with ultraviolet light. Hydrocortisone is applied for the first 5 days, and then lidocaine is used.

During the acute stage of lumbosacral radiculitis, treatment is carried out using ultrasound treatment of radiculitis with an impulsive mode. If radiculitis appears as a result of osteochondrosis, then an important aspect is stretching on an oblique plane. Stretching can be done even on an ordinary bed, with the headboard slightly elevated by 15-20 cm. The body should be fixed at the level of the headboard.

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There are short-term (twice a day for 10 minutes) and long-term stretching (2 weeks). Some of the most useful procedures are massage of the sacral spine (recommended 15-20 sessions), needle reflexology (10-20 sessions), multifaceted gymnastic exercises (2-3 months).

Surgical treatment

If the patient’s health does not improve within 3-4 months, the attending physician will suggest treating radiculitis with surgical intervention. The operation is performed if:

• Manifested neurological signs;
• Degenerative changes in the discs;
• Obvious disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

There are several types of surgical intervention. In a minor open surgery, one intervertebral disc pressing on the sciatic nerve is removed. If it is discovered that the patient has difficulty tolerating the most simplified physical activities, then a laminectomy is prescribed. This surgery removes the bone where the nerve is pinched.

Patients avoid surgical involvement, hoping that sciatica will heal on its own. But at the moment when the patient loses control over urination or finds it difficult to move, forced surgery is performed.

Therapeutic diet

To reduce the load on the spine, the patient should get rid of excess pounds, if any, and carefully monitor proper nutrition. To do this you need:

• Limit the amount of salt you consume;
• Add fortified foods (fruits, vegetables, freshly squeezed juices) to your healthy diet;
• Eat a lot of dairy products (add kefir to your diet in the evenings);
• Avoid sauces and canned foods; exclude smoked, fried, spicy, fatty foods from consumption;
• Add lean types of meat to your diet and eat fresh fish;
• The consumption of alcohol, coffee, and strong tea is strictly prohibited.

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It is useful for this disease to use:

• Dried fruit compotes. If you add honey to it instead of sugar, it will bring doubly benefits. Let this drink brew in the evening. And in the morning during breakfast, you will enjoy this drink;
• Nectar from apples and celery. Done in equal proportions, it is recommended to drink twice a day;
• Lemon juice. Dilute with water and season with honey. To prepare the tincture, you will need 11 lemons, which are ground through a meat grinder, and 1 liter of honey. After preparation is completed, the mixture is placed in the refrigerator and eaten before meals three times a day, one tablespoon.

More information about the consequences of radiculitis, symptoms and treatment will be provided by specialists: therapist, neurologist.

Our body feels and moves, our internal organs work in their own mode, without requiring volitional control from us. Everything happens as if by itself, if not for one small “but”.

When this small “but” fails, the entire orderly organization of the human body falls apart and it becomes obvious that the body is, first of all, a thin network of intertwined nerve fibers with a single control center.

With radiculitis, the spinal nerves become inflamed

Each nerve supplying one or another part of the body originates from the spinal cord (individual nerves are from the brain), and is responsible either for motor function, or for sensory function, or for ensuring the functioning of internal organs.

Before leaving the spinal column, which is the bony sheath of the spinal cord, nerves with different functional loads are united into a bundle or root (radiculus). The root, before breaking up into branches, passes through the intervertebral foramina.

The inflammatory process that accompanies any damage to the nerve root is called radiculitis.

The spinal cord has 5 segments; accordingly, the spinal nerves emerging from one or another segment regulate a strictly defined area of ​​the body.

Having a general understanding of the structure of the nerve root, you can now find out what causes radiculitis. The common philistine opinion that radiculitis occurs from a draft is only half true. In fact, hypothermia is a permissive factor, just like physical strain on the back muscles. The immediate causes of radiculitis, in most cases, are diseases of the spine.

For more information about what radiculitis is, watch the video:

The first in frequency of occurrence, as a causative factor, is osteochondrosis. Even by determining the cause-and-effect relationship, it is clear what the difference is between radiculitis and osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral cartilaginous disc, as a result of which the height of the vertebrae above each other decreases and, as a result, the intervertebral foramen narrows.

Subsequently, the nerve root is pinched with impaired circulation and the development of aseptic inflammation. Thus, radiculitis is a complication of osteochondrosis.
Other causes of radiculitis may include:

• Deforming, which refers to vertebrogenic causes of damage to the nerve root, i.e., depending on the condition of the vertebrae;
• Injuries;
• Acute and chronic infectious processes. A particularly common infectious cause of inflammation of the nerve root is herpes zoster;
• Various neoplasms;
• Congenital malformations of the spinal column.

Acute or chronic process

An attack of acute radiculitis occurs either for the first time or characterizes the picture of exacerbation of chronic radiculitis. The very definition of “acute” speaks of vivid clinical symptoms that arise suddenly, without warning.
Chronic radiculitis is characterized by an endless series of improvements with exacerbations.

If we talk about the temporary division of acute and chronic diseases, then if the cure of the process is within a month, then we are talking about an acute course of the disease, if signs of suffering persist after 4 weeks, then the pathological process takes on a chronic course.

How long an attack of radiculitis will last depends on the cause that caused the inflammation of the root, and on the concomitant pathology, and on the therapeutic measures taken. In most cases, with an uncomplicated course and the adequacy of the measures taken, the disease can be dealt with in 7-10 days.
But it is not possible to deal with the causes of radiculitis within such a period of time. For the most part, these are chronic diseases that require long-term and ambiguous treatment.

Clinic of the disease depending on the level of damage

General symptoms of nerve root inflammation are divided into three groups:

• Painful;
• Neurological;
• Muscular-tonic or reflex.

The pain with radiculitis is acute, sharp, like an electric shock, localized on the side of the pinched area and can spread along the nerve. The pain is often accompanied by paresthesia, i.e. tingling, burning or numbness of the affected area of ​​the body and causes protective muscle tension.

Pain occurs due to inflammation of the nerve roots and causes muscle tension

The symptoms of cervical radiculitis, in addition to those described above, include vertebral artery syndrome, which occurs due to pinched vessels in the lumens of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, which is the cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Vertebro-basilar insufficiency manifests itself with dizziness, headache, blurred vision, hearing, nausea and vomiting.

Considering the fact that the brachial nerve plexus originates from the cervical segment of the spinal cord, with cervical radiculitis, a weakening of muscle strength and tone of the muscles of the upper extremities appears, reflexes evoked from the hands decrease, and the symptom of “frozen shoulder” appears.

Motor and sensory disturbances are accompanied by autonomic disorders (dryness, pallor of the skin with an emphasized vascular pattern, decreased local body temperature) with the development of Horner’s triad: narrowing of the pupil, palpebral fissure and some retraction of the eyeball.

Symptoms of thoracic radiculitis are manifested by pain between the shoulder blades, in the intercostal spaces and may be accompanied by dysfunction of the internal organs, which must be differentiated from true somatic pathology.

Thoracic radiculitis, like any other, is characterized by a forced posture of the patient (bending on the side of the pinched roots with minimal physical activity), which reduces pain.

Thoracic radiculitis may be accompanied by dysfunction of internal organs

Symptoms of thoracic radiculitis often become a manifestation of nerve damage from the herpes zoster virus. In this case and with any other infectious lesions with radiculitis, the temperature rises. The height of the numbers depends on the pathogenic power of the microorganism and on the reactivity of the patient’s body.

Cervicothoracic radiculitis is accompanied by mixed symptoms of damage to both the cervical and thoracic nerve roots.

And yet, the maximum percentage of clinical symptoms of radiculitis falls on the lumbosacral spine.
This fact is due to the large physical loads placed on the lower back.
It is not difficult for a person familiar with shooting pain in the lower back to explain what lumbar radiculitis is, which is popularly known as lumbar radiculitis.
Almost every fourth inhabitant of the planet is familiar with the clinic of sacral radiculitis. Regardless of what level, lumbar or sacral, the nerve roots are pinched, the clinical picture will be basically the same.

What kind of pain will occur with radiculitis depends on the speed and intensity of the onset of circulatory disorders in the root. The lumbago characterizes an acute process with pronounced swelling of the perineural tissues and a lack of blood supply to the nerve root.

Symptoms of radiculitis of the sacral region are familiar to many

In a chronic process, when some adaptation of the suffering tissues to the lack of oxygen occurs, the pain is dull and, depending on the degree of damage to the nerve fibers, a neurological deficit will come to the fore, manifested in muscle atrophy, disturbances in independent movement and the functioning of the pelvic organs.

If you don’t treat, but just dull the pain

The consequences of vertebrogenic lumbosacral radiculitis can be:

• Paresis or paralysis of the lower extremities;
• Trophic ulcers of the skin of the lower extremities;
• Urinary and fecal incontinence;
• Sexual dysfunction.

The lower back is the place of referred pain

Despite the fact that lower back pain is the main complaint with inflammation of the nerve roots, it should be remembered that the lumbar region is also a zone of pain projection in case of kidney damage.

Urolithiasis and pyelonephritis are often signaled by lower back pain. But there is no answer to the question of how to distinguish nephroptosis from radiculitis. Because nephroptosis, in itself, does not hurt.

And only in the presence of a kink in the ureter, leading to acute dilation and inflammation of the pelvis, does a precedent arise for differential diagnosis with radiculitis.
Positive symptoms of tension will speak in favor of radiculitis. But even in this case, it is possible to exclude the parallel course of two pathologies only with a complete clinical and laboratory examination of the patient including.

Men and women with sciatica, is there a difference?

Provocative questions include the question about the signs of lumbar radiculitis in women. In these cases, more often we are not talking about the symptoms of radiculitis in women, but about whether the lower abdomen can hurt with radiculitis. The lower abdomen is a sacred female area and, hypothetically, it can be assumed that the source of pain lies in the pinching of the sacral nerve roots.

As a rule, radiculitis does not manifest itself as pain in the lower abdomen

But in practice, pain in the lower abdomen is caused by inflammation, often chronic, of the internal female genital organs.

The occurrence of radiculitis during pregnancy can be assumed due to the increased load on the lower back in the later stages of gestation.

But the internal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy are multifaceted and their impact on the course of a particular disease is unpredictable.

In some cases, a pregnant woman experiences exacerbation after exacerbation, threatening the pregnancy of the child, and in others, the lower back only reminds itself of itself during labor.

If there are any pathological conditions of the spine that were identified earlier in pregnancy, you should start attending water aerobics classes for pregnant women, sleep with special orthopedic devices, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid physical activities that require back strain.

If we talk about the second half of humanity, the signs of radiculitis in men do not differ from those in women, with the only nuance that the symptoms of damage to the nerve roots of the lumbosacral region include the clinic of impotence and erectile dysfunction.

Muscle tension as a result of unresolved negative emotions

Pain in the back (neck) is the main complaint with which people come to see a neurologist for a diagnosis. But, often the manifestations of radiculitis are driven by psychosomatics.

It has been noticed that stress in people prone to the accumulation of negative emotions is manifested by prolonged muscle spasms of all muscles that can contract.

Muscular tension in the back can lead to pinched roots, although not with such severe manifestations and consequences as if the cause were an organic pathology of the spine.

When a bath is like a life-saving remedy

In matters of treatment of acute conditions and at the onset of the disease, you should resort to qualified help. But radiculitis is often a complication of a chronic, long-term underlying disease.
And in this case, with an established diagnosis and mild symptoms (something shot through, somewhere sipping), it makes sense to try traditional methods of alleviating your condition instead of absorbing impressive amounts of painkillers.
Don't forget about a bathhouse with a birch or pine broom.

The bath will ease the pain of radiculitis

And for those who doubt whether it is possible to take a steam bath for radiculitis, you can authoritatively say: “It’s not only possible, but also necessary.” Again, we remember the severity of the pathological process.

If the condition is acute, accompanied by a sharp pain syndrome that makes your eyes numb, you should urgently consult a doctor.

We remember that heat dilates blood vessels, which can contribute to an increase in swelling of the perineural tissues and aggravate the lack of blood supply to the nerve roots.

Prevention

Prevention of radiculitis is considered physical hygiene and avoidance of drafts. But everyday life is full of surprises and devoid of conventions, so sooner or later you can either get caught in a stream of cold air or tear a heavy object off the floor, which will provoke another attack of radiculitis.
In terms of longer-term prevention, it is important to compensate for the underlying disease leading to inflammation of the nerve roots.

Hanging on the bar is a good prevention of radiculitis

In case of osteochondrosis, to stretch the distance between the vertebrae and prevent compression of the roots, you can hang on the crossbar as a preventive measure for radiculitis.

Conclusion

Radiculitis has no clinical features depending on the gender of the patient, with the exception of sexual dysfunction. Its manifestations fit into a certain structure of symptoms.

Clinical manifestations depend on the level of compression of the nerve roots, but do not depend on the cause that caused them.

Treatment of radicular syndrome should begin only after examination and after listening to the recommendations of the attending physician.

Radiculitis is one of the diseases of the nervous system of the human body, resulting from inflammation of the spinal roots. Depending on the location of the inflammatory process, upper cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracic and lumbosacral radiculitis are distinguished. Most often, it is lumbosacral radiculitis, since the lumbar region always experiences the greatest stress, and deformations of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves most often occur in this region. In this article we will look at the symptoms and treatment of radiculitis, the causes of its occurrence and measures to prevent this disease.

Main causes of radiculitis

Often the cause of radiculitis is a violation of the structure of the intervertebral discs.

• hernias and injuries of intervertebral discs, degenerative changes in their structure;
• stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal;
• narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord root itself passes;
• tumors, osteophytes.

Symptoms of radiculitis

The disease begins acutely. Radiculitis is characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome that appears suddenly, usually as a result of heavy physical activity. The pain is localized along the affected roots of the spinal cord, sensitivity over the affected area is possible, and movement disorders occur less frequently.
In most cases, an acutely developed disease becomes chronic.

Lumbosacral radiculitis

Lumbosacral radiculitis, also called sciatica, is characterized by severe pain in the lumbar region. The pain can radiate to the buttock, the back of the thigh and lower leg, and the heel. Patients note a feeling of skin, “crawling goosebumps.”

Cervicobrachial and thoracic radiculitis

Cervicobrachial radiculitis is characterized by pain in the occipital region, shoulder, and scapula. The pain intensifies with movements of the head, arm, coughing and sneezing. In more severe cases, patients note numbness and impaired sensitivity of the skin of the hand.
Thoracic radiculitis is characterized by pain in the intercostal spaces, aggravated by movement. This form of the disease is quite rare.

Diagnosis of radiculitis

A neurologist diagnoses this disease. In addition to collecting a history of the disease and a general examination, the doctor prescribes laboratory and instrumental studies.
X-ray examination is the main method for verifying the diagnosis of radiculitis. If this method is not enough, then the neurologist may prescribe computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Urine and blood tests are mandatory. In addition to examining the bone structures of the body, for the purpose of differential diagnosis, ultrasound examinations of the abdominal and pelvic organs, ECG, and lung radiography may be prescribed.

Treatment of radiculitis

Treatment of the disease should be carried out in conditions that are gentle for the patient. The patient needs rest. Attention should be paid to the patient's bed; the bed should not sag under the weight of a person; for this, a hard shield is placed under the mattress (under the mattress, and not on it). If possible, it is necessary to limit movement in the part of the spine in which the spinal root is damaged. Rigid fixing corsets are suitable for these purposes, but it is advisable to wear them no more than 3 hours a day, putting them on during physical activity.

To reduce the intensity of pain, analgesics are used, in this case non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For intense pain, painkillers are administered intramuscularly; for less severe pain, you can limit yourself to the use of suppositories or tablet dosage forms. In a medical institution, novocaine blockade of the damaged nerve can be performed to relieve pain.

Local treatments are also effective. The use of warming and anti-inflammatory ointments (finalgon, capsitrin, traumeel C), ointments with essential oils, snake and bee venoms (viprosal, menovazin, apizartron), and pepper plaster helps to significantly alleviate the condition of patients. Physiotherapeutic procedures and acupuncture are prescribed in outpatient or inpatient settings.

Diuretics may be prescribed to reduce swelling of the damaged spinal cord root. B vitamins, which are administered intramuscularly for radiculitis, will help improve metabolic and regenerative processes in nervous tissue.

After relief of acute pain, spinal traction can be performed. This procedure is performed only in a hospital by a qualified specialist. Under no circumstances should you try to do this yourself using a horizontal bar or any other means. Also during this period, massage and physical therapy are prescribed.

I would like to pay special attention to the issue of manual therapy, which is very effective in the treatment of radiculitis. Before prescribing manual therapy, a consultation with a neurologist and an X-ray examination are required. Treatment with manual methods is strictly contraindicated in the presence of a large herniated intervertebral disc, since it can be torn off during the procedure.

Prevention of radiculitis

Swimming will help strengthen the muscular corset of the spine.

Prevention of acute radiculitis, as well as exacerbations of chronic radiculitis, is as follows:

• limiting heavy physical activity, especially heavy lifting; if there is still a need to perform heavy work, then you should wear a corset;
• avoiding prolonged stay in an inclined position;
• avoiding hypothermia, especially the lumbar region;
• combating excess weight, which increases the load on the spine;
• development of a natural muscle corset (swimming, performing a special set of exercises).

Which doctor should I contact?

A neurologist treats radiculitis. In cases requiring differential diagnosis with diseases of the spine and other organs, consultation with a vertebrologist, neurosurgeon, cardiologist, pulmonologist, rheumatologist and other specialists may be required. A physiotherapist, massage therapist or chiropractor, reflexologist, and osteopath participate in the treatment of the disease. An orthopedic surgeon will help you choose a corset.

About gymnastics and exercises (Dr. Popov conducts a class at the Moscow Theological Academy):

Radiculopathy (radiculitis) in neurology refers to symptoms that arise from inflammatory processes or compression of a bundle of nerve endings extending from the spinal trunk. In this case, there may be a spread of pain along the location of the nerve fibers, a feeling of weakness in the muscles, accompanied by tingling, numbness in the problem area.

In most cases of radiculitis, signs of the disease appear due to the presence of an intervertebral hernia. The cartilage present in the intervertebral space plays the role of an elastic lining, acting as a shock absorber, and also giving flexibility and mobility to the entire spinal column.

Over time, cartilage tissue wears out and becomes deformed, and a process of protrusion of cartilage fragments into the spinal cord canal may occur. The resulting deformation changes, in most cases, create a compression effect - an irritating effect on the bundles of nerves emerging from the spinal trunk.

In other situations, the nerve may be affected by: overgrown bone tissue, narrowing of the vertebral foramina or foraminal tracts. Constant compression of the nerve roots and the process of their inflammation can be one of the main factors provoking chronic painful conditions along the distribution of nerve fibers. The choice of treatment method in this case depends on what exactly caused the radiculitis: hernia, bone growth or stenosis.

Reasons

The anatomical factor causing radiculopathy may result from functional disorders of the nerve fibers. Compression or squeezing of the nerve causes the manifestation of pain symptoms in the lower back (lower back and sacrum), the area of ​​the cervical vertebrae with the spread of pain in the limbs, as well as weakening of muscle tissue, the presence of numbness, burning and tingling.

The base of the nerve ending can be affected by deformation changes in cartilage in the intervertebral space, bone growths (osteophytes) and bone degeneration. Many patients complain of periodic painful sensations of varying degrees of intensity in the entire back and limbs, partial loss of sensitivity, weakening of muscles, etc.

Radiculitis can manifest itself in the thoracic, lumbar (lumbosacral), cervical, cervicothoracic, and cervicobrachial regions.

All efforts in treating a disease are aimed not only at eliminating painful symptoms, but also at getting rid of the factor that caused it.

Radiculopathy can occur when:

• the appearance of herniated cartilaginous discs in the lumbar region, sacrum, neck and thoracic vertebrae;
• deformations, structural changes in hard and soft tissues of the body, degeneration of discs and bones;
• narrowing of the spinal canal;
• narrowing of foraminal passages;
• the presence of tumors and neoplasms.

Chest

In this case, the disease affects the middle area of ​​the back - the thoracic vertebrae, which belong to the thoracic region, and there are twelve of them in total. The symptoms are very specific for radiculitis: painful sensations with pain spreading into the limbs, weakened muscles with the presence of burning and tingling symptoms.

Among all other types of this disease, it is quite rare to encounter thoracic radiculitis in patients, since the upper part of the spine is quite strong and has additional support in the form of ribs. In addition, it has little flexibility, as a result of which age-related changes are not so obvious.

Factors that provoke thoracic radiculopathy include: disc herniation in varying degrees of manifestation, serious spinal injuries, proliferation and destruction of bone tissue, as well as narrowing of the spinal canal, foraminal passages, formation of growths and inflammation of the joints.

Lumbar (lumbosacral)

This type of disease is localized in the lumbar region, which consists of five movable vertebrae and is the center of gravity of the human body. Symptoms are standard: painful sensations with pain spreading to the limbs, weakening of muscle tissue, burning, tingling.

Radiculitis of the lumbar area has a second name - sciatica. This is due to the fact that with this type of disease, irritation occurs in a significant area of ​​the entire nervous system of the human body - the sciatic nerve. In this case, acute pain occurs in the buttocks, thighs, legs, and in the direction of the nerve fibers reaching the feet.

Experts believe that the causes of lumbosacral radiculitis are varying degrees of development of disc herniations, injuries (fractures) of the spine, the formation of bone growths, as well as narrowing of the spinal and foraminal canals, and displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other.

Pain when the lumbosacral region is affected is concentrated near the sciatic nerve, spreading along the fibers to the hips and legs. For a patient, finding a comfortable position when walking, standing or lying down is a rather serious problem. Sharp or dull aching painful sensations can appear unexpectedly with normal ranges of motion and bending. In this case, the degree of sensitivity in the limbs may change, along with a decrease in muscle strength.

Cervical

The affected area is located in the area of ​​the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms of cervical radiculitis: pain in the left, right side of the neck (depending on the location of the damaged root), loss of sensitivity in the affected area, increasing weakening of muscle strength.

Patients with cervical radiculitis experience disc changes, hernias in varying degrees of development, narrowing of the foraminal passages or inflammation of the joints. Irradiation of symptoms occurs in the arms and shoulder area.

Around the seven vertebrae of the cervical spine (from C1 to C7) there are eight pairs of nerve roots, which are conductors of electrical impulses from the central nervous system and the spinal cord.

The zone of innervation is directly dependent on each root, and each pair of nerve fibers corresponds to a specific area of ​​responsibility:

• C1 and C2 – head;
• C3 and C4 – thoraco-abdominal barrier (diaphragm);
• C5 – organs of the upper body;
• C6 – wrists, biceps brachii;
• C7 – triceps muscle;
• C8 – hands.

Symptoms of the disease: pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder girdle, arms, fingers. The onset of acute pain can be sudden, with an awkward or sudden movement of the neck, or turning the head. Pain can be alleviated with slow movements, but finding a comfortable sleeping position can be very difficult.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Doctors call the cause of the disease osteochondrosis, which in recent decades has begun to be detected in people of fairly young age, and even in children. Every person experiences the clinical manifestations of the disease, with rare exceptions. With age, disc displacement, deformation, and development of hernias can occur, which can be provoked by both congenital and acquired problems of the body.

Neoplasms growing in the area of ​​the spinal column or in the adjacent area most often create a compression effect in the area of ​​the nerve roots, which can lead to the development of radiculitis and radiculoneuritis. Changes in the condition of the spine can occur due to gynecological problems, viral and infectious diseases, regular heavy lifting, excessive stress, and hypothermia. Dystrophic changes can lead to narrowing of the intervertebral foramina, the nerve roots begin to experience pressure, showing symptoms of radiculitis.

Forms of the disease

The course of the disease can occur in primary and secondary forms. The provoking factor for the occurrence of primary radiculitis may be a disease of a viral or infectious nature.

The reason for the development of a secondary type of radiculitis may lie in dystrophic bone deformations, injuries, tumors of various origins, intoxication, impaired blood flow, etc. The location of the affected area depends on the degree of infringement of the nerve roots and their location (in the lumbar, sacral, cervicothoracic area, etc.). etc.), in connection with which the development of radiculoneuritis and polyradiculoneuritis may occur.

The clinical picture of all types of the disease is similar: the presence of painful sensations in the area of ​​innervation of nerve fibers, increased pain with awkward movements, coughing, sneezing. The spine is limited in movement, the patient from time to time tries to take pain-relieving positions, and with slight pressure on the affected area (the area of ​​the spinous processes and paravertebral points), acute pain occurs.

The course of radicular syndrome has several stages:

• Stage 1 (neurological) – it is characterized by increased sensitivity, sudden onset of acute pain, muscles are tense, paravertebral points are very painful when touched;
• Stage 2 (neurotic) - characterized by a decrease in sensitivity in the area of ​​nerve bundles, pain sensations become less acute, the periosteal reflex fades, and the presence of partial malnutrition is stated. Muscle tension and acute pain in the affected area persist.

Most often, patients experience signs of radicular syndrome in the lower back (lower back and sacrum), since this part of the body experiences maximum functional stress. As a result, changes in the intervertebral discs can be significant even in people over the age of 30.

The development of the radicular process can occur either on one side of the spinal column or on both sides simultaneously. Symptoms manifest themselves as acute, burning pain in the lower spine, which can shift to the buttocks and legs, motor functions of the lumbosacral region are limited, and weakness is observed in the muscles. At later stages, vegetative and trophic disorders and sensory disturbances in the area of ​​spread of the disease may occur.

For example, if there are problems with the fourth lumbar root, pain will be present in the lumbar region, the anterior inner side of the thigh and lower leg, and the edge of the foot. Disorders of the fifth vertebra cause pain in the lower back and upper parts of the gluteal region, as well as the posterior lateral surface of the lower leg and the dorsum of the foot.

Reflex syndromes that occur in the intervertebral disc due to irritation of the fibrous ring, intervertebral ligament and articular capsule belong to one group, called “radiculitis” by specialists.

This category includes lumbodynia and lumbago, lumboischialgia, disorders of neuromuscular tissue, as well as a disease accompanied by lumbosacral, sacroiliac syndromes, and inflammation of the hip, knee, and ankle joints.

Symptoms

The term radiculopathy (radiculitis) can describe multiple symptoms that arise for a single reason - compression of the nerve roots emerging from the spinal cord. It is difficult to call radiculitis an independent disease, since it combines a complex of symptoms: starting with pain and ending with a feeling of numbness, burning in the limbs, muscle weakness, etc.

In the human body, there are a total of 31 pairs of nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. For various reasons, the spatial passages through which the endings pass can narrow, creating constant pressure on the nerves. The compression effect can be caused by intervertebral disc herniation at various stages of development, narrowing of the vertebral foramina, various types of tumors, injuries, infectious diseases, etc.

The most common symptoms of radiculitis can be dull periodic or sharp pain, spreading to the extremities. Pain is a signal from the body that the nerve fibers are being damaged.

Compression created for various reasons entails a violation of sensitivity in the affected areas and limbs, since the transmission of impulses from the spinal trunk to the muscles is weakened. In addition, due to the same reason, weakness, lethargy of muscle tissue occurs, and in the absence of impulses for a long time, muscle atrophy and paresis occur.

Diagnosis and how to treat

Since radiculitis itself is not a disease and is a set of symptoms, the specialist needs to identify which nerve root is damaged and causes their manifestation. There can be several causes of radiculopathy: herniation or protrusion of the intervertebral disc, stenosis, etc.

Diagnosis of radiculitis is carried out using:

• determination of characteristic symptoms (intensity, duration of pain, degree of sensitivity in the affected areas, etc.);
• visual examination in order to identify the most painful areas, determine muscle strength and assess the mobility of the spine;
• neurological examination (checking reflex activity);
• X-ray examination, which helps to establish the degree of deformation and degenerative changes;
• MRI, computed tomography (methods will help to clearly visualize compression of nerve bundles);
• EMG, which allows you to determine how damaged the nerve fibers are.

Treatment procedures and medications are prescribed depending on the severity of pain symptoms, sensory disturbances in areas of the body and changes in motor skills. The vast majority of cases respond to conservative treatment of radiculitis.

Medicines are prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain and inflammation, and reduce swelling.

Physiotherapeutic techniques form the basis of conservative treatment, since they provide positive results: they improve blood flow in the affected areas, reduce pain, and promote better passage of impulses.

In non-acute conditions of the patient, manual therapy techniques have proven their effectiveness.

Acupuncture procedures also have a positive effect on the active points of the body, as a result of which the passage of impulses along the nerve endings can significantly improve.

Moderate physical activity (physical activity) under the supervision of a specialist has a positive effect, restoring the natural biomechanics of the spine and the stereotype of motor functions.

Most clinics use, in addition to traditional therapy, non-drug methods for the treatment and prevention of radiculopathy. A set of therapeutic measures allows you to relieve the patient from the symptoms of the disease, significantly reduce the risk of relapse, and includes:

• magnetopuncture;
• vacuum therapy methods;
• dry traction;
• manual therapy techniques used in a gentle manner;
• laser therapy;
• pharmacopuncture;
• acupuncture;
• electrical stimulation techniques.

The number of sessions performed can be from 10 to 15 procedures, and pain is eliminated in the first three sessions.

During the treatment period, the patient must avoid any stress on the affected area of ​​the back, otherwise, with constant irritation of the nerve roots, the procedures will not bring the desired effect. It is also necessary to take anti-inflammatory and painkillers.

Radiculitis is a disease of the nervous system in which the roots of the spinal nerves are affected. Radiculitis, the main symptom of which is pain in the neck or back (depending on the lesion), can also be referred to in medical practice as radiculopathy.

General description

With radiculitis, nerve irritation occurs, provoked by damage to the intervertebral disc for one reason or another. In particular, such a lesion can develop due to degeneration (or more simply, “wear and tear”) of the outer disc ring area, due to damage due to trauma, or a combination of both of these reasons. Due to the weakness of the outer ring, a characteristic arching develops, which is accompanied by the formation of a hernia. Because of this, in turn, the central part of the disc, being softer in nature, can break through (this happens through the outer disc ring), thereby coming into contact with the spinal cord or with its nerves coming from the side of the spinal column . Irritation of the nerves from the cervical discs due to degenerative disease is cervical radiculopathy.

Banal radiculitis is also distinguished (this is discogenic radiculopathy), they consist of motor, pain and autonomic disorders that occur against the background of damage to the spinal roots, which in particular occurs due to the relevance of such a disease in the patient as spinal osteochondrosis.

Most often, the causes of radiculitis come down to three main factors. In particular, this is the already noted osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, as well as deforming spondyloarthrosis. In addition to these factors, radiculitis can also be triggered by certain diseases, such as tuberculosis, influenza, syphilis, brucellosis, rheumatism, cerebrospinal meningitis, tumors, radicular neuroviral diseases (such as tick-borne encephalitis, etc.).

Radiculitis: symptoms

Symptoms of radiculitis appear depending on the form of this disease, which is determined by the characteristics of the lesion in a particular area. In particular, radiculitis can be cervical, thoracic or lumbosacral. In general consideration, it can be stated that the main symptom of the disease is pain, focusing on one specific area and accompanied by systematic “lumbago”; by lumbago we mean a sensation reminiscent of an electric shock in its manifestation. Later, sensations such as tingling and numbness, as well as a sensation of “goosebumps” noted in a certain area of ​​the skin, also manifest themselves. The area of ​​innervation of the root that has been damaged is marked by either a decrease in sensitivity in it or its complete disappearance (this applies to sensitivity to temperature or pain).

Cervical radiculitis: symptoms

With cervical radiculitis, damage occurs in the cervical region of the nerves of the spinal roots. The main and first symptom of cervical radiculitis is pain in the neck, which manifests itself with additional spread to the muscles of the arms, this pain is one-sided. The pain that appears is sudden in nature and can be observed when the patient tries to bend his head. An increase in pain is observed with an unsuccessful movement of the head or with the same tilt.

It is difficult to select a sleeping position; night rest may be accompanied by sharp, stabbing pain in the arms and neck. It is possible to slightly relieve pain, which is achieved by gently bending or turning the head. Hands with cervical radiculitis can significantly lose their characteristic muscle strength, which can reach a state of absolute loss of sensitivity.

The disease begins mainly at the age of 40 years and older, in many cases the course is protracted, accompanied by periodic exacerbations.

Thoracic radiculitis: symptoms

This form of the disease is characterized by the fact that the localization area, as is clear, is in the thoracic spinal region. This form is diagnosed less frequently than cervical or lumbar radiculitis. The main manifestations of symptoms in this case include pain, numbness and tingling in the intercostal space. Muscle strength is also subject to change - it, accordingly, contracts. Thoracic radiculitis is also accompanied by the need to bend towards the affected spine while holding the torso in the appropriate position; in addition, patients try to avoid any unnecessary movements that could increase the pain.

The causes of this form of the disease are usually caused by a viral infection (for example, herpes zoster); somewhat less frequently, radiculitis is caused by processes of a degenerative-dystrophic nature (the already noted osteochondrosis, deforming spondyloarthrosis). In addition, the disease can develop against the background of compression exerted on the roots of the spinal nerves by an adhesive or tumor process.

Lumbosacral radiculitis (aka sciatica): symptoms

Most often, radiculitis manifests itself in this form. The main age group is patients aged 30 to 50 years. Another characteristic feature of patients susceptible to the development of this disease is their professional activity, carried out in conditions of unfavorable temperatures. The localization area, as is clear from highlighting the specific form of the name of the disease, corresponds to the lumbar vertebral region.

Lumbar radiculitis in some cases is also defined as “sciatica.” This definition corresponds to a lesion of the sciatic nerve area, due to which severe pain of a unilateral nature occurs on the side of the thigh or buttock. These painful sensations are sudden and sharp; due to the intensity of their manifestation, it is extremely difficult for the patient to find a comfortable position for their reduction. Against the background of unsuccessful movements, the symptoms of radiculitis may intensify, and it is also quite difficult to choose a sleeping position. During a night's rest, shooting pain may appear in the lumbar region or in the leg. There is also a decrease in muscle strength in the legs, which in some cases reaches a complete loss of sensitivity.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of radiculitis is made based on the results of a number of studies, which a doctor can prescribe in this area. These include in particular the following:

• X-ray – X-ray of the spine area in lateral and direct projections; additionally, in accordance with indications, X-rays of the pelvis, hip joints and other areas can be taken;
• CT, MRI (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging);
• densitometry;
• scintigraphy is a procedure for scanning the skeletal system of the spine;
• Ultrasound of the retroperitoneum, pelvic organs and abdominal cavity;
• laboratory tests of blood and urine.

Treatment

Treatment of radiculitis must necessarily be comprehensive, and, therefore, should be focused not only on eliminating the symptoms that bother the patient, but also on restoring adequate mobility of the vertebrae in combination with ensuring their proper functioning within the framework of the effect produced.

It is a generally accepted fact that in the treatment of radiculitis the need to ensure a gentle home regimen. At the same time, staying in bed for more than 2-5 days is highly not recommended - due to the early start of physical activity in combination with the gradual resumption of standard physiological activity, earlier recovery of patients is achieved.

As for the drug treatment accompanying recovery under this scheme, it is based on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, Diclofenac, Ortofen, etc.), B-group vitamins, painkillers, and local warming agents. In addition to medications, physiotherapeutic methods (dynamic current, electrophoresis, etc.) are also used in the treatment of radiculitis.

Treatment of the disease in the early stages may involve local application of cold or dry heat. Cold in this case is applied in the form of an ice pack applied to the lower back several times a day for up to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, both heat and cold are measures of individual effectiveness, that is, one of the options helps some patients, while others, accordingly, the other, everything is strictly individual. Fixing the lower torso area (lumbar bandage or circular tight bandage) can help with pain relief.

Manual therapy, as well as physical therapy and therapeutic massage, occupy a special place in treatment. Folk remedies for radiculitis, with all their diversity, are mainly aimed at eliminating symptoms, or more precisely, at eliminating pain.

Rubbing and ointments also play a significant role in treatment, the only thing is that this procedure must be carried out correctly. So, when rubbing, it is necessary that the hands of the person doing it are warm. The sore spot is stroked upward for about 10-20 minutes; if the pain is too intense in its manifestation, then rubbing is carried out for about 5 minutes. Next, the sore spot needs to be “insulated” by wrapping it to warm it up.

Treatment and prevention of complications require the elimination of sudden movements (bending, turning), heavy lifting, prolonged unilateral loads and sitting still. It is also necessary to exclude hypothermia.

If symptoms appear that indicate possible radiculitis, you should contact a therapist and a neurologist (neurologist).

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