Sciatica treatment
(Baonghean) - Sciatica (Enlarged sciatic nerve) is a fairly common disease in clinical internal medicine. Sciatica does not affect life, but reduces the ability to work and live, sometimes causing disability for the patient. The disease is more common in men than in women.
(Baonghean) - Sciatica (Enlarged sciatic nerve) is a fairly common disease in clinical internal medicine. Sciatica does not affect life, but reduces the ability to work and live, sometimes causing disability for the patient. The disease is more common in men than in women.
Causes of sciatica:
- Disc protrusion or disc herniation: The most common cause, accounting for more than 80%, often occurring in working age.
- Due to diseases that cause physical damage to the lumbar and sacroiliac regions, causing compression of the roots or nerves: Trauma sequelae, ankylosing spondylitis, pelvic arthritis, L5 - S1 spinal spurs...
- Other causes: Lead poisoning, diabetes, cold...
Diagnosis of sciatica:
- Pain from thigh to calf: Is the most important symptom, can appear slowly or suddenly, can be dull pain or sharp pain, pain increases with weather changes or movement.
- Sensory disturbances: Numbness, tingling sensation...
- The muscles of the affected leg are weaker and may be atrophied...
- Spinal imaging detects spinal lesions and abnormalities (can be done by nerve root scan, CT scanner, or MRI).
Sciatica treatment:
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used in the treatment of sciatica, however, they have side effects that cause stomach and duodenal ulcers. Nowadays, the trend is to use herbal medicines. Non-drug treatments such as acupuncture, massage, rehabilitation... are increasingly popular because they are very effective and safe.
At Nghe An Traditional Medicine Hospital, sciatica is treated with oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage, acupressure... currently applying many scientific advances such as: electric pulse, electromagnetic field, spinal traction, especially electroacupuncture brings good results, high safety.
In addition to treatment, patients need to eat, nourish, and exercise properly to improve their physical condition. They should not lie on soft mattresses, stand for a long time, do strenuous work, or be exposed to cold or damp air...
BSCK 2 - Ho Duy Xuan