Exercise therapy for radiculitis. General information

25.11.202027.05.2017

Radiculitis is a disease of the peripheral nerves, the roots of the spinal cord. It occurs in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. The most characteristic symptom of sciatica is pain. Under severe conditions, muscle atrophy occurs, weakening muscle tone legs, flaccid paresis or paralysis. With lumbosacral sciatica, there is a violation of posture (torso distortion), gait (limping due to severe pain), limitation of movements in the leg joints on the side of the lesion, and even restriction of movement of the body along all three axes. With unilateral chronic sciatica, a persistent violation of posture occurs in a sitting, standing and even lying position, which leads to scoliosis of the spine. Radiculitis causes temporary disability, and in some cases requires a change in profession (car drivers) or sports specialization.

Treatment of sciatica, regardless of localization, is carried out in a complex manner. In the acute and subacute periods, individual patient positioning, traction with fixation elements, massage, physiotherapy, drug treatment and therapeutic Physical Culture. In case of cervicothoracic sciatica with impaired movement of the upper limbs and a sharp pain syndrome in the area of the shoulder girdle and shoulder, it is recommended to sleep on the back or on the stomach with the arms outstretched at an angle of 90 °, and exercises for the hands and forearm should be performed leaning on the table. In case of lumbosacral sciatica with a pronounced pain syndrome, the patient is laid on his back, a high roller is placed in the popliteal region, the legs are retracted and rotated outward, connecting the heels - the “frog” position; in the supine position, a pillow is placed under the pelvic area, the upper end of which is at the level of the scallops ilium and umbilical line. Traction in case of cervical and upper thoracic sciatica is carried out by Glisson's loop in the supine position on an inclined plane or on a bed with a raised head end; axillary areas (as in compression fractures of the vertebrae without damage to the spinal cord), and subsequently with the help of hangs on the gymnastic wall (from 2-3 s to 1 min 2-4 times in one session). During the massage, manual traction of the spine is also carried out (very carefully, individually and dosed), especially in case of discogenic pathology. Pair massage with traction is very effective: two massage therapists simultaneously massage the back, sacrum, buttocks and legs with the same techniques; traction is carried out according to the method of A. N. Tranquilitati. This whole procedure is as follows. The patient lies on his stomach on a massage table. One massage therapist stands on the side at the level of the patient's pelvis and fixes the pelvic area with both hands by the iliac crests; the second massage therapist stands at the head of the patient facing the legs and with two hands (fingers connected) squeezes from the sacrum to the neck, as if stretching the muscles upwards - 10 times. Then he takes the patient by the armpits and carefully pulls out for 5-10 seconds with a rest of 10-15 seconds 10 times in a row. Then he again massages the muscles of the back with the help of squeezing, stretching them from the bottom up, 10 times.

After that, he brings his hands into the armpits of the patient, lifts upper part torso and, as if stretching the patient, moves him from right to left and vice versa - 10 times in each direction. And again massages the muscles of the back. Then both masseurs from both sides simultaneously simultaneously massage the muscles of the lumbar region in the transverse direction (from the spine to the end of the side surfaces), stretching and squeezing them as much as possible. After the massage, painkillers and warming ointments (finalgon, apizatron, etc.) are rubbed into the skin, a woolen bandage is applied, fixing it with four elastic wide bandages or a special belt or corset (such as Leningrad or CITO).

The tasks of therapeutic exercises in the first period are: improving blood and lymph circulation, tissue metabolism, resolving the focus of inflammation, combating congestion, swelling, relaxing tense muscles (muscle fold on the affected side), relieving pain. Exercises are performed in lightweight starting positions. The duration of classes is from 5 to 30 minutes 4-6 times a day.

In the II period, the function of the affected limbs and the body as a whole is restored. Remedial gymnastics, gymnastics in water are prescribed. Exercises are performed in different starting positions.

In the III period, training is carried out for the affected limbs and the whole body, as well as sanatorium and balneological treatment.

In case of surgical interventions for the removal of intervertebral discs, therapeutic physical culture is prescribed on the 2nd day after the operation and is carried out for three established periods. The main task of therapeutic physical culture in the postoperative period is the restoration of movements and the prevention of adhesions in the area of the released nerve.

Traumatic radiculitis in people involved in sports requires special attention. Mandatory for traumatic sciatica is: long-term wearing of fixing belts or corsets (at least a year); a gradual increase in load that does not cause sharp fatigue and pain; complete exclusion from exercises with weights and jerky movements during. 2 years; long-term multiple sanatorium and balneological treatment.

Therapeutic physical culture (exercise therapy) for sciatica helps to stimulate blood and lymph circulation, tissue metabolism in the affected area, strengthen weakened muscles, restore their disturbed tone, increase the range of motion in the spine and limbs, reduce pain during movement, improve respiratory function, and improve the whole body .

Physiotherapy it is indicated after the disappearance of acute manifestations of the disease, during the period of subsiding of the pain syndrome, in the subacute phase of the disease for the first time or its recurrence. Massage is used in all periods, but in the acute phase - sparing. With cervicothoracic radiculitis in combination with ganglionitis, which dominates the clinical picture, therapeutic exercises and massage can be used only after the ganglionitis phenomena subside. With transient irritation of the nodes, therapeutic exercises can be used, but without massage. The latter is shown when these phenomena disappear. With lumbosacral localization, the initial positions are used: lying on your back with a roller under your knees, lying on your healthy side with a roller at your side; in the position on the stomach, they put a pillow under the stomach and a roller under ankle joints. As the pain syndrome decreases, the exercises are carried out without rollers in a standing position on all fours, kneeling, sitting and standing. With cervicothoracic sciatica, the initial positions are sitting and standing. The main thing in this technique is traction on an inclined plane (with lumbosacral localization) or on the Glisson loop (with cervicothoracic localization). Such traction precedes physiotherapy exercises. Relaxation, breathing and stretching exercises are used (the latter are carried out from the 3rd-4th session and constantly alternate with relaxation exercises). Mixed hangings, exercises with a ball are widely used, with cervicothoracic sciatica - with sticks. Initially, exercises with a shortened lever are used, as pain decreases, with a full lever and elements of power tension; after the disappearance of pain - corrective. The amplitude of movement is increased gradually, carrying out all exercises only "to the point of pain." The procedures are carried out by a small group method, lasting from 15 to 35 minutes, for a course of treatment 15-25 procedures. In addition to therapeutic exercises, they recommend swimming during the established summer season or in a pool with heated water, walking, skiing. With radiculitis of discogenic etiology, tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, diving, light and weightlifting are contraindicated. Physical therapy is contraindicated for radiculitis caused by a herniated disc with severe pain, as well as with signs of increasing compression of the spinal cord.

Exercises for sciatica lumbar can be done only after relief of acute symptoms. Classes should be started in consultation with the attending physician. Premature Resumption physical activity can adversely affect the patient's well-being.

The benefits of therapeutic exercises

Before starting exercise therapy for sciatica, you should consult with a specialist in physical therapy. After all, with different diseases, the approach to classes will be significantly different.

The specialist will help develop a set of exercises for sciatica that can help strengthen the muscular frame and improve the patient's condition. Thanks to regular classes microcirculation and metabolism in tissues are activated. Increases lymph flow and eliminates congestion in the pathological focus. Due to the trained muscles, the functionality of the spinal column increases, which is very important for active life each person.

Exercise therapy for lumbosacral sciatica helps to increase the gap between the vertebrae. This has a positive effect on the condition of the affected spinal nerves due to the fact that their compression and swelling are reduced. In parallel with this, due to increased blood flow, they receive more nutrients. As a result, the pain syndrome decreases, the range of motion increases.

An additional goal of doing daily gymnastics is to strengthen the abdominal muscles. This will help prevent excessive flexion of the spine in the lumbar region.

Principles of exercise therapy

Therapeutic exercise should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. At least the first few sessions. As soon as the patient learns all the rules for exercise therapy and remembers the necessary movements, you can continue gymnastics and.

During development individual exercises in the treatment of lumbosacral sciatica, the doctor must take into account the patient's condition and the stage of the disease, the presence of contraindications and concomitant diseases.

Basic recommendations for exercise therapy:

The first lessons should be short. Duration and intensity should be increased gradually.
It is necessary to start exercise therapy with simple tasks, each time adding new movements and complicating them.
Workouts should be varied and include a combination of different exercises.
In the treatment of sciatica, static and dynamic movements should be used.
Charging should be carried out daily, without gaps. The duration of physical therapy is determined by the doctor, and in some cases, exercises must be performed throughout life.
If you experience severe pain, you should immediately stop exercising and consult a doctor.

Exercise therapy for radiculitis of the transverse sacral spine is preferably carried out in the supine position, sitting or on all fours. These poses can take the pressure off your spine. It is also necessary to take care of a special rug or bedding. This will ensure the most comfortable position and even a little cushioning. In some cases, it is advisable to use a lightweight starting position. Its essence lies in the fact that when the patient lies on his back, a roller or a blanket folded in several layers is placed under his feet. And if a person lies on his stomach, a pillow under the stomach is used.

Therapeutic gymnastics for sciatica begins with exercises aimed at relaxing the muscles. Further training will include a set of movements with which you can strengthen and strengthen the muscular frame.

When developing exercises for the lumbosacral region, the presence of pain syndrome is necessarily taken into account. If it is present, the load on flexion and extension of the spine should be excluded. This can lead to the development of serious complications such as increased intradiscal pressure, especially in the area of the L5-S1 vertebrae, which are the most vulnerable.

Exercise examples

Before you start training, you need to gradually stretch. To do this, lie down on a surface placed at an angle of 20–40 ° relative to the floor. In the armpit area, it is necessary to provide support so that the person does not slide down. The duration of stretching is from 3 to 20 minutes. This manipulation will allow the intervertebral discs to disperse a little, due to which the pressure on the pinched roots of the spinal nerves will decrease.

Another way to stretch is in the pool. Alternatively, you can try vertical traction, but you need to do it very carefully and only under the supervision of a specialist.

For the treatment of lumbosacral sciatica, the following exercises should be used:

Lie on the floor, bend your knees and put your hands on your stomach. Tighten the rectus abdominis muscles several times in such a way as to feel it with your hands. If the adopted posture is uncomfortable or brings pain, you can spontaneously change it a little - straighten one limb or turn slightly on your side.
Lying on your back with outstretched legs, raise the upper body and stay in this position for 5-10 seconds. The exercise is performed about 10 times at intervals of 5-10 seconds for rest. During the first classes from sciatica, this movement can be done with outstretched arms, in the future the task should be a little more complicated - to hook them into the lock behind the head.
Lying on your back, bend one leg at the knee, lift it up, stretch it out and, after a few seconds, slowly lower it. All actions are carried out in the air with each limb in turn. For 1 lesson, 5-10 approaches should be completed.
From a similar starting position, it is necessary to bend both legs at the knees, raise them above the floor level and lower them. Repeat 7-10 times.
The use of exercises "Bicycle", "Scissors", "Bridge" has a positive physical effect.
Lie face down on the floor, put your hands under your chin. Alternately raise each limb and hold it in this position for 5-8 seconds.
Lying on your stomach, you should perform "Brass" - circular motions shoulders.
From the starting position, lying on your stomach, clasp your hands behind your back and raise your upper body for a few seconds. In total, you need to do about 10 movements.

Even despite the fact that the first classes will be accompanied by very small loads, you should be prepared for the appearance of krepatura. No need to be afraid - this phenomenon will pass quickly, it indicates the unpreparedness of the muscles.

Other exercises in the treatment of sciatica

After removing acute clinical symptoms and improving the patient's well-being, except for classes physical therapy you can go to yoga. The main thing is to find an experienced and competent instructor who can not only pick up correct exercises, but also to determine the required intensity of loads.

Yoga will help to fully relax after a hard day's work, relieve emotional and physical stress, and will also provide effective assistance in the treatment of sciatica.

Any workout begins with a gradual warm-up of the muscles, which eliminates injuries and other damage. Movements are carried out slowly, their intensity and duration gradually increase.

By adopting special postures, you can effectively stretch the spine, increase the gap between the discs, remove pressure from the roots of the spinal nerves. Correct position body ensures the activation of all internal forces of the body, stimulation of the circulatory and neuromuscular systems. Energy-information exchange is normalized, well-being and sleep improve. The most useful positions are the pose of the triangle, fish, wheel.

Good results show breathing exercises. Although such actions do not directly affect the spine, they effectively expand chest and contribute to good oxygenation of the body. Thanks to this, bone, cartilage and muscle tissue is strengthened.

Proper breathing will help relieve pain in the lumbar spine and even restore its mobility. Regular attendance or self-study necessary exercises will help to remove the inflammatory process and prevent the recurrence of exacerbation.

The use of yoga and physiotherapy exercises for sciatica is carried out according to the principle: a comfortable position, smooth and gradual movements, complete relaxation.

Therapeutic exercises will not only strengthen the muscles of the lumbar region, but also relieve inflammation, which is the main cause of pain in sciatica. Before starting to exercise, it is recommended to warm up. The warm-up can be running in place or race walking for 7-10 minutes. The gymnastics itself will not take more than 20 minutes.

As a rule, people suffering from these diseases perform a standard set of exercises. However, there may be exceptions depending on the course of the disease. In any case, it is not recommended to proceed with the implementation without agreeing this issue with the attending physician.

A set of exercises

The standard set is as follows:

Lie on your back (on a hard, flat surface), bend your legs. Place your right hand along the body, left - on the stomach (you can vice versa). Tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold them tight for a few seconds. Then relax. Repeat, keeping your hand on your stomach and controlling tension-relaxation with it. 10 repetitions are enough. If you feel a lot of pain while doing this, straighten your legs so that the distance between your feet is about shoulder width apart. During this exercise, you should feel how the spine bends upward every time the tension of the abdominal muscles.
Continue lying with your knees bent. Feet should be on the floor. Place your hands along the body. Without lifting your feet from the floor, lift the body and stay in this position for 5 seconds. Then slowly lower your body to the floor. Repeat after a few seconds. Do 15 repetitions. In the future, you can complicate the exercise: instead of arms straightened and located along the body, hold them behind your head.
Lying on your back, straighten your legs and place your arms along your torso. bend left leg and lift it so that it is 3-5 cm from it to the floor. Straighten your leg and slowly lower it. Then bend your right leg and do the same. Repeat 10 times (on each leg). After that, do it 10 more times, simultaneously raising 2 legs.
In the same position, raise your legs above the floor so that in an elevated position they are at a distance of 25-30 cm from the floor. Fix this position and stay in it for 5 seconds. Lower your legs, rest for a few seconds and repeat the exercise. Do 10-15 repetitions.

Also, the standard set of exercises includes the well-known "Bicycle" and "Scissors".

These exercises are very easy to do. To perform the “bicycle”, lie on your back, raise your legs, bending them at the knees and make movements with your legs, imagining that you are pedaling. Hands should be placed along the body and keep them straight. "Scissors" - an exercise that is also performed in the supine position. Raise both legs and without bending make crossing movements. At the initial stages, it is enough to perform this exercise 5 times, and then gradually increase the amount of movement to 15.

If you have sacral sciatica, the bridge exercise is very effective for treating this condition. To do this, you need to lie on your back. Straighten your arms and place them along the body. Raise your lower back so that you touch the floor with your shoulder blades (something like a regular gymnastic bridge). Stay in this position for 15 seconds. After that, lower the body to the floor, rest for a few seconds and repeat the exercise.

It is also useful for the treatment of this disease to perform the following exercise. Lying on your back, bend your knees, and spread your arms to the sides and place them so that your palms touch the floor. Move bent legs in the knees, first to the left, trying to reach the floor with your knees, then to the right. Repeat 10 times in each direction (alternately).

Some exercises can be done while standing. The standard package includes:

raising and lowering the arms, accompanied by inhalation and exhalation;
stepping from heel to toe and back;
body tilts to the left and right.

The first exercise is very useful because it also includes breathing exercises. Stand up straight and while inhaling, raise your hands up. Hold this position for a few seconds (hold your breath too) and lower your arms, exhaling. Repeat 5-10 times.

When performing an exercise that consists of stepping from heel to toe and vice versa, the hands should be relaxed and lowered.

To perform the slopes you need to become straight. Hands on the belt. Legs shoulder width apart. Bending your left leg, tilt your body to the right. Then repeat the same with the other leg and to the other side. Do 10 reps in total.

Another exercise must be performed while standing on all fours. As you inhale, stretch your neck forward and arch your back. At the exit, lower your head down, arching your back in an arc. Repeat 10 times.

As you can see, the complex includes simple exercises, which will not require you to make maximum efforts and strain a lot. All exercises are performed sequentially, slowly. Some patients feel their productivity already on the 2nd day, while with more complex and advanced forms of sciatica, the effectiveness will become noticeable only after a month of regular performance. This the complex is suitable sick at any age. The whole complex must be performed daily, because otherwise it will be almost impossible to achieve the desired effect from gymnastics.

Orthopedist-traumatologist, surgeon of the first category, Research Institute, 2009

Radiculitis or, as it is scientifically called, radiculopathy is a manifestation of osteochondrosis of the spine, a disease that affects most people, regardless of gender and age. The symptoms appear quickly and sharply, restricting movement, as the pain covers the back and shoots in the limbs.

Having appeared for the first time, then sciatica passes into a chronic phase and becomes aggravated from time to time. Without medical treatment, it will not be possible to quickly get rid of the problem, but exercises for sciatica relieve suffering and speed up recovery.

Regarding localization

Sharp pains in the spine cover the spine from the first to the last vertebra or affect one of the departments.

Depending on the localization, the types of sciatica differ:

Localization and names	Foci of irritation or injury	Main symptoms
Cervical (cervical radiculopathy) More common in people aged 25-40	Nerve roots of the cervical spinal cord within C1–C7 vertebrae	neck, shoulder, head pain hand numbness
Thoracic (thoracic sciatica)	Nerve roots of the spinal cord thoracic within T1–T12 vertebrae	back and rib pain decreased sensation in the area muscle weakness
Lumbosacral (sciatica, dorsalgia)	Pinching of the sciatic nerve, nerve roots of the spinal cord in the lumbar region L1–L5, as well as 7 fused vertebrae of the sacrum and 4 coccyx	severe lower back pain, especially when moving the path along which the pain spreads indicates the localization of the infringement

Symptoms that occur with sciatica are similar to those of ischemia, pulmonary disease, or other diseases. internal organs therefore, it is important to consult an experienced specialist for an accurate diagnosis before proceeding with treatment.

In acute ischemic disease, exercises from sciatica are contraindicated.

Variants of names that occur:

Thoracic sciatica is called intercostal neuralgia, but this concept includes all pain caused by compression of the intercostal nerves;
The lumbosacral is commonly called lumbago. However, this concept is somewhat broader and covers acute pain in the lower back, regardless of the cause.

Regarding the nature of pain

When choosing a complex, factors of localization and nature of the disease are taken into account:

View	Characteristic	Localization and symptoms
Spicy	Sudden onset of pain for various reasons: sudden movements, hypothermia, lifting heavy objects	Can be localized in any part of the spine
Chronic	Periodic exacerbation	More common in the lumbosacral region Aching pain, aggravated by movement, especially bending over, radiates to the thigh, but not below the knee
Discogenic	Occurs as a result physical activity with damage to the intervertebral discs and further formation of hernias	Sudden onset of aching but severe pain, sometimes it gradually subsides, sometimes increases. Edema is observed.
post-traumatic	Occurs when the spinal canal is damaged by compression of the vertebrae	It often occurs in the lower part of the thoracic or lumbar spine. Accompanied by acute pain in the back, legs and arms, numbness and weakness of the limbs.

Gymnastics with sciatica is contraindicated in post-traumatic and discogenic types of it, as well as in the first phase of acute sciatica.

Cervical sciatica is an exception to this rule.

Exercise therapy for sciatica can alleviate the condition and speed up recovery, however, after the first acute symptoms are removed. It is desirable that a set of exercises be selected by a specialist, based on the diagnosis and the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Complexes of exercises for radiculitis

Exercise therapy for radiculitis belongs to the category of non-drug treatment. A properly selected complex solves the following problems:

Correction of defects in posture;
Strengthening the muscular corset;
Decreased compression of the nerve roots;
Working out the correct stereotypes of body movement;
Prevention of further exacerbations.

Due to charging with radiculitis of the back:

Improves blood supply to the spine and pelvic organs;
Metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and their nutrition are normalized;
The distance between the vertebrae increases, allowing the discs to stay in place;
The load on the spine is reduced due to redistribution to strengthened muscles.

With the diagnosis of "sciatica" exercises:

Appointed based on the variety, and selected individually;
Performed by patients from 2 to 4 times a day;
Exercises are performed smoothly with a gradual increase in the number of repetitions and load;
When performing, the border between aching or pulling and sharp or acute pain is determined;
It requires constant and persistent practice.

The fulfillment of these six conditions is the key to success in treatment and complete recovery. However, treatment must be approached comprehensively, including the necessary drugs, physiotherapy, manual therapy and massage, swimming and other types of therapeutic and preventive activities.

Directions of medical complexes for radiculitis:

Stretching of the spine;
Stretching of muscles;
Strengthening muscles and tendons.

There are many systems health gymnastics allowing to solve the listed tasks, among which:

Classical exercises of physiotherapy exercises and therapeutic gymnastics;
Yoga;
Qi Gong.

Simple exercise therapy exercises developed by physicians since Soviet Union and tested for decades of use in exercise therapy rooms in clinics and hospitals.

Yoga and Qi Gong have been tested for centuries, their advantage is that the problem is solved in a complex way, including relaxation of the body with the help of relaxing music, special meditations. However, you can use it after preliminary training with an experienced instructor.

After the use of exercise therapy complexes, in the future it is recommended to use therapeutic exercises for prevention, including therapeutic complexes of Yoga or Qi Gong. However, after the approval of the doctor.

There are a lot of tips on the net on how to quickly relieve pain with sciatica. Caution must be exercised with this information until a definitive diagnosis is made. Given the multiplicity of options, a situation is possible from which it will then be difficult to get out without loss.

Exercises for radiculitis of the lumbosacral spine

The initial complex of physiotherapy exercises for lumbar radiculitis

Exercises:

Starting position: rebuilding the body. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. The arms are slightly bent at the elbows just below the waist. Draw in the stomach and pull the sacrum to the navel. Keep your back straight, mentally stretching up. Gradually translate mental stretching into real to a state of intense comfort;
Tilts to the side. Borrow initial position, start alternately tilting the body to the sides, leaving the hips motionless from the sensation of pulling or aching pain to the point of transition to acute pain, return to the extreme point of non-acute pain and fix for 5-12 seconds. Try to feel the stretching of the lateral muscles. During the exercise, do not hold your breath, breathe evenly. Harmonize breathing with movement - in a straight position, inhale, exhale when tilted, or vice versa. Return to original position. Take 3 deep breaths and exhalations. Relax;
Tilts back and forth. Rebuild the body. Start tilting forward and backward, determining their depth (amplitude) using pain described in the first exercise. Observe the rules of delays at the end point of the deflection, continuous breathing and relaxation;
Twisting. Rebuild. Rotate the body to the right and to the left around the axis of the spine, observing all the above rules. Make sure that the hips do not rotate with the body. You can move the hip a little in the opposite direction, increasing the twisting, but only if this does not cause acute pain. Returning to the starting position, relax;
Rotation. Rebuild. Alternately make small tilts forward - left - back - right - forward. Then in the opposite direction. First, fix on each point, gradually translating the movements into smooth continuous rotation. Relax;
Leaning forward. No tuning is required for this exercise. The body flows down relaxed. The desire is to get the floor with your hands. The goal is to reach the transition point as described in the first exercise. After that, just as smoothly rise, rounding your back, spinning vertebra by vertebra slowly and without tension.

Perform exercises from 2 to 10 times, gradually increasing the number. After the pains are completely gone, a complex of therapeutic exercises is prescribed, possibly yoga or Qi Gong.

The initial complex of exercise therapy for the thoracic region

Exercises should be started only with full confidence in the diagnosis.

Complex in the prone position:

Starting position: Lie on your back. Stretch your legs and arms and relax;
Place one hand on your chest, the other on your stomach. Take a deep breath, holding your breath a little, exhale;
From the starting position, while inhaling, stretch and stretch your arms up, reaching behind your head. On exhalation, return to the starting position;
Bend your legs, clasping your hands. Pull your knees to your stomach, while trying to reach your knees with your forehead. Follow all the rules described for the second exercise for lumbar sciatica. Return to starting position;
Twisting. Spread your arms out to the sides and press your palms to the floor. Bend the legs and, together with the body, turn alternately from side to side, while the shoulders, shoulder blades and arms do not tear off the floor. Follow the rules;
Lie down on your stomach. Place your hands along the body. Leaning on the sternum, abdomen and hips, make smooth rises and falls of the shoulders and head. Keep your head straight, slightly lowering your chin to the jugular cavity, without tilting back.

Complex, sitting on a chair:

Sit on a chair, rebuild your back. Rest your hands on the seat. Straighten your legs at the knees and stretch, pulling your feet towards you and at the same time stretch your chest in it, arching your back. Return to starting position and relax;
In the starting position, put your hands behind your head. Bend while inhaling, declining, but not throwing your head back, pulling out to the starting position, exhale and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
The last exercise is performed while standing. Holding on to the back of a chair, while inhaling, rise on your toes, while pushing your chest up. Lower yourself to the starting position, exhale, hold your breath for five seconds.

Each exercise is performed from 2 to 10 times for several days (about ten), until the acute pain disappears.

After that, a complex of therapeutic exercises is selected.

The initial complex of exercise therapy for the cervical spine

The initial course of therapeutic exercises in this case is available in the first phase of the disease, after the removal of the first pains. At the beginning of training, use a fixing bandage around the neck, which will help the muscles.

Exercises:

Starting position: rebuilding the body. It is done in the same way as in the description for a similar exercise with radiculitis of the lumbar. Or sitting on a chair with a straight back, if it is more convenient;
Head turns. Close eyes. Gently turn your head to the sides, trying to ensure that the angle of rotation is 90%, but observing the rule of acute pain;
Tilts to the side. Stretch your neck up a little, then with your left ear to the left two or three centimeters, and then slowly lower your head to your right shoulder, imagining that your left ear is reaching for the ceiling. You can help yourself with your hand by placing your right hand on your left ear. But don't pressure him. Return to the starting position and do the exercise on the other side;
Tilts back and forth. Stretch your neck up, start raising your chin, and then carefully take your head back without wringing your neck. Slowly return to the starting position, smoothly moving your head into a forward tilt. But not due to the tilt of the neck, but due to the desire to lower the chin to the jugular cavity. After that, return to the starting position and relax;
Rotations. Lower your head forward, then tilt to the right shoulder, pull back, tilt to the left shoulder, tilt forward again. Repeat these movements, translating them into a smooth continuous rotational movement. Do the exercise in reverse. Inhale, exhale and relax.

Stretches parallel to the floor:

Stretch your chin forward, then smoothly return to the starting position and, without stopping movement, take the back of your head back;
Stretch with your left ear to the left wall, then return to the starting position and, without stopping movement, stretch with your right ear to the right wall;
Stretch your chin forward, left ear to the left, back of the head, right ear to the right, looping the movement to smoothly rotate the neck, leaving the chin parallel to the floor;
Do everything in reverse.

After each exercise, take three breaths and exhale, then relax.

Repeat these exercises from 4 to 8 times in each direction for several days until acute pain is relieved, after which you can proceed to therapeutic exercises.

Usually complexes of therapeutic exercises for chest and cervical are combined.

is a reliable means of prevention and treatment of back pain. Doctors always include them in the complex treatment of patients, along with medicines, massage, physiotherapy and other medical procedures.

sciatica manifested by severe pain in the lower back and leg. The pains are such that they cannot be tolerated and I really want to get rid of them as soon as possible!

What you will learn from this article:

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Causes:

In 95% of cases, pain in the back and legs is based on

Hernias form in the tissues of the spine, the height of the discs decreases, and muscle spasms and other degenerative-dystrophic and inflammatory changes. They lead to deformation and narrowing of the spinal foramens through which the roots exit the spinal canal. It is here that they are infringed, which causes the development of pain syndrome.

Other reasons:

In 5% of cases, sciatica is caused by a tumor, trauma, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, purulent infiltrates in the retroperitoneal space.

Symptoms:

pain

Sharp, breaking, gnawing - do not give rest to the patient day or night. The loin and sacrum are at the epicenter! Pain spreads to the buttocks and further - to the leg, along the compressed root. The most common compression occurs in the fifth lumbar (L-5) and first sacral (S-1) roots. And this means that the pain is concentrated on the lateral surface of the thigh and lower leg, as well as in the calf muscle.

Paresthesia

Patients experience numbness or an unpleasant tingling, burning sensation in the same areas as the pain.

The mobility of the spinal column is significantly limited

The patient cannot bend over and reach the floor with his hands, straighten up and straighten his back, tilt his torso to the right or left

Scoliosis of the spine and defans of the lumbar muscles

S-shaped curvature of the spine and muscle spasm in the lumbar region are reflex symptoms that lumbar muscles and spine respond to pain.

During a neurological examination, a doctor reveals a number of characteristic symptoms that indicate pinching of the roots of the spinal cord at the lumbar and sacral level. The reliability of the diagnosis is confirmed by x-ray data, images or tomograms. You can read more about this in

the value of physiotherapy exercises (LFK)

Therapeutic gymnastics is one of the leading methods of treating osteochondrosis and its complications. The importance of physiotherapy exercises will be different on various stages medical rehabilitation. In the initial period of the disease, exercises are sparing. They prepare the patient for a gradual expansion of the motor regimen.

Acute stage of the disease

In the first 5-6 days after exacerbation physical exercise are not carried out at all. The patient is recommended bed rest. The surface of the bed must be flat and sufficiently firm. The main treatments are medications in the form of injections, tablets, warming ointments and compresses.

Subacute stage of the disease

As the pain subsides, the person's movements become freer and he can already perform the simplest exercises. Most often, this becomes possible by the end of the first week after the onset of an exacerbation.

Recovery period

After the second week from the onset of the disease and within 2-3 months, the pain gradually subsides, the physical activity, the volume and complexity of gymnastic exercises is expanding.

Interictal period

After the complete cessation of pain, the well-being of patients improves. Many people think that a full recovery has come.

However, morphological signs of osteochondrosis remain. Recovery of degenerative damage is slow.

During this period, it is especially important to actively and systematically engage in physical therapy. This will be your guarantee against the occurrence of new exacerbations and pain in the lower back, leg.

At all stages of the disease are aimed :

Improve blood circulation in the area of the affected spinal roots;
Ensure the flow of oxygen and nutrients;
Strengthen metabolism;
Relieve muscle spasms and clamps;
Increase the elasticity of the muscles of the spine;
Strengthen venous outflow and removal of toxins, salts, inflammatory exudate from the lesion;
Give freedom of movement in the lower back and sacral region (tilts and turns of the body, increased lumbar lordosis);
Restore statics and mobility of the entire spine, including the thoracic and cervical regions;
Completely eliminate the pain syndrome and prevent possible exacerbations of sciatica;
Eliminate morphological signs of destruction of the spine (reduction or elimination intervertebral hernias, resorption of adhesions and scars around the injured roots, increased elasticity of the connective tissue).

Step-by-step instructions for those who start gymnastic classes

Start off exercise therapy classes is possible only if the diagnosis of radiculitis due to osteochondrosis is confirmed by a neurologist and X-ray, MRI or CT data. Otherwise, you can miss the tumor or other diseases that cause lower back pain. Time will be lost, the forecast is unpredictable.

For each period of the disease, you need to select the appropriate medical complex exercises. Of course, if you are being treated in a clinic, an exercise therapy doctor will do this for you. But now many people rely on videos from the Internet. Always look who is the author of the course. Trust only professionals with medical education.

Never do exercises that cause you pain. The appearance of pain means that you overstrain the muscles, ligaments, increase pressure on the roots. This can lead to undesirable consequences: tissue injury, swelling, an increase in hernial protrusions.

Perform all exercises slowly, stretch the muscles as much as possible. The fast pace of exercise will cause muscle spasms. The task of exercise therapy is to relax spasmodic muscles and at the same time strengthen those fibers that have lost their tone due to a violation of innervation.

The health and integrity of the spine must be protected, starting with young age. in the best way is prevention. Do it daily morning exercises, do not lie on the couch in front of the TV, walk more, visit fitness centers, dance studios, swim in the pool, learn from webinars from experienced doctors and exercise therapy trainers.

It's never too late to start exercising for health. The main thing, once you start to act, never stop exercising with lumbosacral sciatica. Then you will not have any chance to earn sequestered hernias, experience endless pain, leading to surgery and disability.

What exercises help relieve pain during exacerbation of lumbosacral sciatica

With very severe pain, which is characteristic of the initial stage of the disease, exercises are carried out from a supine or stomach position, as well as on the right and left sides. If you can't even turn around in bed yet, do light movements only while lying on your back.

Back position:

Lying on your back, stretch the top of your head to the head end of the bed, and your heels to the foot end. Stretch your neck and thoracic vertebrae. Simultaneously pull down the lumbar and sacral. Stretch your spine and relax. Feel lightness in your whole body, no pain, no muscle tension. Lie down like this for 3-5 minutes. Repeat this exercise 3 times during the day;
Press the heels to the bed, with the toes of the feet make circular movements towards each other, then in the opposite direction (8 circular movements each);
Alternately pull your toes towards you and away from you (10-12 repetitions);
Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the bed. The arms are stretched out to the sides. Slowly tilt both knees to the right and touch the bed. Return to the original position and tilt your knees to the left. The exercise is repeated 5 times to the right and left.

Position on the stomach:

Rest your forehead on your arms crossed in front of you. Raise your straight leg up. Lower. Raise your other leg. Repeat 5 times on each side.
Move your right leg as straight as possible to the right and come back. Repeat the exercise alternately with each leg 8 times;
Stretch your arms forward, place your palms on the bed. Alternately raise right hand and left leg up. Change limbs 8-10 times.

Position on the left and right side:

Lie on your right side, place your arm bent at the elbow under your head. With your other hand, lean on the surface of the bed at chest level. Raise your straight leg up and do a series of exercises:

Swing the outstretched straight leg forward, then back;
Make circular movements with a straightened leg;
Bend your knee and hip joint, pull to the stomach and then straighten.

Exercises for lumbosacral sciatica are a must and effective remedy treatment. Exercises are included in the healing process very early - after 5-6 days from the moment of exacerbation, when the pain subsides a little. Therapeutic exercises for sciatica relax spasmodic muscles, relieve pain, improve spinal mobility.

The picture of the acute period is gradually smoothed out, the pains go away, the patient returns to his former life and work. All you now need to do is eat right, exercise regularly and take.

Watch the video! These exercises are for those who often experience chronic lower back pain. Do them according to the method of Alexandra Bonina, a doctor of exercise therapy and sports medicine, and you will lose muscle tension, there will be a clear relief.

Now that the pain has significantly decreased, it's time to come to grips with the restoration of the spine from lumbar osteochondrosis. Do exercise therapy every day! Strengthen muscle corset. Develop movements in the lumbar region and lower limbs. Master all the exercises that are performed from a sitting, lying and standing position. A special exercise therapy course will help you with this, and a smart and kind doctor, Alexandra Bonina, will become your mentor on the way to recovery. Click on the picture below or download the free course from this link!

We wish you good health, getting rid of back pain, slender posture and freedom in the movements of the spine!