14 exercises for relieving hip pain and improving mobility

Hip pain can have a range of causes, from minor injury to chronic inflammation. In many cases, gently exercising and stretching the hips can help relieve pain and restore mobility.

There are many possible causes of hip pain, ranging from muscle strains and injuries, to arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

In this article, we describe 14 exercises that can help strengthen the hips, improve joint mobility, and relieve hip pain.

Flexibility and strength exercises are key to relieving hip pain. Although these exercises may result in temporary discomfort, they should not cause or aggravate pain. If an exercise causes pain, stop doing it or try going at a slower or gentler pace.

Individuals who have recently had a hip replacement should consult a doctor or physical therapist before performing any of the exercises below.

Exercises 1–4

The first four exercises stretch the muscles around the hip joint, which can help reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility.

A person should perform these exercises at times when they are feeling the least amount of pain and stiffness. A good time to do them is after a warm shower or bath when the muscles are most relaxed.

Begin with one or two exercises a day, three times a week. If this feels comfortable, try doing several exercises once a day.

Exercises 5–14

The aim of these exercises is to strengthen the hip muscles to better support the hip joint, which can help relieve pain.

Resistance training is a form of exercise for developing muscular strength. In resistance training, a person uses either low weights or their body mass to create resistance for their muscles to work against.

People who experience hip pain or discomfort for more than an hour following these exercises should reduce the number of repetitions accordingly.

To discover more evidence-based information and resources for healthy aging, visit our dedicated hub.

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To perform knee lifts:

1. Lie on the back, extending both legs flat along the floor.
2. Keeping the left leg straight, pull the right knee up toward the chest.
3. Place both hands on top of the knee to help pull it in toward the chest.
4. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds.
5. Let go of the knee and gently lower the leg back toward the floor.

Repeat this exercise 5–10 times on each knee.

To perform external hip rotations:

1. Sit on the floor with both legs out in front.
2. Bend the legs at the knees and press the soles of the feet together.
3. Place a hand on top of each knee and gently push them both down toward the floor. Apply pressure to the knees until there is a stretch, but do not push them further than is comfortable.
4. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and then relax.

Repeat the stretch 5–10 times.

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To perform double hip rotations:

1. Lie flat on the back. Then, bend the knees and bring them toward the body until the feet are flat on the floor.
2. Gently rotate the knees to the left, lowering them toward the floor. Rotate the head to face the right while keeping the shoulders against the floor.
3. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds.
4. Slowly return both the head and knees to the starting position.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.

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To perform hip and lower back stretches:

1. Lying flat on the back, bend the knees and bring them toward the body until the feet are flat on the floor.
2. Using the hands, pull both knees in toward the chest.
3. Breathe deeply, pulling the knees closer to the shoulders with each exhalation.
4. Go as far as is comfortable, then hold the position for 20–30 seconds. Breathe normally.

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To perform hip flexions:

1. Stand upright.
2. Extend one arm out to the side and hold on to a sturdy surface, such as a wall, table, or chair, for support.
3. Slowly raise the right knee to the level of the hip or as far as is comfortable while keeping the left leg straight.
4. Only hold this position for a second before placing the left foot back on the floor.
5. Repeat with the left knee.

Do 5–10 repetitions of this exercise.

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To perform hip extensions:

1. Stand upright with the legs straight and the feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Extend both arms out in front and hold on to a chair, table, or wall for support.
3. Keeping the right leg straight, lift the left leg backward without bending the knee.
4. Lift the leg as far as possible without causing discomfort, then clench the buttock tightly and hold the position for 5 seconds.

Repeat this stretch 5–10 times on each leg. To increase the resistance, try attaching small weights to the legs.

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To perform hip abduction exercises:

1. Stand upright.
2. Extend the left arm out to the side and hold on to something solid, such as a chair, table, or wall.
3. Starting with the feet together, lift the right leg out to the right side. Keep the left leg straight and avoid rotating the hips.
4. Hold the position for 5 seconds and then slowly return the leg to the starting position.

Do this exercise 5–10 times on one leg, then repeat it on the other side.

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To perform heel-to-buttock exercises:

1. Stand upright with the legs straight and the feet shoulder-width apart. For support, hold on to a chair, table, or wall.
2. Bending the left knee, bring the heel up toward the left buttock with the top of the foot facing the floor. Be sure to keep the right leg straight and align the knees.
3. Slowly lower the leg and return to the starting position.
4. Repeat the exercise on the opposite side.

Aim to do 5–10 repetitions on each leg.

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To perform mini squats:

1. Stand upright with the feet shoulder-width apart.
2. If necessary, hold on to a chair, table, or wall for support.
3. Keeping the back straight, gently lower the body by bending the knees until they are above the toes. The feet should remain flat on the ground.
4. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly straighten the legs to return to the starting position.

Repeat these mini squats 5–10 times.

To perform short-arc quadriceps exercises:

1. Lie flat on the back with a pillow or rolled-up towel beneath the right knee.
2. Slide the left foot back toward the buttock, bending the knee.
3. Slowly lift the right foot off the floor while keeping the back of the right knee pressed against the pillow or towel.
4. Hold the position for 5 seconds and then gently lower the right leg back to the starting position.

Do 5–10 lifts on one leg and then switch to the opposite leg.

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To perform quadriceps exercises:

1. Lie flat on the back and keep the legs straight throughout the exercise.
2. Push the backs of both knees toward the floor and flex both feet by pulling the toes toward the body.
3. Hold the position for 5 seconds, then relax.

Do 5–10 repetitions.

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To perform a bridge:

1. Lie on the back, bending both legs at the knee and placing the feet flat on the floor. Keep the arms by the sides of the body with the palms facing downward. If necessary, place a small pillow underneath the neck and head for support.
2. Slowly lift the pelvis and lower back upward. Be sure to keep the shoulders and upper body on the floor.
3. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
4. Gradually lower the back and pelvis toward the floor, starting at the top of the spine. Roll down through the spine until the entire back is flat against the floor again.

Repeat this exercise 5–10 times.

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To perform a chair stand:

1. Position a chair so that its back is resting against a wall.
2. Sitting on the front part of the seat, bend the knees and place the feet flat on the floor. Cross the arms, placing each hand on the opposite shoulder.
3. Pivoting at the hips, recline back into the chair.
4. Lean the upper body forward again and then slowly stand up. Keep the back, shoulders, and head straight while doing this.
5. Slowly sit back down and return to the original position.

Repeat this exercise 4–6 times to begin with before gradually building up to 12 repetitions.

To perform abdominal exercises:

1. Lie on the back, bending the legs at the knees and placing the feet flat on the floor.
2. Tuck both hands underneath the lower back.
3. Focus on the muscles in the lower abdomen and pull the bellybutton downward.
4. Hold this for 20 seconds and then relax.

Repeat this exercise 5–10 times.

Gently stretching and exercising the hips can help relieve pain, increase mobility, and strengthen muscles. There are many exercises to choose from, but people can experiment to find the ones that work best for them and then incorporate these exercises into a routine.

A person can also work with a physical therapist to design an individualized exercise plan to suit their needs.

People with severe, persistent, or worsening hip pain should see a doctor. It is important to stop or reduce any exercises that cause or aggravate hip pain.

Causes, Signs, Exercises, and Treatment

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The iliac crest is the most prominent part of the ilium, the largest of the three bones that make up the bony pelvis or hip bone. Pain can occur due to wear, tear, trauma, and exercise. Exercises and other home remedies may provide relief.

The iliac crest is the curved part at the top of the hip. It forms the wing-like part of the pelvis on which a person will sometimes rest their hands.

Muscles, ligaments, and fascia (a thin casing of connective tissue) attach to the iliac crest, and pain is caused when these are pulled or strained. The pain can also radiate to other body areas, including the back, abdomen, and groin.

This article explores the causes of iliac crest pain, what it feels like, treatments, and exercises that may help to prevent and relieve pain.

The hip bone or bony pelvis provides strength, stability, and support for the spine and organs. It comprises three bones, including the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

The iliac crest is the most prominent part of the ilium, the largest of the three big bones.

In addition to dividing the pelvis and the abdomen, the iliac crest connects to many important muscles. These muscles include:

• the gluteus maximus of the hip itself
• the main abdominals
• the latissimus dorsi or largest muscle in the back

There are several causes of iliac crest pain. These can include:

Weak muscles

Strong core muscles are needed to support the joints and to move properly. Hip pain can occur if the abdominal muscles or lower back muscles are weak.

Learn more about exercises to strengthen the core muscles here.

Trauma

Trauma can damage the iliac crest, such as a fall or car accident. This can result in muscle pulling away from the bone, causing tenderness and pain in the hip area and sometimes in the lower back.

This type of injury may be called a hip pointer, as a person will point with one finger to the location of the pain (in this case the hip).

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Damage or inflammation of the sacroiliac joint can cause pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin.

This joint sits in the pelvis and connects the iliac to the lower part of the spine. Arthritis, aging, or exercise, such as jogging, can all damage the sacroiliac joint.

The pain usually starts in one side of the lower back and buttocks and can reach up to the lower hip, groin, and upper thigh.

People may also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in their legs. The symptoms may worsen when sitting, sleeping, or walking up and downstairs.

Ilium apophysitis

An apophysis is a growth plate and the point on a bone where muscles are attached. It is the area of bone that the rest of the bone grows from, and so is the last area of bone to fully harden. As such, it is relatively soft in children and teenagers.

If the muscles are repeatedly pulled from the growth plate, during sports, for example, this can cause it to become irritated and inflamed, or it may even be pulled off the bone. The condition will resolve itself once growth has finished and the bone has fully hardened.

Ilium apophysitis occurs in children and adolescents. Overuse causes the condition and results in a dull pain in the front of the hip. The area can sometimes swell and is usually tender, and the pain tends to worsen with activity.

Iliolumbar syndrome

Iliac crest pain syndrome, also known as iliolumbar syndrome, occurs when the iliolumbar ligament tears. This can happen if it undergoes repeated twisting or bending motions and actions.

It can also result from repetitive microtrauma at a person’s work, acute strain, and poor posture.

Common symptoms of iliolumbar syndrome include persistent bouts of severe pain in the lower back that can spread to the hip and groin. This pain may get worse when a person bends or twists.

Gluteus medius pain

A problem with the gluteus medius muscle, a muscle lying between the gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus, can lead to pain near the iliac crest.

This can mean reduced blood flow, flexibility, range of motion, and less nerve and muscle function.

Bone cancer

In rare cases, bone cancer causes iliac crest pain.

However, in most cases of iliac crest pain, the cause will be one of the other conditions listed above.

Iliac crest pain tends to make movement difficult. The type of pain experienced may vary.

Pain can also be felt in other body areas, as many muscles and nerves are connected to the pelvis. The location of the pain depends on its underlying cause, but the most common symptom is lower back pain.

The pain may spread down the leg, through the buttocks, and groin. It can lead to dull aches in the back or buttocks or sharp muscle spasms in some people.

Others may experience pain when walking, while bending or twisting may make it worse.

Tenderness and swelling can also indicate iliac crest problems, particularly if caused by trauma.

A person with iliac crest pain will be asked to provide their medical history. If the pain is a result of injury, then details of how the trauma occurred must be specified.

A healthcare professional will then examine the hip area for signs of bruising, swelling, tenderness, and pain.

If a fracture is suspected, then an X-ray may be performed. A CT scan or MRI may be recommended if a person has continued pain or if the pain is severe.

The first step to managing most types of iliac crest pain is RICE, an acronym standing for:

• rest
• ice
• compression
• elevation

If someone experiences iliac crest pain, they should ensure they rest after activities that put a strain on their lower back or hipbone.

After resting, they should apply ice to the affected area as a compress to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice should be wrapped in a towel and applied for 15 minutes about three times per day.

A person can use a cold compress instead of ice. Cold compresses are available for purchase online.

Wrapping the area in a compression bandage and elevating the injured area above the heart can also reduce swelling. Compression bandages are available online.

Pain medications available over-the-counter or online, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may also help reduce pain and inflammation.

In most cases of iliolumbar syndrome, the best remedy is resting the back. Ice and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can be used to manage pain and swelling. A healthcare professional may recommend steroid injections may if the pain is particularly bad.

In cases of ilium apophysitis, a doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication if RICE does not ease the pain.

Some people also find that physical therapy can help with the pain and discomfort from iliac crest pain.

An orthopedic surgeon may be consulted on rare occasions where a fracture occurs or the pain is continuous and severe.

Although some causes of iliac crest pain cannot be avoided, such as during pregnancy, there are some things a person can do to try and prevent hip pain.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) advises people to try the following:

• Maintaining a moderate weight: Keeping a healthy weight will help reduce pressure on the hips.
• Wearing good shoes: Wearing comfortable, shock-absorbing shoes with a soft sole.
• Avoiding strain: Trying to avoid putting too much strain on the hip, it’s always good to keep moving but a person should avoid overdoing it.
• Exercising: Trying gentle hip stretching exercises.

Some risk factors for iliac crest pain include:

• running
• sitting for long periods
• aging
• arthritis

Several exercises and stretches may help to treat and prevent iliac crest pain.

Hip flexor stretch

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1. Kneel on one knee with the other bent in front of you and your hands on your hips.
2. Keeping your back straight, thrust your hips forward.
3. Hold for up to 30 seconds before switching legs.

Hip abduction stretch

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1. Stand up straight with your hips, knees, and feet pointing forward.
2. Lift your left leg out to the side and hold for a few seconds.
3. Repeat on the other side.

Hip extensions

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1. Hold on to something at waist height, such as the back of a chair.
2. Extend one leg out behind you, keeping your back straight and hold.
3. Repeat on both sides.

People trying these stretches and exercises should only do them as many times as they feel comfortable. Trying to do more than is comfortable can lead to further injury.

Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise regime.

Wearing good-quality shoes while exercising and increasing muscle strength can help prevent iliac crest pain.

Exercises may also help, including lunges, hip extensions, hip flexor exercises, and hip abductions. These exercises all strengthen the muscles in the iliac crest area.

Most causes of iliac crest pain are treatable by following the RICE procedure and taking over-the-counter pain medications.

If iliac crest pain does not go away with these home treatments, a person should speak to a doctor about other ways to manage the pain.

15 Hip Exercises Everyone Should Know

July 23, 2021

Likbez

Sports and fitness

Learn how to properly strengthen and stretch your muscles, and you will never have to suffer from pain and stiffness.

Iya Zorina

Author of Lifehacker, athlete, CCM

Why do exercises for the hip joints

To keep the joints healthy, they need movement. Physical activity has a positive effect on the condition of cartilage, and strong and elastic muscles around them reduce the risk of injury during sports and in everyday life.

Hip exercises are recommended both as a pain prevention and even as a treatment for conditions such as osteoarthritis, the thinning of cartilage between two bones.

For example, a review of scientific studies analyzed 77 papers involving almost 6. 5 thousand people. It turned out that 8 weeks of exercise significantly reduced pain, improved the function of the affected joints and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis.

The exercises below will help warm up the muscles around the hip joints, relieve pain and slightly increase your range of motion.

However, before doing them, one should reasonably assess one’s condition and possibilities.

When not to exercise

Hip discomfort is not necessarily associated with osteoarthritis. This area of ​​the body can hurt, for example, because you ran too much without training and you have an inflamed tendon of the ilio-tibial tract. Or they overdid it with weight when bending the legs and injured the muscles on the back of the thigh.

If your joints are sore after a workout, it’s best not to touch the injured area and let your body recover. In this case, start the exercises only when the discomfort is completely gone and the movements do not cause discomfort.

Also, do not exercise before visiting the doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• the pain persists for more than one week, considering that during this time you do not load the joint;
• temperature rises;
• hip pain came on suddenly and you suffer from sickle cell anemia;
• Pain occurs on both sides and also in other joints of the body.

Which hip exercises to do

We have selected several items from the UK Health Services (NHS) recommendations. Also on the list were movements from a small scientific experiment on the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip, and exercises from physiotherapist Dr. Jo from her YouTube channel.

1. Lying Knee Curl

This exercise gently warms up the thigh muscles. You can do it right in bed in the morning.

Lie on your back with both legs straight. Slowly bend one knee, sliding the foot horizontally towards the buttock. Then straighten your leg and repeat. Do five times for each limb.

2. Pulling the knee to the chest

The movement increases the elasticity of the gluteal muscles.

Lie on your back, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Raise one leg, grasp the area under the knee with your hands and pull it to your chest as far as possible. Hold for three seconds and return your foot to the floor. Repeat five times with each leg.

3. Side Leg Raise

This exercise strengthens the gluteus medius.

Stand sideways to a chair or wall and hold on to a support with one hand. Raise your straight leg out to the side as high as you can. Bring it back and repeat.

If this exercise is easy for you, try to make it more difficult by adding resistance.

Hook the resistance band to a stable support not far from the floor, put the loop around your right ankle and move a little further, stretching the band. Turn to the support with your left side and take your leg away, overcoming the resistance of the elastic band. Perform 5-10 times with each limb.

4. Isometric hip abduction against the wall

This exercise strengthens the gluteus medius muscles.

Stand with your right side close to the wall, bend your right leg at the hip and knee joints at an angle of 90 degrees and press it against the wall.

Place your left foot on the floor and press your bent hip into the wall. You should feel how the gluteal muscles tighten from the side of the supporting limb.

Hold the position for 5-10 seconds, trying to push the wall as hard as you can. Then lower your leg and repeat again. Do three sets of 15 reps on each side.

5. Pulling the leg back

This exercise strengthens the gluteal muscles. Stand facing the back of a chair or a wall. Lift your leg off the floor and take it back, tensing your buttocks. Return to starting position and repeat.

You can also work with resistance – put the elastic band over the ankle of the working leg and take it back.

Do 12-15 reps for each limb.

6. Glute bridge

This exercise strengthens the gluteal muscles and the back of the thighs.

Lie on your back, bend your hips and knees, and place your feet flat on the floor. The angle of the bend in the knees can be straight or sharp – when the heels are closer to the buttocks.

Lift your pelvis off the floor and extend your body in a single line from your shoulders to your knees. Squeeze your buttocks at the top, then lower yourself back to the floor and repeat.

If this is too easy, try lifting one foot off a horizontal surface and straightening your leg. Raise and lower the pelvis with support from only one limb – this way the muscles will get more load.

Perform 10-15 reps on each leg.

7. Shell

Movement strengthens the gluteus medius and increases hip mobility.

Lie on your side, put your legs on top of each other and bend them at the hip and knee joints. An arm or pillow may be placed under the head.

Raise your upper thigh so that your knee is facing the ceiling. Squeeze your buttocks at the extreme point and bring your legs back, returning to the starting position.

This exercise can be made more difficult with the help of an expander: put on the elastic just below the knees and abduct the thigh, overcoming the resistance of the tape.

Repeat 12-15 times on each side.

8. Squats

This exercise strengthens the muscles of the thighs and buttocks.

Stand with your back to a stable support about 50 centimeters high, such as a chair. Position your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower, turn your toes to the sides.

Straighten your back, push your pelvis back and sit down until it touches the chair. Do not linger in this position: touched – and immediately come back. You can keep your hands in front of you – it will be easier to maintain balance.

Use an expander to make things more difficult. Put it on your feet just above the knees and while squatting, try to keep your hips from turning, resisting the pressure of the elastic. This will increase the load on the gluteus medius and teach you good squat technique.

Do 10-15 reps.

9. Side Adduction

This exercise strengthens the adductors on the inside of the thigh.

Lie on the floor on your right side, you can put your head on your arm or a pillow. Bend your left leg at the knee and place your left foot on the floor at about the level of your right knee. Lift your straight right leg off the floor, lifting it low, fix it for a second and lower it back. Perform 10-15 times on each side.

10. Leg raise, lying on the stomach

Movement strengthens the gluteal muscles.

Lie on the floor on your stomach, you can put your head on crossed arms or take a pillow, as in the video. Straighten your knees and tuck your toes in to place your toes on the floor. Straining your buttocks, tear off one leg from the horizontal, fix for a second and lower it back.

Do not drop the limbs to the floor, but return them slowly – this will allow you to better pump the muscles. Perform 10-15 reps on each leg.

You can also take an expander band and put it on the ankles to complicate the movements and better load the muscles.

11. Seated hip curl

This exercise strengthens the hip flexors.

Sit on a chair or other low support with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your right knee as high as you can, hold for a second, and then lower it back down. Then do the same with the left limb.

Perform 10 reps on each leg.

12. Lunges on the spot

Movement strengthens the legs and buttocks, improves balance.

Stand up straight with your hands on your waist. Step your right foot forward and stay in that position. Lower yourself until your front thigh is parallel to the floor, or stop a little higher, as long as the stretch allows.

Keep your back straight and lean forward slightly. Make sure that the heel of the front foot does not come off the floor. Straighten up and repeat. Do 10-12 times with each leg.

13. Single Knee Stretch

This item will help stretch the hip flexors, muscles that are often shortened in those who sit a lot.

Kneel on the floor with a mat or rolled towel underneath. Tilt the pelvis back – pull the pubic bone towards the navel. Then gently move your hips forward. Feel the stretch in the front of your thigh near your groin. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other leg.

14. Glute stretch

Lie on your back, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Then lift your right leg, rotate your thigh outward and place your right shin on top of your left thigh just above the knee. Feel the stretch in your right gluteus muscle.

To make the exercise more difficult, you can move your left heel closer to the buttock, and also lift your leg off the floor, grab your thigh with your hands and pull it to your chest. Fix the position and stay in it for 20-30 seconds. Then repeat with the other leg.

15. Butterfly

This exercise stretches the deep hip rotators and adductors.

Sit on the floor, bend your knees and bring your feet together in front of you. Place them as close to the pelvis as the stretch allows. Pull your knees towards the floor, feel the muscles in your thighs stretch. Release the pressure, rest a bit and repeat. Do five times.

How often to do hip exercises

You can do these exercises every day. Start with one set of each exercise and gradually increase the number to three. You can also buy a set of expander bands with different resistance and gradually increase the load.

In addition to strength movements and stretching, do not forget about simple everyday moments. For example, add 20-30 minutes of walking per day, try to take the stairs rather than the elevator and spend your rest actively.

Read also 🦵🤸‍♀️🏋️

• 11 ways to make strength training less dangerous for your joints
• 15 best leg exercises
• Does it hurt to exercise? These 24 joint exercises will help
• “Is running bad for your joints? How to keep fit remotely? 10 questions for a fitness trainer and answers to them
• How to do step-ups – the best movement for pumping the buttocks at home

Sciatica symptoms and treatment.

How to treat sciatica.

Sciatica: symptoms and treatment

Sciatica is an inflammatory disease that affects the nerve roots of the spinal cord. Radiculitis can be acute and chronic. The acute form, unfortunately, often becomes chronic. Acute sciatica is characterized by very severe, sudden onset pain that limits a person’s mobility. Contrary to popular belief, sciatica is localized not only in the lower back. It comes in several varieties: cervical, cervicobrachial, thoracic, lumbosacral.

Who gets sciatica?

Regardless of gender, nerve root inflammation can occur in both the elderly and the quite young. However, with age, the risk of developing sciatica increases. The fact is that sciatica appears mainly against the background of osteochondrosis, which, as a rule, progresses at a more mature age. In approximately 5% of cases, sciatica is associated with other causes, for example: with injuries and deformities of the intervertebral discs that are not associated with osteochondrosis, herniated discs.

An attack of sciatica can be triggered by heavy lifting or a sudden change in body position. Symptoms of sciatica often occur in pregnant women. This is due to the increased load on the spine during fetal growth.

Where sciatica hurts: symptoms and localization

Pain in sciatica is localized depending on the location of damage to the nerve roots.

• With cervical or cervicobrachial sciatica, the neck hurts, sometimes there is a headache, dizziness, discomfort in the shoulders, the back of the head. In some cases, this may affect hearing, vision, or motor coordination. To confirm the connection of these symptoms of sciatica with inflammation of the nerve roots, it is necessary to take an x-ray of the cervical spine, because complaints of dizziness, impaired coordination of movements and hearing may be associated with other reasons.
• With radiculitis, pain is felt covering the chest.
• In sciatica, the most typical complaints for the term “sciatica” occur: back pain, pain when walking, inability to bend or straighten, pain in the hip, buttock or leg.
• With sciatica of any localization, the pain usually appears suddenly, increases when lifting a straightened leg while lying down, when bending the head forward, when coughing and sneezing.

In some cases, inflammation of the nerve roots can lead to loss of sensation or numbness in the limb.

How to treat sciatica?

First of all, in the treatment of sciatica, it is important to reduce pain, which negatively affects the quality of life and significantly reduces the ability to work. In acute pain syndrome at the site of inflammation of the nerve, the blood supply to adjacent tissues worsens, which causes muscle spasm and increased pain.

When choosing how to treat sciatica, it is necessary to build on the localization of the problem and the strength of symptoms in sciatica. To quickly relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blockades with painkillers at the site of inflammation, as well as B vitamins, in particular, vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) and B6 (pyridoxine), are used. They take part in the metabolic processes of the nervous system, have a slight anti-inflammatory effect, therefore they are prescribed for all diseases associated with nerve damage, including inflammatory ones. With a sufficient amount of vitamin B, recovery processes in the body occur much faster, which is why Milgamma® tablets are often prescribed in the treatment of sciatica. By acting directly on the nerve fibers, it allows you to effectively influence the cause of pain and significantly reduces inflammation.

Of the medicines for sciatica, topical preparations are also used, which are applied to the skin in the affected area with massaging rubbing movements. After such a procedure, it is important to provide warmth, since hypothermia can cause a new attack of exacerbation of sciatica.

Treatment of sciatica should be carried out after diagnosis, in which magnetic resonance imaging and radiographic methods play an important role. In the period of acute pain, it is necessary to limit physical activity, apply methods of physiotherapy and reflexology.