Cruralgia: psychological causes (is it stress?)

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La cruralgia is a pathology of crural nerve which can cause intense pain in the legs. Compression of this nerve most often occurs following a herniated disc. However, studies have suggested that stress may be related to cruralgia. Indeed, chronic stress usually causes lower back pain. We will take stock in this article.

What is cruralgia?

Cruralgia is defined as lumbar pain that starts from the lower back and radiates to the front of the thigh. This condition is due to compression of the crural nerve by the L2, L3 and L4 intervertebral discs. Unlike the sciatica which reaches the L4, L5 and S1 nerves.

A few points on the anatomy

Cruralgia pain begins when the crural nerve deflects. This is compressed by the intervertebral discs. The inflamed nerve causes pain in the legs.

The crural nerve is located in the spine. It takes root in the spinal cord and connects the muscles and skin of the lower limb to the brain. This nerve therefore plays a sensory and motor role. In other words, it is responsible for the movements and sensations that we feel in the legs.

The causes of cruralgia

Generally, cruralgia occurs in the following cases:

  • A herniated disc: the intervertebral disc is crushed and becomes less flexible. As a result, it can no longer perform its role as a shock absorber. This causes intense lower back pain;
  • A tumor: affects the crural nerve following the development of bone cancer;
  • vertebral compression: which is due to osteoporosis or a serious accident;
  • A lumbar arthritis: it occurs with age, but also with wear of the intervertebral discs;
  • A psoas hematoma: following surgery, a fall or an overdose of anticoagulant;
  • An infection: which is manifested by the presence of certain microbes in the vertebrae.

Symptoms of cruralgia

Pain in the lower back is an evocative sign. It goes down along the buttocks and hips before reaching the soles of the feet. The intensity of the pain varies depending on the person and its location. The patient may also feel some tingling in the lower limbs, similar to electric shocks. If the pain persists, the subject is at risk of developing paralysis in the affected limbs.

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If the person has a herniated disc, the paralysis may be irreversible. Severe pain is often accompanied by fever, immune system disorders, urinary disorders, digestive disorders and sensory disturbances.

Cruralgia and stress: what is the link?

Stress has a negative impact on our health. In the case of cruralgia, it intensifies the pain as well as the other accompanying symptoms. This state promotes increased tension in the muscles and causes the risk of muscle torsion. Indeed, stress releases hormones that are the cause of many dysfunctions in our body.

What are the harmful effects of stress?

Stress causes frequent headaches that lead to neurological symptoms. It is the cause of the weakening of the immune system. Due to this, the body very quickly exposes itself to various diseases, including viruses.

Symptoms and causes of stress

Stress can be pathological, but also caused by emotional or physical exhaustion. It is manifested by permanent fatigue, sleep disturbance and muscle tension. Indeed, chronic stress exposes the individual to cruralgia and sciatica.

Psychological cause of cruralgia: what to do?

It is recommended to consult a health professional as soon as the first symptoms appear. Once the diagnosis is established, appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Stress management

Stress is defined as a state of chronic tension. As prevention, it is advisable to practice a regular sports activity. Moreover, physical exercise prevents the risk of anxiety and chronic stress. It also strengthens the structure of our organism and slows down the development of a herniated disc.

On the other hand, it is important to rest well after a hard day in order to avoid heavy feelings of fatigue. In addition, scientists advise to follow a healthy diet and to stay well hydrated.

Other methods to manage stress

Apart from sport, which plays a natural antidepressant role, there are other methods that have been proven to prevent stress.

Psychotherapy

This treatment helps to cope with stress. It is a therapy set up by a psychologist. The latter will carry out a follow-up and a personalized accompaniment of the person. Indeed, it helps to get to the heart of the problem and solve it quickly.

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Medication

There is no specific medicine to treat stress. However, antidepressants remain effective. On the other hand, taking these drugs requires prior prescription by a doctor because of their high intensities.

The traditional treatment

Traditional remedies hold a power to eradicate stress. There are three methods:

  • homeopathy: a natural herbal treatment to reduce depression;
  • Acupuncture: a Chinese method that helps to relax the muscles. Indeed, it can possibly reduce blood pressure;
  • Sauna and steam room: a steam bath to relax the nerves.

Finally, the cruralgia is a complex neurological pain of the back. It can get worse over time without proper treatment. Like sciatica, this causes intense pain in the lower back. Cruralgia is often accompanied by episodes of chronic stress which can increase the pain of the affected limbs. As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is then necessary to consult the opinion of his doctor, even if the patient decides to opt for a treatment based on natural plants.

What about the treatment of cruralgia as such?

Although stress can influence pain, the mechanical causes of pain causing cruralgia should not be overlooked. In addition to the solutions presented above, physical modalities to relieve pain and improve quality of life must also be included:

  • Anti-inflammatory, painkiller or anti-epileptic medication
  • Kinesitherapy (physiotherapy) and osteopathy
  • Exercises and stretches
  • Weight control and diet
  • Sleep quality
  • Accessories and products

The products below can help relieve the symptoms of cruralgia, and improve general feelings of well-being (which can reduce stress at the same time). It should however be noted that it is important to integrate these accessories within a global approach, because they will not necessarily correct the cause of the problem on their own:

Acupressure Kit Acupressure Mat Cushion - Massage Ball + Pillow + Bag Relieve Back and Neck Pain Muscle Relaxation Acupuncture Post Sport Recovery Anti Stress
  • 【Multifunctional Physiotherapy】The acupressure kit set includes an acupressure mat and pillow, and 2 massage balls. You can use the acupressure set in different ways and on different parts of the body, such as lower back pain, insomnia, chronic stress, fatigue, tension, circulatory disorders, etc.
  • 【Safe and Premium Material】The acupressure mat massager, cushion cover and storage bag are made of 100% cotton, the inside is 21D high-density eco-friendly sponge. The massage nail is made of non-toxic ABS plastic. 100% natural without side effects, hypoallergenic.
  • 【Natural Ancient Indian Healing】 The acupressure mat has 230 massage nails, 6210 massage points, the pillow has 73 massage nails, 1971 massage points. Your weight is evenly distributed into thousands of small pieces to stimulate countless acupuncture points. Ideal for relaxation and promoting circulation. The size of the acupressure mat is 68*42cm, the size of the massage pillow is 37 x 15 x 10cm.

Last updated on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Comfier Heated Lumbar Belt with Massage - Back Heating Pad, Vibration Heated Massager Belt with Auto Shut Off, Gift for Men/Women/Parents…
  • 🔥BODY WARMING – The heating pillow lumbar consists of a built-in heating pad that heats up quickly to provide warmth to treat symptoms, menstrual cramps and stomach ailments, arthritis, leg pain and more.
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Last updated on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Anodyne® Posture Shirt – Women | Back & Shoulder Posture Corrector | Posture Corrector Tee Shirt | Reduces pain and tension | Medically Tested and Approved | Medium – White
  • POSTURE CORRECTION & MUSCLE ACTIVATION: Patented Neuroband technology activates back and shoulder muscles, reminding your body to align your back and shoulders while providing comfort and freedom of movement.
  • PAIN AND TENSION REDUCTION: Supports and stabilizes tight muscles in the neck, back and shoulders helping to relieve pain and tension without restricting the muscles.
  • INJURY PREVENTION: Helps prevent shoulder and back problems by providing support and preventing harmful movements. Recommended for everyday situations including sedentary or physical work, sports activities, housework, etc. The product promotes beneficial working positions by stabilizing weak muscles and aiding alignment, neutralizing the gap between joints.

Last updated on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support - Lumbar Pillow for Desk, Office Chair or Car Seat - Memory Foam Back Cushion - Black
  • Improve unsupportive chairs: The comfort cushion in memory foam material uses body heat to adapt to the curves of the back and provide the lumbar support that is sorely lacking in office chairs
  • Against back pain: Most chairs do not support the back, which causes tension. The ergonomic cushion supports the upper, middle and lower back, for complete comfort
  • Breathable Cover: The chair cushion features a breathable mesh cover that allows air to circulate, preventing heat build-up. Finally enjoy a perfectly fresh seat all day long

Last updated on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

ALDOM Muscle Massage Gun Massage Device Deep Muscle Massager with 30 Adjustable Levels 6 Massage Heads and LCD Display Relieve Aches and Stiffness
  • 30 LEVELS Massage Gun:ALDOM massage gun Choose the speed and massage heads that best suit your needs can quickly eliminate lactic acid produced after exercise, and for everyday relieve muscle pain, back and neck aches and stiffness, greatly reducing the time muscle recovery.
  • Long Battery Life: Equipped with high quality battery, the muscle massager can keep working about 6-8 hours after charging, while the cooling system can effectively remove excess heat, if the battery is low, there will be a red prompt.
  • Less than 45 dB Ultra Low Noise: ALDOM muscle massager gun which features high performance and low noise. features advanced technology and high-torque non-brushed electric motor, Featuring the high-precision mold which tightly connects the machine head and the body, The high-torque motor rotates 1800-4800 times per minute and achieves your tissue to loosen the fascia (connective tissue)

Last updated on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

ECODE Vertebral and lumbar decompressor axial stretching LUMBA PLUS ECO-852
  • LUMBA +: Uses the neurovertebral decompression technique recognized by INSERM, practiced in osteopathy practices and recognized by the Association of Exclusive Osteopaths. Spinal neurodecompression is a surgical or non-surgical procedure that aims to release pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves
  • Neurovertebral decompression is a key element in the treatment of back pain such as herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatic pain, disc degeneration and osteoarthritis. Vertebral decompression is a principle increasingly used in the treatment of back pain (sciatic nerve stuck, disc pinching, scoliosis, compression of the vertebrae or lower back pain).
  • Let's discover the technique of spinal decompression and see together its effects by stretching against sciatica. Principle of vertebral decompression Vertebral (or neurovertebral) decompression is a gentle treatment used in the event of a stuck sciatic nerve, a herniated disc or even a pinched disc.

Last updated on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Core Balance Nipple Massage Roller for Deep Muscle Massage – Gridded Foam Massage Roller – Fitness Foam Roller Ideal for Trigger Point…
  • BACK MASSAGE ROLLER TO RELIEVE YOUR MUSCLE PAIN: relieve your muscle pain and tension with the Core Balance pimpled foam roller. Roll the muscle massage roller placed under your muscles to break up soft tissue adhesions and target painful trigger points (muscle knots).
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  • IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE: Rolling the back roller over your muscles releases toxins, and increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the target area. Massage your muscles with our fitness roller before or after a workout to boost your performance, speed up your recovery time and protect you from injury.

Last updated on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

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Last updated on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

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References

https://www.sante-sur-le-net-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.sante-sur-le-net.com/sante-quotidien/douleur/cruralgie/

https://www.qare.fr/sante/stress/symptome/

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