Easing Sciatica Pain Away with Massage Therapy
If you ever experienced or currently deal with lower back pain that runs down into the back of one of your legs, you are not alone. Seems sciatica pain is becoming an overwhelming issue as of late, leaving many trying to find ways on how to get rid of sciatica pain by any means.
Just so happens massage therapy can have a huge benefit in relieving sciatic nerve pain. So you might be wondering, can you massage sciatica pain away?
Short answer: Yes
First, let’s take a closer look at what is the sciatic nerve and how you can relive sciatica (or maybe even get rid altogether) with massage therapy.
What is the Sciatic Nerve?
Let’s quickly recap what sciatica is so we have a better understanding of how massage can help.
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or stressed. The sciatic nerve happens to be the longest and largest nerve in our bodies and so happens to start in our lower back, through the buttocks, and runs down each leg.
So we can say sciatica pain is a real pain in the butt!
This nerve is super important as it allows us to walk, run, stand, and feel sensations in our legs. Any disruptions or injury to the sciatic nerve can cause even the strongest of us to limp down and cry out in pain.
What Causes Sciatica Pain?
According to a recent study by Cleveland Clinic nearly 40% of adults experience sciatica pain; mainly by those between the ages of 30 and 50; which happens to be the majority of the working class. So its no surprise to see this age group suffer the most from sciatica pain.
So what can increase the risk of sciatica?
Here are some common causes:
- Extra Weight: carrying extra pounds can place extra pressure on the spine leading to the possibility of a herniated disk
- Diabetes: can cause damage to nerves
- An Injury: injury from falling from a bike, in sports, and even a car accident could cause an irritated or damaged disk
- Your Job: depending on your job, constant heavy lifting or prolonged sitting could damage disks in the spine
Therefore, what causes sciatica is a herniated disk in the lower part of the spine. When a disk herniates, it might put unexpected pressure on the nerves around it causing pain and discomfort in your back.
Does Massage Therapy for Sciatica Really Work?
Massage has been a very popular choice to relive pain so massaging for sciatica is no exception. Many of our clients see us for massages for a variety of aches and pains, therefore, the right massages and techniques can be tailored to specific pain points.
Back pain is by far the most common type of pain many experience so it would be obvious to request a back massage when trying to alleviate sciatic nerve pain right?
Yes and No…
While there is no evidence one massage technique is better than the other, it is up to you to communicate with your licensed massage therapist (LMT) when deciding which massage to use and personal preference.
Additionally, a 2014 study by The Scientific World Journal concluded deep tissue massage had the positive effects on reducing pain in patient with chronic lower back pain as anti-inflammatory medicines.
Now that’s impressive!
While everyone’s sciatica pain can differ, there are a few favorites and from experience to help narrow down the list of best massages for sciatica pain below.
Best Massage for Sciatica Pain
Deep Tissue Massage
The primary focus of deep tissue is to massage the deep layers of muscles in the body and connective tissues around the muscle. Sciatica can cause deep chronic pain in muscles so a trained massage therapist will know how to apply the right amount of pressure slowly and evenly to relax the tissue.
Our Relaxation Massage is a client favorite for this reason! You enjoy all the benefits of a full body relaxation and the therapeutic benefits of a deep tissue massage.
Myofacial Release Therapy
Myofacial tissue is a fibrous tissue that runs throughout our bodies which protect and support our muscles and bones.
This is usually a more gentle approach of massage which helps in identifying tightness and soreness in the body. Once found, the massage therapist will use steady, light pressure to work out the tight spots.
For sciatica, myofacial release therapy helps focus on the areas where the muscles have tensed and slowly work to release that area of tension. This technique is very popular for problems such as headaches, arthritis, and yes disk problems.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is deeply relaxing and enjoyable type of massage. While helping alleviate pain associated with sciatica, this massage can also help reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and even numbness which are all symptoms of sciatica.
This massage technique also has great benefits aside from the physical relief such as reducing stress and even may improve your sleep which is vital for overall healing and pain management.
Hot stone massage for sciatica should be considered as an addition and not as a primary massage technique since it does not target the deep tissues as the previously mentioned massage types.
However, it makes a great secondary treatment! The hot stones help relax the muscles and improve circulation which both contribute to pain relief.
Massage Your Sciatica Pain Away
There’s been a number of studies that have shown massage therapy helps relieve pain, therefore, coping with sciatica pain or just ignoring it shouldn’t be a way of life. Finding the source of the pain and proceeding with a goal in mind is very important to us.
We desire everyone to feel their best that’s why we take the time to figure out what caused the issue and by getting to know you we can determine the best massage to use for your specific needs.
If you are looking for a holistic, pill-free way to relieve sciatica pain consider giving massage therapy a try.
We have helped many in Rockford, IL and nearby areas find relief from sciatica, so what are you waiting for.
Still have questions? Give us a call or send us a message. We will be happy to answer any concerns you may have.
