Massage Relief for Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain is debilitating and finding relief is essential for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Massage therapy can offer some measure of relief from sciatica pain. A client can provide a massage practitioner with direct communication during the massage session regarding pain levels and relief. The massage therapist and client can work together to create a schedule of sessions to address the sciatica as well as discuss alternative resources for pain management.

Causes

• The sciatic nerve runs through the gluteal muscles located on the posterior of the body. When the piriformis muscle tightens excessively, the sciatic nerve becomes entrapped, resulting in pain through the low back down to the foot. The pain can feel sharp, burning, tingling, numb or any combination of these. This is known as sciatica.

  Muscles around the sciatic nerve can exert undue pressure and create pain for a variety of reasons. Some causes for sciatica include disc herniation, injury, pregnancy, obesity or a slipped disc. Always consult with a physician about your symptoms as there may be other causes that create this disorder.

Assessment

• Prior to a massage session, the massage therapist will perform an assessment. This includes asking questions related to the sciatic pain, discussing daily habits and routines that involve movement and posture, evaluating posture and determining if any other factors may be impacting your body and creating pain. Other factors include past and present emotional stressors.

Technique

• Your massage therapist will perform a variety of techniques to loosen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve, including compression, kneading and stretching. Ice or analgesic gels may also be applied.

  One of the techniques a massage therapist might use to temporarily eliminate sciatic pain is to have you lie prone on the massage table while holding the bottom portion of your leg at a 90° angle. The leg will form an "L". The massage therapist will then apply pressure and compress the sciatic area while slowly moving the bottom portion of your leg from left to right.

  There are other techniques that may be utilized, depending on the modality and style of the therapist. Be certain to discuss the possibility of muscle soreness occurring with your massage therapist. Be prepared to experience a bit of muscle soreness in the area that received massage, although it should not be an undue amount of pain.

More Information

• Always be direct in your communication with your massage therapist. If something hurts, say that it hurts. Do not assume that it is supposed to hurt. If you do not mention your pain, the massage practitioner has no way of knowing that it exists. Saying you need more or less pressure helps the massage therapist to understand your body.

  Chronic pain is an indicator of something amiss within the body. Consult a physician prior to starting any type of alternative treatment. Tell your physician that you would like to use massage therapy to address your sciatic pain and ask if there is anything you need to tell your massage therapist.