Easing Sciatica Pain with Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know

Did you know that 40% of the population suffers from sciatica? Pain caused by sciatica can cause significant life changes if not appropriately managed. 

There are a few different ways to manage sciatica pain, such as stretches, physiotherapy, and massage therapy. Today we will focus on massage therapy; keep reading to learn how massage therapy can ease sciatica pain!

What Is Sciatica?

Let’s first explain sciatica pain.

The sciatic nerve starts in your lower back and moves down to your feet. Sciatica pain often occurs when the nerve is pinched. 

Sciatica symptoms include mild, dull or sometimes severe pain in the lower back which can radiate down the legs. It can also cause weakness, burning, and a numb sensation down the back of your leg. 

There are several possible causes of sciatica, and we will review those causes below. 

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

In seniors, the cause is often Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, where your spinal canal narrows, which adds pressure on your spinal cord and nerves. This can specifically pinch the sciatic nerve, causing pain in your lower back and down your legs. 

Deep tissue massage can help release tension in the muscles and ligaments. This tension can narrow the canal, relieving the stress and releasing pressure on the spine. 

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks by the top of the hip joint, rotates the hip and allows for lower body movements. The sciatic nerve runs through this muscle. When the piriformis muscle is tense or inflamed, it pinches the nerve and causes the dreaded sciatic pain.

Piriformis Syndrome is the most uncommon cause of sciatica. Maintaining regular stretches in between massages can help reduce the pain. In addition, the massages can loosen the piriformis muscle allowing for less pressure on the sciatic nerve. 

Herniated Vertebral Disc

A vertebral disc makes up most of your spine, and a herniated disc can happen in any section, but when looking for causes of sciatic pain, we are looking in the lumbar spine area, which is the lower back. 

A spinal disc consists of a tough exterior called the annulus. When the softer center, the nucleus, pushes through the shell, a herniated disc occurs. 

When a herniated disc is in the lumbar spine, it can pinch the sciatic nerve, causing the pain you are trying to relieve. A massage can reduce the tightness of the lumbar muscles, allowing your body to heal more effectively. 

Massage Therapy for Sciatica Pain

There are several different massage therapy techniques and methods used to release the pressure that is causing sciatic pain. 

Below are some of the most effective massage therapies for sciatica pain. 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a method that treats the muscular system. It uses slow and deep strokes to relieve tension, releases toxins, and increases blood circulation. 

This technique is the most common and effective way to treat sciatic pain. The relaxation of the muscles helps release the tension causing the pinched sciatic nerve.

It is important to note that this technique can be quite painful as the knots and scar tissue can cause pain triggers.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common technique offered in massage therapy. Compared to deep tissue massage, Swedish massage focuses on relieving tension from the nervous system. 

Much like the deep tissue massage, it increases blood flow and offers relaxation in the muscular system. However, it is more effective in relaxing the body and is much gentler than the deep tissue technique.  

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage heats and releases the tight muscles of the affected area. The hot stones are placed along your spine and on your lower back.

Often the massage therapist will hold the heated stone and use the Swedish massage techniques to help relieve even more pain and tension.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Sciatic pain is often caused by overuse and tightness of muscles. Any of the techniques mentioned above can help reduce the tension in these muscles. 

Some of the benefits of massage therapy may be surprising. We will briefly touch on some of the most predominant benefits of the techniques discussed.

Relaxing Tight Muscles

Tight muscles can cause several issues. It can decrease your range of motion, cause muscle knots, and eventually sprains. 

Relaxing muscles can help prevent significant issues down the road, including sciatica. Additionally, it can go a long way in healing pinched nerves caused by tight muscles. 

Improving Blood Circulation

Swedish massage can significantly help with blood circulation. It stimulates and enhances your bloodstream, allowing for essential nutrients and oxygen to get to the affected areas. 

Reduces Stress

It goes without saying that a good massage reduces stress. Many people carry their stress too long, which then tightens muscles. A relaxing massage can relieve the stress and allow your body to take a breath of fresh air. 

Releasing Endorphins

When a body is relaxed and relieved of stress, it will release endorphins, which help you temporarily manage pain. Additionally, it reduces stress levels, helping you stay relaxed long after your massage, and preventing muscles from tightening immediately. 

Managing Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain can significantly reduce your quality of life. Managing the pain can take a lot of work, but it is necessary to live life to the fullest. 

We must take care of our bodies.  Ignoring pains and aches will not help.

Call 402-384-8400 now to book your massage!