Sciatica Pain Relief Using Massage Therapy

Back pain affects approximately eight out of ten people at some point in their life. If however, you are one of the numerous individuals experiencing severe pain, such as sciatica, you may seek numerous methods before you find relief.

First of all, sciatica is pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in a person’s body that stretches from the lower portion of the back, down through the buttocks area of the body. When a person experiences sciatica, generally the pain is felt in the lower back region of the body, and can radiate down behind the knee, or thigh area.

Massage therapy is frequently used to help many people find relief from the sometimes debilitating effects of sciatica.

What techniques are used in massage therapy?

• To begin with, the massage therapist will consult with their client exactly where the pain is located and the degree of severity of the pain, to properly determine which massage therapy technique would be appropriate.

• Next, once the massage has begun, the therapist can assess if a deep massage is required, or opt for gentle vibrations to be used.

• The therapist usually will perform a massage of the piriformis muscle, which is located behind the hip-joint, and near the sciatic nerve. A gentle massage of this muscle tendon will be done to determine if this muscle area can be contributing to some of the pain and pressure of the sciatica.  

• Finally, the therapist will determine which areas of the lower back and buttock region, will respond best with gentle, or more pronounced massage.

Are there ways to prevent sciatica pain from occurring?

• Frequent massage therapy sessions to help your muscles and nerves stay relaxed.

• Flex your pelvic area frequently, to stimulate circulation to the lower lumbar region of your spine.

• Adjust your car seat to prevent stretching to reach the pedals, which could cause stress, or strain on the lower back.

• Avoid crossing your legs, or if you do so, change positions frequently.

If you want alternative options to avoid the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, an anti-inflammatory diet is frequently recommended to help alleviate some of the pain and swelling associated with nerve and muscle pain.

What food sources are good for anti-inflammatory conditions?

• Papaya

This amazing fruit contains a protein-digesting enzyme known as papain, which can help to reduce inflammation, as well as improve digestion.

• Kelp

Fucoidan, a complex carbohydrate contained in kelp actually acts as an anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor. It’s best, however, to obtain organic kelp that is harvested from unpolluted areas of water, to ensure the safety of this food source.

• Turmeric

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, not only helps to prevent the formation of plaque in the brain, but also has anti-inflammatory benefits. In fact, research indicates that eating approximately 1200 mg. of curcumin, contained in turmeric, may have the same effect as taking 300 mg. of the drug phenylbutazone, a powerful anti-inflammatory. It’s also important to note that turmeric is a safe and natural source, where some anti-inflammatory drugs can be toxic.

Remember, any serious pain should be reported to your doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis, before following any alternative methods on your own.

It’s wonderful news for many people suffering from sciatica and other back pain, if they can find relief with massage therapy, especially, if all other treatments, including pain medication fails.