Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by compression and irritation of the sciatic nerves. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the pelvis down both the left and right side of the buttocks, down the legs and to the feet. The pain caused by this compression and irritation manifests itself in the lower back, buttock and various parts of the leg or foot. As well as the pain, which can sometimes be quite severe, some people may suffer from muscle weakness, tingling (pins and needles) and difficulty controlling or moving the leg. Shooting pains from the leg may make it difficult to stand up. Typically, sciatica is felt down one side of the body, lasting from a few days or for months. Sciatic pain lasting more than 6 weeks is considered to be persistent, or chronic, sciatica.

It is important to note that sciatica is different to general lower back pain as sciatica hardly affects the back at all, but radiates from the lower back and down into the buttocks, legs and foot. Some people notice that the pain gets worse over time and is exacerbated by sneezing, coughing or laughing which is known as ‘impulse pain’. Sitting or standing for long periods can make the symptoms worse as can bending over backwards.

Causes of sciatica

Sciatic pain is the secondary outcome of the compression/irritation of the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of this is a slipped disc. Sciatic pain is also seen during pregnancy as a result of the baby pressing on the sciatic nerve. Other causes include lumber spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease (when the discs breakdown in between the vertebrae) and spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebrae slips over another. Lifestyle choices can also affect the pain – being overweight, not exercising enough, wearing high heels and sleeping on a soft mattress can all affect sciatica. In some cases, muscle strain which causes inflammation can put pressure on a nerve root and cause sciatica.

Treatment with massage therapy

A deep tissue massage can be very useful in treating sciatica; it benefits the condition by loosening the muscles in the lower back and buttock, which therefore eases the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy which focuses on reaching the deeper layers of muscles and tissue and is especially beneficial for tense areas. This type of massage technique helps to alleviate pain, muscle spasm, discomfort and stress by manipulating the soft tissue. Deep tissue massage also helps the muscles releases toxins and allows the blood and oxygen to flow properly.

Deep tissue massage strokes are applied using direct pressure with fingers, knuckles, forearms and even elbows for penetration of the deep tissue. Friction applied across the grain of the muscles irons out the knots and tension points. It is possible you may feel some discomfort and pain during the treatment so please always let me know if you are outside your pain threshold. You may also feel soreness after the massage, but this will ease the following day and leave you feeling relaxed, a lot more mobile and in less pain from the sciatica.

Sciatica is a complex condition which will benefit greatly from massage therapy but it is advisable to consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis. As well as massage, other treatments may be advised such as NSAID’s (over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – such as ibuprofen), physiotherapy, some gentle exercises and stretching and even cognitive behavioural therapy. Non-impact exercise may help, such as swimming.

Timo Massage Therapy
Monday, 11 February 2013