How a Massage Can Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatica is a common condition marked by radiating pain along the sciatic nerve that results from a herniated disc or bone spur. Pain radiates from the lower back down one or both legs. This pain can interfere with activity and your quality of life. Massage therapy has been found to relieve this pain and serves as an effective natural therapy.
However, you need to find a good massage therapist to get the most effective results. Depending on the type of massage you get, you can have your muscles, nerves, joints, and connective tissues treated. The most common types of massage for easing sciatic nerve pain are deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, and trigger-point massage.
The Benefits of a Massage and Sciatic Nerve Pain
The benefits of a massage in treating sciatic nerve pain result from the direct targeting of lower back muscles and the area surrounding the sciatic nerve. Massaging this area causes several beneficial changes to the body allowing for pain relief.
- Reduced muscle tension: When the muscles in your lower back and are tight, the pressure is directly applied to the nerves in the area, including the sciatic nerve. Overly tight muscles can also get knotted up forming small painful nodules that cause trigger point pain. Massage therapy can locate these trigger points directly and loosen the knots. Once loosened, the muscles can stretch and elongate releasing pressure from your sciatic nerve and promoting haling.
- Improved circulation: Soft-tissue manipulation as provided by a massage stimulates the blood vessels in your skin as well as the deeper connective tissue layers. The enhanced blood circulation of blood, oxygen, and other essential nutrients helps to speed healing and promote better health and less pain.
- Release of endorphins: Massage stimulates pressure receptors in your brain. Stimulation of these special nerve fibers helps to release pain by releasing endorphins, which are the natural feel-good hormones of the body. These hormones, not only relieve pain but enhance overall mood, therefore fostering a healthier healing environment.
- Reduced stress: Stress is one of the most common causes of tension and tightened muscles, but a massage can help reduce this. Stimulation of the same receptors that release endorphins also reduces the production of cortisol, which is the stress-activating hormone. Promoting an overall stress-free sensation produces a reduced perception of pain and a general feeling of relaxation.
Massage Therapy & Essential Oils
Many massage therapists use essential or therapeutic oils to help enhance the benefits. Some oils like eucalyptus oil have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in muscles and others like lavender provide calming and relaxing sensations. The scents of massage oils can be strong, so if you do not enjoy a particular scent, be sure to let your massage therapist know. A scent you do not enjoy can interfere with the relaxing aura of a massage producing undesirable effects.
Many people have concerns about massages and whether or not they are safe. So long as you find a trained professional, you will be in good hands. Additionally, it is important to remember that some trigger points can be painful when touched. However, increased pain and soreness does not typically occur from massage pressure. If your pain worsens, then you might be seeing the wrong massage therapist.
How to Find the Right Massage Therapist
Therapeutic massages are provided by trained professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, sports medicine professionals, and qualified massage therapists. Physical therapy offices, spas, and massage centers are all the best places to locate a professional massage therapist. When it comes to choosing the right massage therapist, there are a few important things to remember.
- Know what you want: Decide what you want your goals to be before you start your search. If you are looking to specifically target lower back pain, then you will want a therapist that specializes in more specific muscle-targeted techniques. However, if you are looking for enhanced relaxation, then you need a Swedish massage therapist who can offer a deep tissue massage.
- Talk to your doctor first: Your doctor understands your condition and may also have contacts with qualified massage therapists they can refer you to. This saves time in your searching and you can be assured you will get a quality and beneficial massager. Specific health conditions, such as hypertension or neuropathy, can also be affected by massage therapy. It is in your best interest to speak with your doctor who can refer you to a recommended specialist.
The American Massage Therapy Association provides a list of trained and qualified massage therapists, listing qualifications and specialties. By doing this, you can narrow down therapists in your area. You can also eliminate the ones who are illegally practicing.
In-Home Massage Therapy
If you have mobility issues, there are therapists that will do in-home massage therapy. These can be easily located through the American Massage Therapy Association too.
Home Remedies for Sciatic Nerve Pain
One final option for sciatic pain relief through massage therapy is the do-it-yourself massage. When your sciatic pain is severe, you should see a physical therapist. However, in between sessions, you can try some of these at-home techniques to help reduce pain.
- Place a tennis ball between your back and a chair and roll it along your muscles to loosen them
- Using duct tape, stick two tennis balls together and place them under your back, buttocks, or upper thigh as you lie on the floor. Gently move around to locate sore areas and once you have found a sensitive area (trigger point) press down against the tennis balls.
- Apply medicated creams and gels near the pelvic area and massage them into the skin firmly to reduce tension and pain.
Also, see Common Sciatica Pain Relief Methods.
Sciatic pain can be debilitating and prevent you from doing the things you love. However, massage therapy is a relaxing and effective way to reduce this pain. Massages are an important part of any sciatic nerve treatment plan. Therefore, you should discuss this with your doctor. Massages help to loosen tight muscles. Plus they help stimulate the natural pain-relieving hormones in your body. A Massage, therefore, allows your body to heal naturally while increasing your relaxation and overall well-being.