How Massage Relieves Sciatic Pain.
By: Daliah Husu. March 28, 2017
Regularly scheduled massages can help reduce sciatic pain. Below I will discuss some options that can help you improve your quality of life if you are currently suffering from this type of chronic pain.
First, let’s explain what sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is.
Sciatica is pain, numbness, or tingling produced by an irritation of the nerve roots coming from the lower back and that lead to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is commonly caused by bulging or ruptured spinal discs pressing against the nerve roots. Other conditions that can cause Sciatica are arthritis, narrowing of the spinal canal, and bone spurs forming along the joints.
So how does massage therapy help reduce the pain and discomfort?
Massage loosens the muscles and prevents nerve pinching and inflammation. It also releases endorphins (neurotransmitters) which temporarily block pain signals between the nerves and the brain.
What can you do?
-Find a therapist that is licensed and experienced with neuromuscular massage or who has experience working with sciatica patients.
-Consult The American Massage Therapy Association’s website to search locally for licensed professionals. This is a sure way to choose a qualified therapist and leave out the guess work.
-Consult with your doctor for therapist referrals. It is probable that your doctor may already be working with a therapist who he or she trusts. This is probably a good starting point if you simply don’t know what to do or who to get advice from. It may cost you a consultation, but you will surely get the professional medical advice and care you need.
If you cannot see or afford a massage therapist on a regular basis, you still have options.
Option 1:
You can begin by taping two tennis balls together with duct tape. Make sure that the tennis balls are touching and taped securely in that position. Place the tennis balls on the floor and lie down face-up with the tennis balls resting centered just above your lumbar spine (lower back). Adjust yourself until you are balanced and comfortable. Then, raise your arms straight up, keeping your fingers pointed to the ceiling. Begin by lowering one arm backwards toward your head as far as you can while keeping it straight. Keep the other arm raised and straight above you with fingers pointing to the ceiling. Hold this position for a few seconds and return the lowered arm back to its starting position. Alternate the arms and repeating this process 4 to 5 times.
Option 2:
Consider buying a monthly massage membership with a licensed massage establishment. Memberships are a great way to afford your favorite services and the services you need. Most spa’s or massage establishments will offer you additional benefits and discounts just for becoming a member. They will also have flexible payment plans in place to fit your budget. Check out our memberships here.
Option 3:
Get a massage chair. Yes, these mechanical wonders are expensive, but they mimic real massage quite well. The best chairs out there can really help alleviate muscular tension by targeting specific areas on your back. Some chairs even offer heat therapy and adjustable pressure, as well as different types of massage (kneading, rolling, pulsing, etc.).
Remember, the most important piece of information to consider is your doctor’s recommendations and specific treatment plans. We can make generalized suggestions that can help diminish or even eliminate your pain, but medical advice from a physician should always be followed before beginning any alternative regimen or therapy.
(c) 2017 Daliah Husu
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