Get Relief from Sciatic Pain with Massage

Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is very painful, and symptoms include burning, tingling or numbness in the legs. Sciatic pain can be treated with massage combined with stretching exercises to keep the area of the sciatic nerve from being compressed.

What causes sciatic pain?

The sciatic nerve is made up of several nerve roots coming into the sacral area at the lower back. This nerve can become trapped between a herniated disc and the tight muscle of the lower lumbar region.This is what causes the pain followed by the numbness. Since this nerve runs down the back of the thigh and lower leg it also causes leg pain. Prolonged pressure on this nerve over a long period of time can lead to nerve damage. Arthritis, pregnancy and carrying excess weight can also cause or contribute to sciatic pain..

The benefits of massage to relieve sciatic pressure:

Massage therapy helps to relax the muscles and generate blood flow to the area. The benefits include relieving muscle spasms and increased oxygen flow to the muscles. Massage will also relax the other muscle groups and keep the muscles stretched to prevent contracture. When the muscles are not stretched regularly they can shrink and tighten up. When muscles shrink it is called a contracture. This is why older men and women seem to shrink.

Regular massage therapy sessions will help the muscles stay smooth and flexible and relieve pressure on other nerve points as well. In most cases massage combined with good chiropractic care is enough to relieve the pressure on the nerve and allow the person freedom from the pain. Surgery may be suggested as a last resort if these types of treatment are unsuccessful.

Some tips for preventing sciatic pain:

Make exercise a regular part of your daily routine. Simple stretching exercises help keep the muscles elongated. Be sure to always warm up before any physical activity.

Practice good posture. Sit straight with your feet flat on the floor. Proper spinal alignment and good posture will prevent a lot of back pain.

Never sit for prolonged periods of time without a change of position. Every now and then you need to get up and stretch to get the blood flowing to those areas again.

Keep regular appointments with your chiropractor. A chiropractor is trained to provide non-surgical therapy alternatives. A spinal adjustment can line the vertebrae up in their proper alignment and relieve the pressure on the nerve points.