A massage can be effective in relieving the symptoms of sciatica, but it needs to be a professional, medically-backed massage which targets the right areas and trigger points. If not, it’s possible that a massage will have no positive impact on your situation, and could even make it worse. Here’s how using different massage techniques to target specific sciatica trigger points can help.
Is it safe to massage sciatic nerve pain?
It is safe to use massage techniques for sciatic nerve pain as long as they are conducted by an expert practitioner who knows how to safely and effectively perform them.
There are some forms of treatment which are actually unsafe when used to treat sciatic nerve pain. For example, chiropractic techniques are often deemed to be effective as a non-invasive treatment method. However, there is little medical proof or backing that this is effective, and we also believe chiropractors to use some unsafe methods, which could cause more harm than good.
It’s important to remember that sciatica is a symptom of other issues, as opposed to a standalone condition. This is why medically backed massage techniques, such as sports massage, can safely target the root causes of sciatica to provide relief.
Whilst it’s important to speak to a professional to ensure the best results, such as our team at Injury Mechanics, there are ways to find some relief at home too. An example of this is using a massage gun to treat lower back pain which is caused by sciatica.
What triggers sciatic pain?
Sciatic pain is triggered when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed due to issues with surrounding muscles or joints. Here are some of the more common causes of sciatic pain:
- Herniated disc - A common cause of back pain, herniated discs press on the roots of the sciatic nerve, which often leads to intense pain.
- Piriformis syndrome - The piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks and when this becomes inflamed or swollen, it can compress the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis - The spinal canal can narrow, putting extra strain on the spinal cord and surrounding areas, including the sciatic nerve.
- Muscle inflammation - General muscle inflammation caused by injury during exercise can put extra strain on the sciatic nerve.
- Other factors - Other factors such as obesity, infections, pregnancy and more can also increase the risk of sciatica.
How does a sports massage help to relieve sciatica?
A sciatic pain relief massage is medically proven to help relieve sciatica through a range of techniques which would be specifically decided on based on the causes of your pain and specific symptoms.
When dealing with sciatica, the basic aim is to reduce muscle inflammation and swelling around the sciatic nerve, or target whatever part of the body that is applying pressure to it.
Some relevant techniques might include:
- Soft tissue massage, which uses a range of softer pressures and depths to target muscles and areas closer to the surface.
- Deep tissue massage, which is similar but using different motions to attack the lower layers of muscles and connective tissues.
- Myofascial release, which specifically targets the myofascial layer of soft tissue which is located between muscles and skin.
What are sciatica trigger points?
Sciatica trigger points are spots in muscles located along the sciatic nerve pathway which are irritable and are likely to either directly cause or worsen sciatica symptoms.
These are the areas we’re referring to which may become inflamed and apply excess pressure to the surrounding nerves/tissues, including the sciatic nerve. These trigger points are the source of sciatic-related pain.
Considering that these trigger points are the cause of your problems, massaging them can be what lessens your symptoms and provides relief.
The best massage points for sciatica
In a typical session, we’d aim both to find the sciatic trigger points, and apply expert massage techniques to reduce pain and discomfort. Some of these massage points might include:
- Piriformis muscles - Given that sciatica is caused by this muscle in many cases, a targeted massage of the piriformis muscle can gently reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and solve your issues. There are also stretches we can advise for you during sessions to allow you to continue treatment at home.
- Gluteal muscles - Using a massage ball or elbows, applying pressure in the correct areas of the gluteal muscles can reduce swelling.
- Hamstrings - Tightness in this area can have a knock-on effect which causes sciatic pain.
- Lower back muscles - Spasms and swelling in the lower back muscles need to be massaged to relieve tension in the area and reduce sciatica.
If you’re struggling with sciatic pain, and you want professional help to reduce this pain and learn to deal with it in the long term, get in touch with Injury Mechanics today.
