Understanding Sciatica Pain: Symptoms, Causes & Management Methods
Sciatica can significantly impact one’s quality of life, causing discomfort and restricting mobility. Various health professionals, including physiotherapists and sports massage therapists, are often consulted to manage this condition. They offer various therapies and management plans to aid in managing sciatica pain. This comprehensive guide will cover the key areas of sciatica pain management to help you understand the condition and the various management strategies available.
The Sports Massage Therapist
Principal Sports Massage Therapist
- Diploma in Pearson BTEC Level 3 Sports Massage
- Workforce International Skills Certification (WISC) Certified Sports Massage Therapist
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Myofascial Release Therapy
- Movement & Performance Therapy Specialist
- Stretch Therapy
Being an active practitioner for numerous years, Darren is trained and has experience in addressing various musculoskeletal conditions using a variety of techniques, including trigger point therapy, clinical dry cupping, myofascial scraping (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation) and PNF stretching.
Darren has experience addressing a variety of conditions, including shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, leg pain and neck pain. Darren can also perform a relaxing deep-tissue massage to relieve general stress and fatigue or focus on problematic areas.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica manifests differently in everyone, with symptoms that may be persistent or fluctuating depending on the individual. Typically affecting only one side of the lower body, the condition is commonly characterised by:
- Lower back pain that worsens when one coughs or sneezes
- Pain in the back of the leg that intensifies after prolonged sitting or standing
- Hip pain
- Burning or tingling sensations that run down the leg
- Persistent or shooting pain in one side of the rear, leg, or hip
- Difficulty standing up or walking after long periods of sitting
- Weakness or numbness when moving one’s leg or foot
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Sciatica
The origins of sciatica pain are diverse, with common causes including:
- A herniated disc: Often caused by wear and tear, herniated discs occur when the soft interior of a spinal disk protrudes through a tear in the tougher exterior, aggravating the nearby nerve.
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: Characterised by the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, this condition can exert pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Degenerative disk disease: This involves the breakdown of spinal disks, which function as cushions between the vertebrae, leading to pain.
- Spondylolisthesis: This is when one vertebra slips over another.
- Pregnancy
- Muscle spasms in the back or buttocks area
Additionally, there are a few risk factors which could increase one’s likelihood of developing sciatica pain, such as:
- Ageing
- Diabetes
- Having a bigger body size
- Being sedentary
- Weak core muscles (glutes, abs, and back)
- Frequently lifting heavy objects incorrectly
- Previous injuries to the lower back or spine
- Wearing high heels frequently
- Sleeping on an unsupportive mattress
- Smoking
Types of Massages to Address Sciatica Pain
Massage therapy encompasses a host of techniques, each uniquely beneficial for addressing sciatica pain. Here are the most common types of massages individuals may use to manage sciatica pain:
- Sports massage: Targets areas of tension and pain relevant to physically active individuals.
- Deep tissue massage: Focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to manage chronic pain.
- Swedish massage: Employs gentle, soothing strokes to promote blood flow and overall relaxation.
- Neuromuscular massage: Addresses certain muscle groups to manage pain and encourage functional mobility.
- Myofascial release: Aims to relieve tension stored in the connective tissue, easing overall discomfort.
The choice of massage technique for addressing sciatica should be tailored to meet one’s needs and preferences, as each type of massage employs distinct methods to provide relief.
Can Sports Massage Help Sciatica?
Research, including a study published in The Scientific World Journal in 2014, suggests that deep tissue massage techniques — akin to those used in sports massages — have the potential to effectively reduce pain for patients with chronic low back pain, a common symptom of sciatica. Additional potential benefits of sports massage for sciatica include:
- Loosening and relaxing muscles: Easing muscle tension around the sciatic nerve may provide some level of relief from pressure and pain.
- Improving circulation: Enhanced circulation facilitates the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen, speeding up the healing process.
- Releasing endorphins: These natural pain relievers are released during massage, helping to mitigate pain effectively.
- Reducing stress: Lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body through massage decreases overall stress levels.
- Reducing reliance on painkillers: Effective pain management through massage may decrease the need for medication.
- Improving sleep quality: Addressing pain and discomfort can lead to better sleep quality and duration.
- Enhancing general well-being: Improvement in physical conditions through massage has the potential to boost overall health and well-being.
Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
Besides sports massages, physiotherapy may also be employed to address lumbar pain and manage sciatica. Physiotherapy offers non-invasive approaches to manage sciatic nerve pain and symptoms. Considering your pain levels, activity levels, work requirements, and personal goals, a physiotherapist may recommend one or more of the following:
- Spinal mobilisation: Gentle movements that aim to improve spinal joint mobility and manage pain.
- Massage therapy and trigger point therapy: Techniques that aim to address muscle tension and inflammation in the back, thighs, and buttocks, promoting relaxation and managing pain.
- Postural correction or support: Techniques that aim to promote healthy spinal alignment and manage unnecessary stress on the sciatic nerve.
- Joint and tissue mobilisations and release: Aims to promote normal joint movement and provide some level of relief from muscle tightness.
- Dry needling: Aims to stimulate some level of healing and address pain by targeting trigger points in muscles.
- Strengthening exercises: Improves core and back muscle strength to support the spine and potentially minimise pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Extension and flexion back exercises: These exercises, such as McKenzie exercises or lumbar rotations, aim to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles that support the lower back.
References
Address Your Sciatica Pain
Addressing sciatica pain is crucial for maintaining mobility and enhancing quality of life. That is why ensuring that you receive care from trained professionals is vital for the safety and effectiveness of your treatment. It is recommended to visit a trusted physiotherapy clinic for a customised management plan tailored to your needs.