Relief for Sciatic Pain

3D_still_showing_Sciatica_nerve-attribution.jpg – By www.scientificanimations.com/ – CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80100875

It starts in the small of your back, it radiates to your hip and down your leg. It can disappear completely while you’re resting in a comfortable position and then when you take a step, the burning pain can stop you cold. You may be experiencing sciatic pain, caused by an inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, rooted in the spinal cord at the lower back and extending through the buttock and down the back of the leg. When this nerve becomes inflamed or impinged, the pain can be excruciating.

The causes of sciatic pain are numerous and varied. Everything from a herniated lumbar disc to a muscle spasm in the hip/thigh region (piriformis syndrome) could be at the root of your problem. There are therapies and relief for sciatic pain, but it is important to consult your doctor to determine the cause and severity of your specific problem before beginning any treatment or exercise.

The good news is that most sciatic pain can be alleviated through non-invasive measures. Physio therapy, chiropractic, exercise, and massage can be great resources for sciatic pain relief once you have a diagnosis.

Stretching for Sciatic Pain Relief

There are many stretches, common in yoga practices, that can help to relieve sciatic pain and even prevent it, to some extent. These are just a few that are commonly prescribed in the treatment of some sciatic pain (again, be sure you understand the cause of your pain before beginning a yoga practice or stretching regime.)

Knees to Chest Stretch

Start by lying on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor hip width apart. Lift one knee toward your chest and hold it with both hands for 20 seconds. Repeat 3 times, alternating legs.

Modified Cobra

Lie on the floor, face down, with your elbows bent and your weight resting on your forearms. Arch your back gently by pushing down on the floor with your hands. You should feel a slight stretch in your stomach muscles, but don’t lift so far as to arch your lower back. Keep your hips on the floor at all times. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 8 to 10 times.

Standing Hamstring Stretch

Standing upright, raise one leg and rest it on a step or against a wall, keeping the leg straight. Lean forward and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat 2 or 3 times with each leg.

It is important to note that while performing these exercises, the feeling of stretching muscles is normal. However, they should never cause your sciatic pain to increase. If this should happen, you need to stop immediately to avoid further injury.

Massage Can Help

Massage can be an important part of your pain and recovery toolkit when you are looking for sciatic pain relief. A professional massage therapist can gently stretch and manipulate those tense muscles in your lower back, buttock, and outer thigh area. This will help to restore circulation, reducing inflammation, and relieving pressure on the impinged nerves.

Acupressure will take this relief a little further. By applying a measured amount of pressure to the same acu-points on the body used in the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture (but without any needles). A skilled acupressure massage therapist can help restore balance and natural pain relief to your whole body. A balanced body will in turn be better able to begin healing itself.

The massage therapists at Easy Cozy Wellness in Abbotsford, BC, are highly trained and experienced in treating sciatic pain through massage and acupressure. Book your appointment for acupressure massage today and let the Easy Cozy Wellness team help you find your sciatic pain relief.

References

1. MedicineNet “Sciatica Nerve Pain” https://www.medicinenet.com/sciatica/article.htm
2. SpineUniverse.com “Sciatica Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment” https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/sciatica
3. Nhs.uk “Exercises for Sciatica” https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercises-for-sciatica/