Dealing with sciatica can be a harsh experience. It keeps you from your normal activities and can even make sitting or standing for long periods of time painful. Yes, medication can help, but many of us don’t want to rely on pain killers for an extended length of time. Below, we show you how to treat sciatica with massage.
The Causes of Sciatica
Your sciatic nerve is actually a collection of nerves that run from your lower back to your thighs. When these nerves become disrupted, it causes pain which we refer to as sciatica.
Some of the causes of sciatic nerve pain are:
- Pregnancy
- Muscle spasms
- Degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis (a spinal condition where one vertebra can slip over another)
Some things can make the pain even worse, including an uncomfortable mattress, wearing high heels frequently, and being overweight.
How Massage can Treat Sciatica
A massage therapist works the whole area around the nerve for the best results. They’ll use techniques to help with:
- Loosening the muscles: If the muscles in your lower back and core are tight, they can put pressure on your sciatic nerve. This tightness can also cause adhesions (commonly referred to as knots) resulting in trigger point pain. This creates a vicious cycle of pain and stress in the area. Massage brings relief by loosening the muscles and knots.
- Releasing endorphins: During a massage, certain receptors in the brain become stimulated. This causes endorphins to release in the body, creating a feel-good reaction.
- Stress reduction: When your brain releases endorphins, it also decreases the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol affects the levels of stress in your body. When it lowers, so does your stress levels, which means relaxation for your body. And that relaxation lessens your perception of pain.
Treating Sciatica with Corporate Oasis Massage
We offer a holistic approach to treating sciatica in the greater Cleveland area. By treating our clients with on-site massages, it’s easy to work treatment into your busy schedule. If you’d like to add massage to your corporate benefits, reach out to us to put together a package that works for you and your employees.