If you’re dealing with sciatic pain or piriformis syndrome, massage can be an effective way to relieve pain and other symptoms. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, compressed, or injured, leading to pain that ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, burning sensations, shooting pains, or even an electric shock-like feeling in the buttocks, which can radiate down the back of the leg and, in some cases, reach the feet.
Piriformis syndrome is one possible cause of sciatic pain. This occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, presses on the sciatic nerve. In some people, the nerve passes through this muscle, increasing the likelihood of compression. During pregnancy, changes in posture and the added weight of the growing baby can also contribute to sciatic pain. Massage is safe during all stages of pregnancy, more about massage during pregnancy.
Other factors, such as trigger points in the gluteal muscles to the sides of the hips, can mimic sciatic pain. These trigger points are hyperirritable spots in the muscle and fascia, often painful to touch, that may cause pain to radiate, referring down the leg, following the same path as the sciatic nerve.
Clinical massage, Thai massage and myofascial release techniques can help relieve sciatic pain by softening fascia and relaxing muscles that may be compressing the nerve, especially effective when the cause is muscular, such as in piriformis syndrome. Additionally, releasing trigger points, stetches and compressing acupressure points work to reduce pain and ease discomfort. Massage also promotes the release of oxytocin and other feel-good hormones while reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), which can help manage stress, anxiety, and pain levels.
During your first session, I’ll do a thorough consultation to ensure the best treatment. Adaptions can be made, including in positioning, if lying face down is uncomfortable, you can rest on your pain-free side. For mild to moderate symptoms, a course of massages combined with self-care practices like exercise provides relief. However, for severe symptoms, additional medical attention may be necessary. More about sciatica causes and treatments and also on WellBNs website
As much as possible doing gentle exercise, keeping moving and not sitting too long will also be beneficial. Ensure you support your lower back when sitting and care such as bending your knees when lifting heavy objects is advisable and if you sit with your wallet or bulk objects in your back pocket take it out and you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes. Gentle heat applied, especially around the lower back and buttock of the side affected, helps ease any muscle tension and is preferable to using ice.
NICE the National Institute for Health and Care excellence guidelines include ‘consider manual therapy (spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques such as massage) for managing low back pain with or without sciatica, but only as part of a treatment package including exercise, with or without psychological therapy’ [2016]
The sciatic nerve is the body’s longest and thickest nerve, formed from five nerve roots emerging from the lower spine. As it extends toward the knee, it branches into two nerves that continue down to the feet. Sciatic pain can stem from various factors, including prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or spinal conditions like a herniated (slipped) disc. Symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually. more about the sciatic nerve here.
Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body, however, if you experience symptoms on both sides simultaneously, muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, pelvic numbness, or difficulty lifting your foot, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Feel free to ask how my treatments can help you, contact me via email or on 07739155807
