In 15% of the population, the sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis muscle rather than beneath it.
When the muscle shortens or spasms due to trauma or overuse, it can compress the sciatic nerve beneath the muscle. Sciatica is a symptom of a problem at some point along the sciatic nerve rather than an ailment in and of itself.
A herniated disc in the back, spinal stenosis and piriformis syndrome are medical disorders that can cause sciatica. Individuals who have sciatica are often crippled by it.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve. And it is usually marked by pain and tenderness along the course of the nerve on through to the thigh and leg. You know it when you have sciatica. It is extremely painful and its located in the buttocks area and extends down the rear of the thigh, lower leg and to the sole of the foot.
It could also affect the outer side of the lower leg, the top of the foot and in the lower back. In addition to pain, which is sometimes severe, there may be numbness, muscular weakness, pins and needles or tingling and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg.
Note: Runners are vulnerable to pinched nerves from overtraining and intensive exercise. Inflammation from pinched nerves do not subside with anti-inflammatory pills or painkillers.
The 3 Symptoms of Sciatica:
- Numbness- When this muscle begins to tighten, it pushes down on the sciatic nerve that, in turn, causes numbness and pain.
- Muscle weakness- Any weakness or injuries to the feet, legs and hip muscles can lead to sciatica. Weakness may also be the result of inflammation from an old injury that has not fully healed.
- Tingling- Pinched nerves in the back or leg muscles can cause a tingling sensation. A compressed nerve root in the spine may also cause tingling.
Causes of Sciatica:
- Pregnancy
- Cycling
- Running
- Sitting for long periods of time (driving or working)
- Injury to the hip joint or surrounding muscles
- Osteoarthritis
- Piriformis Syndrome
Treating Sciatica through Massage & Stretching:
We use many different types of massage techniques to eliminate Sciatica (i.e. deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and P.N.F. stretching). Massage therapy combined with stretching and an exercise program can alleviate spasms, muscle guarding, increase blood flow and bring necessary oxygen to the muscle tissues.
This is very effective for increasing the range of motion to the hip and back muscles. Normalizing the muscle tension and mobility of the surrounding joints through massage can allow for increase normal function without pain or aggravation to the sciatic nerve. When you engage in a regular program of strengthening and stretching exercises, you can recover more quickly from a flare up of sciatica and there would be a lesser chance of future pain flare-ups.
Massage Rate:
- 60 min session = $90
- 75 min. session = $105 (recommended length)
- 90 min. session = $130
At Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy, we strive to help you live pain-free. So when you decide that living with pain and dysfunction is NOT something that, you want to continue experiencing call us at 408 247-1169.
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