Sciatica refers to a type of back pain that affects the sciatic nerve, one of the primary nerves in your lower back. The sciatic nerve exits your spine at the top of your pelvic girdle and travels down the length of your legs. It then runs between each of your buttocks to exit at the top of your thigh. When you experience sciatica, this nerve is either irritated or compressed, which causes you pain. Since sciatica is often due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, most people tend to focus on moving their spine in a backward fashion. For example, you may notice that when you lie down on your right side, the left side of your body feels weaker than usual and you experience increased discomfort there as well.

Fortunately, almost any form of regular physical activity can help relieve some of the tension and pain from this condition. Another important thing to keep in mind is that sciatica is not the same as disc problems. You can have

disc issues without experiencing sciatica, and the two conditions can even occur at the same time. However, if you’re looking for an all-natural treatment for sciatica that doesn’t involve moving your spine in a backward manner or taking any medicines or supplements with artificial ingredients, then read on for more information about how massage for sciatica can help relieve pain naturally.

How is Sciatica Diagnosed?

Before you can have a massage for sciatica, you must first find out if you actually have sciatica. Sciatica is typically diagnosed using conventional or allopathic medicine modalities.  These modalities include radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography.

Radiography –

also known as x-ray or plain films, uses photons to produce a 2D image of the anatomical structures in question. In the case of sciatica, your doctor may order a lumbar spine, bony pelvis, and /or sacroiliac joint x-rays to diagnose sciatica.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging –

Also known as MRI, uses a magnetic field strength of either 1.5T or 3T, along with radio frequency, to create a resonance of the hydrogen protons (H+) in your body. When you enter the MRI machine, the H+ in your body line up with the magnetic field. Using a radio frequency identical to that of the H+, the H+ are moved 90 degrees from the direction of the magnetic field. At which time the radio frequency is turned off. The H+ then begin to relax back to the direction of the magnetic field. The H+ in the various body tissues relax back at different rates, which produce different signals. This process is what makes MRIs take so long because the tissues only produce a small amount of signal after each relaxation period. Finally, after some extremely powerful computer processing, we see the pictures we are all familiar with.

Your doctor may order a lumbar spine, lumbar plexus, bony pelvis, or sacroiliac joint MRI to diagnose sciatica.

Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography –

EMG and NCS are performed together. This is an all-encompassing procedure to analyze and record electrical impulses in your muscles. To record electrical activity, tiny needles are inserted into your muscles during the EMG.

To determine if a nerve works normally, the NCS is often performed in conjunction with the EMG. The electrodes are then placed at various points on the skin along the nerve pathway. Your healthcare provider will then be able to determine the exact site of the injury by stimulating different nerves.

4 Reasons Why Massage Is Effective For Sciatica

1. It Relieves Muscle Tension – When your muscles are tensed, they can become tighter and possibly even inflamed. And when muscles are inflamed, they’re much more likely to cause pain and inflammation, even if you’re moving in an appropriate way.

With a massage for sciatica, you’re targeting the muscles that are causing your pain through gentle, rhythmic pressure. By relaxing these muscles, you’re allowing your nerve to continue its work without being impeded by pain.

2. It Increases Range of Motion – Another thing that massage for sciatica can do is increase your range of motion. By increasing your range of motion, you’re allowing your muscles to work more efficiently, and you’re reducing the risk of injury.

3. It Promotes Healing – Massage for sciatica promotes healing in a number of ways. For example, it increases blood flow to your muscles and tissues, which helps to flush waste products out of them and promote their repair.

4. It Decreases Stress – Stress can contribute to the development of back pain, and it can also make it harder to heal once you have it. A regular massage for sciatica, then, can help to reduce your stress levels, making it easier to heal.

Benefits of a Sciatica Massage

There are myriad benefits of having a massage for sciatica. First and foremost, it can help relieve pain and increase flexibility, making everyday activities like walking and sitting much easier.

This can also improve your sleep quality and decrease your risk of back pain from other causes. In some instances, it can even benefit your overall well-being and mental health.

The Best Massage for Sciatica

While a deep tissue massage or Swedish massage are the best massage for sciatica and can be beneficial, a few things about them can make them more effective than others. Most importantly, though, you should look for a professional massage therapist who’s licensed by your state’s board of massage therapy.

Additionally, you should also make sure that they are trained in the use of pressure and are knowledgeable about the treatment of conditions like sciatica. When choosing a therapist, think about what types of massages you would like to have, how often you would like to have them, and where you would like them to take place.

Look no further than Evolve Salon and Spa in Ashburn, Virgina. The head massage therapist,

Chelsea Ballenger. Chelsea has more than 12 years of experience as a massage therapist. Chelsea also specializes in massage for sciatica and lower back pain.

Summary

Sciatica is a type of back pain that is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Fortunately, massage for sciatica is one of the most effective natural treatments and can significantly reduce your pain and improve your flexibility and quality of sleep. In some instances, it can even benefit your mental health and overall well-being.

If you are in Ashburn or the surrounding area and are suffering from sciatic pain, book a massage for sciatica with Chelsea at Evolve Salon and Spa. Always remember to consult your physician before partaking in massage.