RELIEF FOR SCIATIC PAIN

 Sciatic pain can be a debilitating disorder that is characterized by pain deep in the gluteal region that can travel into the low back as well as down the posterior of the lower extremity through the hamstring  and calf muscles. Sciatica is is a form of neuritis, or nerve inflammation that is often is a secondary condition caused by intervertebral disc lesions found at the levels of L4-L5 and L5-S1 in the low back region, spondylosis, hip dislocations, lumbar disc subluxation, intra-uterine pressure during pregnancy, trauma to the branches of the sciatic nerve, sacroiliac disease, and soft tissue compression from the piriformis muscle and fascial restrictions. 

Piriformis Muscle

The piriformis muscle plays a role in hip abduction and lateral rotation of the hip. The significance of this muscle is its proximity to the sciatic nerve as it exits the sciatic notch. In most cases, the sciatic nerve passes beneath the piriformis muscle as it travels down the posterior leg. For some, the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle, making it susceptible to compression of the piriformis muscle from trauma or spasm. 

Reasons for Piriformis compression

• Prolonged sitting
• Overuse
• Recent increase in activity
• Trauma to the gluteal region

" For some, the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle, making it susceptible to compression of the piriformis muscle from trauma or spasm."

Facial Compression

Fascial is a form of connective tissue (CT) that is layered throughout the body. The deep fascia is irregular CT, where the fibers are organized in a haphazard pattern that separate muscle into functional groups. This construction encourages freedom of muscle movement, support for nerves and blood vessels, and space between muscles. As the sciatic nerve makes its way from the spine to the foot, it must weave through muscles and fascia. Restrictions in these fascial sheaths can result in compression of the sciatic nerve and its branches.

Other causal factors

• Leg length discrepancy
• Foot disorders, e.g., pes planus (flatfeet) and pes cavus (high arch)
• Lordosis (Excessive low back curve)

Massage can be an effective means of treating both the muscular and fascial components, hence the term myofascial. It is necessary to release any tension along the path the sciatic nerve travels including the gluteal muscles, hamstrings, and calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus. Treating the low-back region may be needed as well. A thorough investigation of these areas is crucial for better outcomes for pain-relief and improved function of the low-back and hip. Self-care can include daily stretching and self-massage with a foam roller. I caution a conservative approach when using foam rollers. Too much force applied can aggravate the condition. 

SITTING CAN BE HURTING YOUR LOW BACK

Research Indicates Massage Can Help Alleviate Low-Back Pain

Does this look or should I say, feel familiar? Low-back pain (LPB) is common and its prevalence in society is growing. The range varies globally between 22 to 65% of the population experiencing LBP.

"The results showed that massage yielded the most benefit in reducing LBP."

Reasons

 There was the time you lifted something heavy or perhaps you are belong to a large contingent of the workforce who have desk jobs where for hours at a time they are glued to the desk and screen. Two of the main reasons researched were heavy lifting and sitting. While studies do suggest other factors could contribute to this condition, I believe enough people reading this can relate the LBP they have experienced to either to one or both. 

1. Heavy Lifting

Occupations where heavy lifting is involved can contribute to LBP and interfere with daily activities such as getting out of a chair, getting in and out of a vehicle, putting their shoes on, walking, and going up and down stairs. 

2. Sitting

 

How many people are now working from home in less than ideal conditions? Sure, by now they have purchased a new chair or desk to make for a better ergonomic environment, but they are in the same place, sitting for hours at a time. Research indicates that there is a correlation between the time spent sitting and low-back back pain intensity. There are also implications that prolonged sitting can negatively impact the lower back including tightening of the lumbar spine (low-back region), increased intra-disc pressure, reduced strength of low-back muscles.

"Research indicates that there is a correlation between the time spent sitting and low-back back pain intensity."

Research Results

A recent study used complimentary/alternative methods of treatment for LBP including massage, yoga, spinal manipulation, and acupuncture to evaluate their effectiveness as a treatment for individuals suffering from low back pain. In the end, the results showed that massage yielded the most benefit in reducing LBP. The other methods used are certainly beneficial and I highly recommend whatever works best for each individual. Another important factor revealed during this research was that individuals were presented with opioids as a standard option for treatment, where any complimentary/alternative option was not promoted with consistency. This indicates the need for further education of how massage should be a strong consideration as part of a treatment plan. Patients should ask their primary provider about massage as an option to treat their LBP in an effort to reduce the need for prescription or over-the-counter pain-killers.

Take the time to get and walk around on breaks and stretch when possible. For low-back stretches, follow CG Massage Dynamics on Facebook at https://fb.watch/1vaZVWWy9M/

Chuck Geraci, LMT

facebook.com/cgeracilmt

 

SOCIAL (UN)DISTANCING WITH MASSAGE

Getting acquainted or re-acquainted with massage

 

Welcome to my blog! Being a licensed massage therapist for more than 22 years and teaching massage for more than 20 years has given me a unique perspective regarding health and wellness. I have had the good fortune of cultivating a client base who trust me to help them maintaining their health. 

So why now? Why start a blog about being touched by another when social distancing is the norm and wearing masks in full vogue? Oddly enough, I believe that our isolation from each other over the last seven months has created a need for socialization more than ever and what better way to re-establish social acceptance than meeting a friend for coffee, going to restaurant, or receive bodywork? Wait, massage requires touching, isn't that taboo? That depends on your perspective.

Benefits

Research suggests there are a plethora of benefits that massage therapy offers, here are just a few:

• Bolstering the immune system
• Increase relaxation and decrease anxiety
• Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreasing pain and activating the parasympathetic nervous system 
• Reducing headaches, neck pain, and back pain

Let's look at the first one. Considering the current environment of hand sanitizing, social distancing, and mask-wearing, it wouldn't hurt to boost your immune system as well. Studies indicate that massage increases killer-T cell (lymphocyte) levels that boost immune responses. Another aspect that goes hand-in -hand with this is the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. What's that? It is the chill mode essentially, where most body systems slow down except digestion. Why is this important? Well, it means you are not running in the sympathetic nervous system, the fright, flight, or fight response. Here, your body is releasing stress hormones such as cortisol. How many of us are operating in this mode more often than not? Studies have shown decreases in cortisol after receiving massage. 

"Research suggests there are a plethora of benefits that massage massage therapy offers"

Most of my clients come in for stress reduction and reducing muscle aches and pains. Studies have suggested that massage helps reduce myofascial pain and increase range of motion (ROM) of our joints. Massage has been shown to have an effect on trigger points. Applying static pressure over trigger points activated the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation mode) and had an influence on heart rate. Headaches were reduced when trigger points were treated with massage as well as back and neck pain. How many people are working from home in make-shift offices or parents teaching their kids in the classroom that was once the dining room? Are you going to tell me there is no neck or back pain out there? Of course there is. 

"Headaches were reduced when trigger points were treated with massage as well as back and neck pain."

 Why not explore an option to remedy the situation? If you have an issue with your tissues, perhaps the skillful application of manual techniques to reduce tension in your muscles is what is in order. I was posed with the question asking who would opt for getting a massage in the current environment? Massage is optional. With respect to this statement I would say that exercise is an option too, as is maintaining a healthy diet low in fat, sodium, and sugar. There are plenty of options in life. Why not choose those that can improve your health?

The bottom line is, I am not in the convincing business, merely the information-dispensing business. I respect everyone's position on staying COVID-free. But if you are interested, be a lurker, better yet, ask me a question about massage. No question is a silly one. Massage involves one person allowing another into their most personal space, you should be comfortable with that choice. 

Chuck Geraci, LMT

Follow CG Massage Dynamics at facebook.com/cgeracilmt