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