Sciatica

Sciatica Massage: Reducing Pain & Inflammation Naturally

Share

A certified/licensed massage therapist performs chiropractic therapeutic massage under the direction of a chiropractor to soothe tense muscles, release pressure on the nerve/s, break up scar tissue, and stimulate the release of endorphins. Studies have shown that a therapeutic chiropractic massage is as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief caused by various musculoskeletal conditions, including sciatica. Although medications can work for a time, they do not deal with the underlying cause of sciatica.

Sciatica Massage

A sciatica massage offers several benefits that include the following:

  • Improved and increased blood circulation.
  • Lowered blood pressure.
  • Release of hormones that help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Relieves body discomfort and soreness by decreasing the activation of pain receptors in the spine and muscles.
  • Inflammation alleviation.
  • Muscle stress relief.
  • Muscle relaxation.
  • Flare-up relief and prevention.
  • Improves sleep.

Massage Types

Each type of massage is designed for a different purpose.

Manual Manipulation

  • Improves mobility and reduces pain.
  • Stretches tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Mobilization

  • Focuses on the musculoskeletal system to improve mobility.

Connective Tissue

  • A deeper massage that targets connective tissues like ligaments and tendons.

Deep Tissue Massage

  • Designed to reach the deep layers to realign the muscles and fascia.

Myofascial Massage

  • Releases trigger points, adhesions, and nerve endings.

Healing Phases

Most cases of sciatica resolve in less than 4 to 6 weeks with conservative treatment. More severe cases with neurologic symptoms can have a longer recovery period.

Phase One

  • Alleviates discomfort, numbness, tingling, pain, and other symptoms.
  • The pain is reduced so the chiropractor and therapists can begin to address the cause, although the other symptoms and sensations could still be experienced.
  • If muscle spasms are present, they will be less frequent and with less intensity.

Phase Two

  • The individual can focus on functioning within their normal environment.
  • The chiropractor and therapists examine if they can get up and stand from a chair without problems, get in and out of a car, sit for longer periods, and walk with less discomfort.
  • A reflex test will be performed to analyze how the healing process is coming along.
  • If there is significant nerve damage, reflexes could be lessened.
  • For example, if sciatic inflammation is present, and the Achilles tendon is tapped with a reflex hammer, there could be little or no movement of the calf muscles.
  • If there is an improvement, there will be a healthy reflex.
  • The straight leg test will show if the individual can lift their leg with little or no pain.

Phase Three

  • The final healing phase provides the ability of normal movements and full strength.
  • This is when the individual can resume normal activities, specifically, those stopped because of the pain.
  • This can include walking, driving, house chores, sports, or working out.

Contact our office for treatment options customized to the individual and their injury.


Sciatica?


References

Camino Willhuber GO, Piuzzi NS. Straight Leg Raise Test. [Updated 2022 June 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539717/

Chang C, Jeno SH, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Piriformis Muscle. [Updated 2022 October 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519497/

Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2022 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/

Marian Majchrzycki, Piotr Kocur, Tomasz Kotwicki, “Deep Tissue Massage and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Trial,” The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, Article ID 287597, 7 pages, 2014. doi.org/10.1155/2014/287597

Miller, Kenneth Jeffrey. “Physical assessment of lower extremity radiculopathy and sciatica.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,2 (2007): 75-82. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.001

The Centralization Phenomenon in Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation of Discogenic Low Back Pain and Sciatica. chiro.org/Low_Back_Pain/The_Centralization_Phenomenon.shtml. Accessed October 22, 2022.

Professional Scope of Practice *

Related Post

The information herein on "Sciatica Massage: Reducing Pain & Inflammation Naturally" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Dr Alex Jimenez

Welcome-Bienvenido's to our blog. We focus on treating severe spinal disabilities and injuries. We also treat Sciatica, Neck and Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal mobility, health, fitness, and structural conditioning. We use Individualized Diet Plans, Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Adapted Cross-Fit Protocols, and the "PUSH System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. If you would like to learn more about a Doctor of Chiropractic who uses advanced progressive techniques to facilitate complete physical health, please connect with me. We focus on simplicity to help restore mobility and recovery. I'd love to see you. Connect!

Published by

Recent Posts

Lumbosacral Joint L5-S1: Key Facts and Tips for Health

For individuals trying to retrain their body movements for back health improvement, what is the… Read More

Unlock a Pain-Free Body with Pilates

Can individuals with body pain incorporate Pilates to reduce general aches and pains while strengthening… Read More

Maintaining Adequate Sleep: Why It’s Crucial as You Get Older

Sleep is vital at all ages, but what is the amount of sleep for older… Read More

Unveiling the Beneficial Properties of Turmeric for Joints

Can individuals dealing with joint pain incorporate turmeric as part of their treatment to reduce… Read More

Improving Mobility and Emotional Health with Recreation Therapy

Individuals who have been injured or ill or have a chronic disability may be having… Read More

Achieve Optimal Vitamin C Levels with These Strategies

Can individuals incorporate ways to increase their vitamin C levels to boost their immune system… Read More