What is Sciatica ?
It is the symptoms of leg pain and possibly tingling, numbness, or weakness that originate in the lower back and travel through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of each leg.
Sciatica is often characterised by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs)
- Pain that is worse when sitting
- Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling, or searing (versus a dull ache)
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes
- A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk
- Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes (it rarely occurs only in the foot)
How does Massage help with Sciatica?
- Tight lower back muscles and gluteals can place stress on your nerve roots. Massage therapy loosens these muscles and helps prevent pinching or irritation thus lessening the pain.
- A massage encourages the release of pain-fighting endorphins. This can provide relief from symptoms like the throbbing pain in your foot or the burning sensation in your leg.
For more information on how massage can help treat the pain associated with sciatica please call our office on 02 9905 9099 or email our friendly staff admin@neurohealthchiro.com.au
By Diana Carolin – Massage Therapist – Neurohealth Chiropractic
