Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic Nerve Pain – Massage Techniques

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” believed that massage freed nutritive fluids to flow to the body’s organs. The Romans further developed massage practices as part of their healing system. Eastern cultures in India and China have also developed massage techniques for sciatic nerve pain and promoted their benefits. Today we have various massage styles, mostly based on Eastern or Western techniques. Western massage, such as Swedish massage, can relax tense muscles to improve range of motion, remove stress, and increase energy. The pressure on muscles brings a different sensation into the tissues and relieves sciatic nerve pain. Chinese and Japanese forms of massage, such as shiatsu, improve the flow of energy (qi) through the body’s energy channels (meridians). Pressure on acupuncture points releases blocked qi and restores the body’s natural balance.

Reflexology

Reflexologists believe that the organs of the body have representations on different areas of the feet, hands, and ears. Thus, massaging reflex points on the feet and hands can influence vital organs in a distant location. The spinal column is located along the instep of the foot, for example. The lumbar spine is found in a vertical orientation near the ankle bone. Treatment of the sciatic nerve and sacrum includes pressure with a rocking motion over the back, lateral quadrant of the heel. Treatment of the lumbar spine uses pressure over the instep near the heel bone with upward movement toward the ankle. The spine is also represented along the ear rim, as well as the hand. By placing pressure on the reflex points, particularly in the feet, energy is released in the affected area, resulting in relaxation and sciatic nerve  pain relief.

Craniosacral Massage

This massage tries to balance the system that connects the skull (cranio) with the base of the spine (sacrum). Light touch is placed on the skull to balance muscle tension, and the sacrum may also be manipulated. This is gentle massage, with little risk of damaging underlying tissues.

Rolfing/Structural Integration

The theory behind rolfing, named for Ida Rolf, Ph.D., is that thickened fascia (the membrane covering your muscles) results from accu mulated physical imbalances related to specific injuries, such as a hip strain. Connective tissue may shorten around the injury, which adds to unbalanced movements and postures. Rolfing is essentially a deep tissue massage technique involving vigorous movement to loosen adhesions of connective tissues covering these injuries. The technique can be painful as the tensions in joints, ligaments, and muscles are released. The therapy is given in ten one-hour weekly sessions.

How to Choose the Best Bodywork for You

Bodywork refers to a group of manual therapies that promote improved body mechanics and decreased stress. Get the most out of your bodywork technique by planning before your session in the following ways:

■ Identify the goals of the technique you choose.

■ Visit only an experienced practitioner.

■ Tell the practitioner about your concerns.

■ Rest after your session to enjoy its benefits.

■ Talk with your therapist about any necessary preparation.

Massage techniques may use a light touch or a more vigorous stretching of muscles, so decide which type of massage you would most enjoy. Experienced bodywork therapists deliver the best sessions, so find a practitioner who knows the particulars of your condition and the useful techniques for your specific problem. Contact organizations that certify massage therapists or the licensing board of your state to determine the status of the practitioner you are considering. In addition, gather recommendations from other health professionals or the practitioner’s patients.

Sciatic Nerve Pain – Ear Acupuncture

Auriculotherapy is acupuncture of the outer ear. The theory is that the upside-down human body is represented on our ears. Tenderness over parts of the ear corresponds to areas of the body that have been injured. Electrical stimulation of the ear has been reported to increase spinal fluid endorphin levels, our natural opioid chemicals. Many individuals report warmth and other sensations in distant parts of the body with ear stimulation. Acupuncture of the ear is worth a chance to enhance the benefits of other therapies that have not been adequately effective in controlling sciatic nerve pain.