Sciatic Nerve Pain

The sciatic nerve exits the spine in the low back and passes though the major muscles in the low back and hip. Where the nerve diverges from the spinal column it is about as big around as your thumb. Sciatica, chronic pain in the sciatic nerve, usually starts in the low back and shoots down into the hip and leg. For some people, the pain can effect all the down in the ankle and foot.

The muscles most likely to press on the sciatic nerve are the quadratus lumborum and piriformis. The nerve passes through both large muscles which work to stabilize the pelvis and low back. When the muscles are tight it they can put pressure on the sciatic nerve triggering the pain pattern described above. Massage therapy can help to alleviate the pain by reducing the tension in these and surrounding muscles. In these therapy sessions we work to release the effected muscles and reduce muscular pressure on the nerve. Many patients gain relief from their sciatic nerve pain by having therapeutic massage performed. Along with pain relief the other goal of the massage is to allow those suffering to return to their regular activities and improve the quality of their lives.

By Anne L’Esperance, Certified Massage Therapist
Results oriented, just like you.