It can, and the reason for this is because it causes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine to tighten. This, in turn, can put a strain on your spine and pull on the sensitive nerve roots, causing pain.
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve extending from the lower back, down the back of each leg, so the symptoms of sciatica include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the rear, or leg that is worse when sitting
- Hip pain
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand
Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and on through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes.
Can Sports massage help relieve Sciatica?
Your Sports Massage Therapist will tailor the treatment based on the severity and location of the pain. They may focus on loosening tight muscles around the lower back, glutes, and legs while avoiding excessive pressure directly on the sciatic nerve itself.
Here’s how sports massage may help:
- Muscle Relaxation: Tight muscles in the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings can compress the sciatic nerve. Sports massage helps relax these muscles, reducing pressure on the nerve and easing symptoms.
- Improved Circulation: Massage promotes blood flow to the affected area, which can aid in reducing inflammation and enhancing the healing process.
- Release of Trigger Points: Sports massage targets trigger points, or knots in the muscles, that might be contributing to pain. Releasing these points can help reduce referred pain caused by muscle tension pressing on the sciatic nerve.
- Reduced Tension: By relieving overall tension in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, massage can improve mobility, flexibility, and posture, all of which can help manage or prevent sciatica flare-ups.
- Endorphin Release: Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, which can help to temporarily reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
Should I consult my Doctor about my sciatica symptoms?
I would always recommend consulting a Doctor in the first instance. If sciatica is caused by something like a herniated disc, it’s also important to complement massage therapy with other treatments, such as physical therapy or stretching exercises, for long-term relief.
Please refer to the NHS website for further information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/