Sciatica can make sitting for long periods feel almost unbearable. At Medi-ssage Health in Tempe, Arizona, medical massage provider Arricka Watkins, LMT, MMP, performs several types of physical therapy to address sciatica pain. The practice provides lasting relief from pain without surgery or medication. To learn more about sciatica, call Medi-ssage Health or schedule an appointment online today.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down the back of the thighs, legs, and feet. When the nerve becomes irritated, sciatica can develop. Sciatica most often causes one-sided pain and discomfort, but it can radiate to the other side as well.
Without treatment, sciatica can be debilitating. Along with pain, it may also cause weakness and numbness that affect your ability to sit, stand, or walk comfortably. Pain medication can temporarily relieve your sciatica symptoms, but hands-on therapy helps address the cause of your pain.
Sciatica symptoms can vary depending on the severity of your condition. Common symptoms of sciatica include:
You have one sciatic nerve on each side of your body. The affected side often determines which limb sciatica impacts.
Sciatica occurs when the nerve becomes compressed or inflamed. The most common causes of sciatica include:
The discs that sit in between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility in the spine. Each disc includes a hard outer shell and soft center. When damage or wear and tear creates cracks in the outer shell, the center pushes through. That can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.
Bone spurs are small growths that typically form on the end of damaged joints. These bony growths can irritate or compress your sciatic nerve and cause uncomfortable symptoms.
Risk factors for the above causes of sciatic include:
Individuals with physical occupations, such as carpenters, electricians, or construction workers, are especially vulnerable to sciatica.
At Medi-ssage Health, the medical massage providers offer several treatments for sciatica, including:
Heat and ice therapy addresses sciatica pain by reducing inflammation and numbing discomfort. While heat improves blood circulation to promote healing, ice acts as an anesthetic to numb pain.
Myofascial release is a specialized massage technique that relieves tension in the fascia, a thin type of connective tissue.
When placed near the sciatic nerve, kinesiology tape helps release compression to improve blood flow and promote healing.
To learn more about sciatica, call Medi-ssage Health or schedule an appointment online today.
