The long and tortuous course of the sciatic nerve makes it prone to getting impinged and pressed. This is why 1 to 5% of individuals across the globe suffer from it annually. The excruciating pain caused by sciatic nerve impingement can seriously hamper life and is, therefore, a leading cause of missed days from work.
The worst part of sciatic nerve inflammation i.e. sciatica is that it takes a long time to subside. Individuals prone to developing sciatica frequently find themselves tied to the bed due to the sharp electric pain.
Symptoms Of Sciatica
The manifestation of sciatic nerve impingement varies between individuals. In most cases, it represents itself as sharp, shock-like pain that travels from behind the buttocks down to the thigh or even up to the foot. Some individuals report altered sensations (paresthesia), numbness, burning, or tingling along the path of the nerve.
Causes Of Sciatica
Sciatica is the outcome of lumbar disc herniation in most cases. Slipping of the vertebral disc in your spine puts excess pressure on the nearby sciatic nerve causing pain and paresthesia. This can be the result of many conditions including:
- Injury/trauma
- Working in incorrect postures
- Sports injuries
There are certain risk factors that put a step closer to developing sciatica. Obesity is a significant risk factor for sharp radiating sciatic nerve pain. Other risk factors include poor general health habits (such as smoking), physical stress on the spine, and depression (psychological stress).
Treatment Of Sciatica
Every person suffering from the gnawing pain of sciatica wants to get instant relief. Alas! This is easier said than done. There are numerous treatment modalities to go at sciatica, however, massage therapy for sciatica is the closest to instant relief provision. Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the sciatic nerve gets trapped around the piriformis muscle in the buttocks. This condition gives rise to low back pain and sciatica.
Massage Therapy
A lot of people around the world visit a physical therapist to alleviate leg pain. Massage therapy is a proven effective modality in managing sciatic nerve pain. Modern therapists add Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to the regular massage session to enhance results.
The use of traditional massage for easing sciatica is advocated by a study published in the World Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Physiotherapy is effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life. Better results can be seen if it is paired with electrotherapy or exercise.
According to a study carried out in 2020, deep friction massage can lead to a significant reduction in low back pain caused by piriformis syndrome. The group receiving Muscle energy technique along with deep friction massage reported greater improvements in range in motion and pain sensitivity.
You should consider getting a massage session because it has been proven by studies that massage therapy leads to an increased range of motion, a noticeable decrease in pain, and quicker healing.
Massage Guns For Sciatica
Going to the massage therapist can be hectic and full of danger considering the life-threatening coronavirus conditions.
Don't worry there is a reliable alternative to an in-house massage session, welcome the massage gun. An electric massage gun can kick out pain and inflammation from your leg/buttock faster than you can imagine. Plus you don't need to wait for massage therapist’s appointments.
A modern massage gun is designed to mimic the hands of a masseuse and is full of health benefits for sciatica patients. Electric massage guns can efficiently reduce the drug dependence of the patient. As the massager gun eases the painful site physically, the requirement of pain-killer drugs, thereby, saving you from the risk of gastric ulcers, excessive loading of kidneys, and skin allergies.
Research has shown that massage guns for sciatica can effectively improve lower limb mobility while cutting down levels of pain.
How To Use Massage Gun for sciatica
For Sciatica Using a massage gun for sciatica might sound simple but is a technical job if you want instant relief.
Follow these steps to ensure proper relaxation and pain relief:
- Choose a flat surface and lie down with your arms relaxed.
- Ask a friend/family to handle the massage gun.
- The massage gun handler should use light vibrations via the rounded head of the massage gun.
- Start with slow and liner strokes.
- Continue getting the massage only until it is easy and doesn't induce pain.
- Avoid direct stimulation on the painful vertebra.
- Only apply moderate pressure with the position of the gun being sideways of the body (instead of perpendicular).
- Try switching to the bullet head after a couple of minutes. Stimulate the painful/inflamed areas for 15 seconds (at least).
You can also use the U-shaped head and slide from the base of the spine to the cervical spine.
Rest And Medications
Taking a break from working has worked for many. Having some rest is the first step to reducing the excruciating pain. Alternative hold and cold application on the painful site has helped some.
Add some nerve pain-killing medicines such as gabapentin and pregabalin. However, the safest intervention is therapy through a massage gun as evident from studies.
Best Massage Guns
Getting an ideal massage gun for sciatica is difficult but not anymore. ZarifaUSA offers the best massage guns for different nerve-muscle ailments. If you are tired of the persistent agony caused by sciatica, click here to get the ultimate tool for pain relief i.e. a massage gun for sciatica.
Prevention of Sciatica
Preventing sciatica involves a combination of healthy habits and ergonomic practices. Regular exercise that strengthens the back muscles and core can significantly reduce the risk of developing sciatica. Yoga and Pilates are particularly beneficial as they improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the spine. Maintaining proper posture, especially while sitting for long periods, is crucial. Ergonomic chairs that support the natural curve of the spine can help prevent the onset of sciatic symptoms. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the pressure on the spine and the sciatic nerve.
Advanced Treatment Options
While traditional therapies like physical therapy and medication are effective, some cases might benefit from more advanced treatments:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These are used to reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve.
- Microdiscectomy: This is a minimally invasive surgery that involves removing the part of the intervertebral disc that is pressing on the sciatic nerve.
- Laser Therapy: A newer treatment option that uses light to reduce inflammation and promote pain relief.
Exploring these advanced treatments can provide additional pathways to relief for those suffering from severe sciatica.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Managing Sciatica
Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing sciatica pain:
- Diet: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as turmeric, ginger, green leafy vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated helps maintain the fluidity of the spine and may reduce the risk of disc herniation.
- Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate sciatica symptoms. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or even counseling can help manage stress levels.
Technological Innovations in Sciatica Management
The integration of technology in treating sciatica has seen promising advancements:
- Wearable Devices: Devices that monitor posture and alert users when they’re slumping could prevent sciatic pain.
- Virtual Reality Therapy: Emerging as a tool for pain management, allowing patients to navigate environments that teach relaxation techniques and stretching exercises for sciatica relief.
Community and Support
Joining support groups, either online or in-person, can provide emotional and practical support for managing sciatica. Sharing experiences and tips with others who understand what you are going through can be incredibly beneficial.
Conclusion
Sciatica refers to inflammation of the sciatic nerve that is the outcome of poor posture, obesity, injury, trauma, or a slipped disc. Piriformis syndrome is another condition where the nerve gets entrapped in the piriformis muscle. Taking rest, applying cold to the painful site can be helpful but the best solution is to get massage therapy. Thanks to the advancements in technology, now you don't need to visit a masseuse as all the benefits of a therapist's hands can be achieved via a massage gun for sciatica.
