Sciatica is a painful condition that affects a major nerve that runs from the lower back and down each leg. Its primary symptom is discomfort, which can range from mild and infrequent to severe, constant, and life-limiting. The pain may come with numbness or tingling, and it typically only impacts the nerve on one side of the body. Here’s more information about sciatica and how to treat the condition.

Causes

Most cases of sciatica are the result of a herniated spinal disk. This occurs when the spinal bones are injured or worn down from frequent use or age. The spine is comprised of bones that are separated by connective-tissue disks, which will break when their pliable centers are pushed out.

The pliable centers will protrude, placing pressure against the sciatic nerve. Common risk factors for sciatica include advanced age, excess body weight, incorrect lifting of a heavy item, or injury to the back or spine.

Treatment

Treating sciatica is mostly focused on pain relief and management. Shiatsu massage can be just as effective as over-the-counter pain relievers at alleviating symptoms. Sciatica causes muscles to tighten around the sciatic nerve, and a shiatsu massage therapist will relieve this tension and pressure by applying consistent, gentle kneading to the afflicted areas.

Shiatsu massage is also thought to block pain signals between the nerves and brain, and it releases the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, like endorphins and oxytocin. Other ways to relieve sciatica pain include walking, light stretching, and the application of hot or cold compresses.

To schedule a shiatsu massage for sciatica pain, contact Aisen Chiryo Doin in Honolulu, HI. This holistic Shiatsu massage therapy center has alleviated sciatica discomfort from their Oahu clients for over 40 years. It’s also an award-winning shiatsu therapy school that proudly trains the next generation of therapists. View their full list of treatments online, or call (808) 596-7354 to schedule an appointment.