If you have a herniated disc or low back pain that radiates down one or both of your legs (also known as sciatica), a massage gun may help with the pain, numbness, and tingling that many people experience.
The bottom line is that if you have tight muscles that are causing sciatic nerve pain, then a massage gun might just be your best option.
The main pressure point associated with sciatica relief is the piriformis muscle. Located deep within the buttock region, the piriformis muscle plays a crucial role in hip rotation and stability.
In many cases, symptoms can resolve on their own, but whole-body vibrations, which stimulate the muscles, may also help remedy sciatica symptoms.
Massage is an effective way to ease pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain from sciatica [1-2]. While it may not cure sciatica permanently, it's often recommended before trying medical treatments like steroid injections for sciatica.
Sometimes, if the pressure applied is too intense or applied directly to the affected area, pain and discomfort may be exacerbated. Well-trained Massage Therapists will use appropriate techniques and knowledge of anatomy to adjust their technique and pressure to suit an individual's condition.
A 10-13mm amplitude massage gun works best for sciatica. If you want more intensity, consider a 14-16mm amplitude massage gun.
Overall, massage guns may be a useful option for managing the symptoms of nerve pain, including pinched nerves in the neck and sciatica.
While regular spa massage may release sore muscles and tension, chiropractic massage is more directed toward soothing and healing sciatica. Chiropractors have knowledge of the whole musculoskeletal system of your body. They know how and where to apply pressure to ensure that the healing process kicks off.
Apply an ice pack. Ice packs (or even a bag of frozen peas) can reduce inflammation and sensation around your sciatic region. Hold an ice pack to the painful area for several minutes until you start to feel relief [5]. If ice packs don't work for you, a heat pack or hot water bottle may do the trick instead.
When sciatica becomes more advanced, pain becomes worse and can become unbearable. You may notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs and feet. In the last stages, you may lose control of your bladder and bowels because there is so much pressure on your nerves.
Walking is generally better than prolonged rest for sciatica. Staying active helps reduce inflammation, improves circulation, and prevents muscle stiffness. However, avoid long walks or improper posture, as they can worsen symptoms. Short, gentle walks with proper footwear and posture are recommended.
Focus on massaging the areas where you experience sciatica pain, such as the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Spend extra time on any tight or sore spots. Move your massage gun in slow, steady motions across the affected muscles. Avoid staying in one spot for too long to prevent any discomfort.
The most frequently recommended treatment for a pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Stop any activities that cause the compression or make symptoms worse. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint, collar or brace to immobilize the area.
According to a 2014 study published in the Scientific World Journal, deep tissue massage is just as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs for lower back pain. For sciatica patients who prefer an all-natural choice, massage therapy is an excellent and effective option. Soothe tense muscles and release pressure on nerves.
Boots Heat Rub is a non-greasy pain relieving cream for the relief of muscular pains and stiffness including rheumatic pain, back pain and sciatica. It can also be used before or after exercise.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
The four stages of Sciatica are acute, subacute, chronic, and resolution. Stage 1: Acute Sciatica is the most common form of Sciatica and usually occurs when a herniated disc or spinal stenosis compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness, and lower back or leg weakness.