Many people have experienced shooting pains in their lower backs, and sometimes these pains travel down the back of the legs and into the feet. It’s different with every person, but the uncomfortable nature of the intense pain can either plateau or get worse over time.
Ache and throbbing without any reasonable explanation is very frustrating. Whether you made the assumption yourself, or got diagnosed by medical professionals, sciatica is no walk in the park! Luckily, there are ways you can manage the issue or prevent sciatica from flaring up.
What is sciatica? It refers to the pain in what is called, the ‘sciatic nerve.’ This is a large nerve that starts in the lower back and moves down the buttocks to the legs. The symptoms occur when this nerve is pinched in your lumbar spine, maybe because of a slip disc problem, and becomes irritated. Once you have a pinched nerve in your lower back, it’s common to have flare-ups of tenderness that makes it difficult to perform any of your daily tasks. That is when seeking treatment from a skilled massage therapist can be of assistance. For chronic pain, repeated therapeutic sessions and following helpful tips will make your life easier. Don’t ignore it!
Bad posture is a major contributing factor, but poor physical fitness, weak muscles, previous personal problems and prior back pain all increase your risk of sciatica. First off, make sure you avoid prolonged sitting. Sitting for a long period of time will aggravate your sciatica and cause a flare-up. Weather you work at a desk in your home or office, pressure is placed on your lower back and the ache will increase the nerve compression. Take a break from sitting down every 20 minutes, drink plenty of water and you’ll stay away from any sore situations throughout the day that will interrupt your productivity. Walking will generally relieve the pain of sciatica, which is why it’s one of the top exercises and a good option when taking a quick break. It’s important to know that certain postures people use when walking can stress the spine and pinch the nerve even more. For example, walking with your upper back bent forward or the opposite, are two examples of postures that are not good for your lower back.
Remember to use proper body mechanics when lifting. You can prevent or alleviate sciatica by always being aware of how you move and what you move. Whether you’re carrying groceries from the car to your house, picking up your toddler, or lifting heavy objects as part of your profession, always use appropriate body mechanics when lifting and hauling. Bend and lift using your legs, not your back! Also, don’t bend or twist your upper body while holding something too heavy.
Treatment will result in a fast, easy recovery and it will help in the long-run. Create a regimented exercise plan, healthy diet, visit a massage therapist or chiropractor, and take careful steps to maintaining your sciatica while following ways to prevent any further damage to your lower back.
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A prenatal massage is a massage for expectant mothers who are out of their first trimester. You will lie on your side or back with pillows provided to ensure you are comfortable throughout your massage. During your session, your licensed massage therapist will use relaxing strokes, similar to what you would expect during a Swedish massage. Your massage therapist will focus on areas that typically cause discomfort during pregnancy, such as your lower back, hips, and legs.
B enefits of a Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, and relieve aches and pains commonly associated with pregnancy. A prenatal massage can also reduce anxiety and depression. Prenatal massage also improves sleep, which is very important and not always easy to achieve during pregnancy!
A traditional Swedish massage involves the entire body, and it is meant to relax you. The licensed massage therapist will incorporate various movements and techniques into the massage. They will use long, connective strokes in the same direction as blood going toward the heart. This improves circulation and flexibility while easing tension throughout the body. Your licensed massage therapist will also use kneading, tapping, deep circular movements, and vibration throughout the session.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage therapy relaxes the muscles, increases blood oxygen levels, and decreases stress. It can relieve cramps, loosen joints, and stimulate blood circulation. Swedish massage can relieve symptoms from asthma, arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia and more. This type of massage is well - suited for anyone who sits at a desk all day and has a tight neck or frequent headaches. Let your licensed massage therapist know during the initial consultation if you have areas of particular concern so they can focus on those areas.
Lymphatic massage, also called lymphatic drainage or manual lymph drainage, is a technique developed in Germany for treatment of lymphedema, an accumulation of fluid that can occur after lymph nodes are removed during surgery, most often a mastectomy for breast cancer, Liposuction without a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Lymphedema can also be present at birth or develop at puberty or during adulthood. This type, known as primary lymphedema, can affect as many as four limbs and/or other parts of the body. The cause is unknown. Lymphatic drainage massage for conditions other than lymphedema is not medically recommended, although it may be promoted by some therapists.
What to Expect During Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic drainage massages can be performed by a certified massage therapist. During the session, your therapist will use very light pressure and long strokes that encourage the lymph fluid to move. The treatment will likely focus on the key areas of your lymphatic system, such as the neck, armpits, abdomen, and hips. Your therapist may also address organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs and digestive tract which can benefit from MLD massage. Lymphatic massage is often paired with other gentle massage modalities to enhance the treatment, such as reiki energy healing, myofascial release, and acupressure massage. You may feel fatigued or tired after an MLD treatment, so it’s best to schedule extra time for rest following your session. Wear loose - fitting clothing for the remainder of the day, and make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your appointment to keep the lymph fluid from stagnating.