Sciatica – and how massage therapy can help

Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by compression and irritation of the sciatic nerves. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the pelvis down both the left and right side of the buttocks, down the legs and to the feet. The pain caused by this compression and irritation manifests itself in the lower back, buttock and various parts of the leg or foot. As well as the pain, which can sometimes be quite severe, some people may suffer from muscle weakness, tingling (pins and needles) and difficulty controlling or moving the leg. Shooting pains from the leg may make it difficult to stand up. Typically, sciatica is felt down one side of the body, lasting from a few days or for months. Sciatic pain lasting more than 6 weeks is considered to be persistent, or chronic, sciatica.