Sciatica is pain that occurs along the large sciatic nerve, the body’s largest nerve. It’s located in the lumbar region and runs down the length of each leg. It most commonly affects people who sit for long periods of time or live a sedentary lifestyle. Additional risk factors for sciatica include aging, obesity, diabetes and occupations or hobbies that are hard on the back.

Sciatica Buying Guide

What Kind Of Chair Is Best For Sciatica?

The best chair for sciatica is one with adjustable features that can provide strong support for your lower back and prevent excessive pressure from being put on your legs. Look for chairs that have a curved waterfall edge at the front and a seat that is tilted forward, which will relieve pressure on your thighs. Combining this with a footrest can help promote good blood circulation, and relieve pain. In addition to being able to adjust the height in order to make sure your thighs are not under pressure, a good chair for sciatica should have significant lumbar support for your lower back.

Does a kneeling chair help sciatica?

Yes. Kneeling chairs have been known to help relieve sciatica pain. These unconventional chairs can help improve posture as well as reduce pressure on the lower back and thighs. By opening the hips, where the sciatica nerve is, our weight is more evenly distributed and our spine assumes a more neutral position more naturally than it does when sitting in a regular chair that keeps your hips at a 90 degree angle to your body.

Are zero gravity chairs good for sciatica?

Yes. Zero gravity chairs are popular among people who suffer from sciatica pain, and for good reason. They give the entire body (and especially the lower back) a chance to fully relax in a neutral position: pressure on the back is greatly reduced when sitting in a zero gravity chair, and good blood circulation is promoted. Zero gravity chairs also help with spinal realignment and spinal decompression, which are shown to help alleviate sciatica pain.

Can Massage Help With Sciatica Pain?

Massage can be an essential tool in easing sciatica pain, relaxing tense muscles and promoting relaxation. Tense muscles can be putting even more pressure on the sciatic nerve, and massage allows them to loosen. The stress that can accompany chronic pain can also be relieved with massage, releasing endorphins and encouraging the body to heal. Sciatica pain can be caused by a myriad of factors, and it’s important to understand what the underlying cause of the pain is in order to treat it appropriately.

How To Massage Sciatica Nerve

There are several ways to massage your sciatica nerve, it is good to try out different methods to find what works best for you.

Tennis Ball Method - use a single tennis ball behind you while seated in a chair, gently pressing backwards to massage lower back muscles. Alternatively, tape two tennis balls together and place them under your leg or back while you are resting on the floor.
Palm Method - using only your hands, place your hands on your lower back with your thumbs pointing towards your spine and your palms flat on your sides, apply pressure slowly towards the middle of your spine.
Deep Tissue Massage - research has shown that frequent deep tissue massages can help relieve sciatica pain. Seek out a licensed massage therapist to administer this treatment.