Trigger Point Relief for Sciatica Pain

Relief from sciatica nerve pain may be just a pressure point away. Applying the right amount of pressure to the sciatica nerve for two minutes significantly alleviates sciatica nerve pain for up to an hour, according to preliminary research presented at the American Academy of Pain Medicine conference.

This preliminary study used an approach called “sciatica press” in patients with various types of pain. This approach uses a traditional Chinese medicine technique to exert 24.25-44 lbs of pressure to the sciatica nerve in the back of the thigh for two minutes. After receiving this treatment, 43.5% of emergency-room sciatica patients experienced relief. Their pain decreased by average of 7 to 3 on a visual analog scale of pain. The treatment also proved beneficial in patients with other medical conditions. 51.3% of cancer patients felt an easing of symptoms of bloating, fullness, nausea, and vomiting after receiving the sciatica press. 60% of patients with kidney pain and 30% of patients with dental pain also experienced relief.

Although a significant number of patients benefited from this treatment, about 30% of patients did not feel the effects of the sciatica press. Researchers are currently conducting additional research to determine which patients respond to the sciatica press and which do not. While further research is needed, this initial study offers promise for natural treatments of sciatica nerve pain.

He J, "An immediate, broadly useful method, two-minute sciatic nerves press for rapid relief of pain in man: a randomized trial" AAMP Meeting 2008; Abstract 134.