Getting on My Nerves: The Sciatic Nerve

Have you ever felt a numb tingling sensation going down your leg from your hip? If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or on a computer, you may have experienced sciatica pain at some point in time or you could be at risk of developing it.

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body. Sciatica is among the most common nerve pain people encounter on a regular basis. It is especially prevalent among those who go long periods of stuck in one position.

So what causes sciatica? Tense muscles and stiff fascia. Fascia encases and surrounds the muscles in their deep and superficial layers. When we don't get enough movement, the fascia gets stiff opposed to fluid and pliable.

What is fascia? Think of a thick layer of white tissue that covers the inside of your body from head to toe! (Ever peel that white layer off a piece of raw chicken? That's fascia!) If we were to take all the fascia out of the human body it would resemble the body perfectly.

Why does massage help? In massage, we work the superficial layers of fascia all the time. In deeper bodywork, such as Myofascial or Trigger Point, we are sinking down into those deep layers of fascia. This is why properly performed massage is so beneficial to the maintenance and well-being of our body!

What is a great way to manage or prevent sciatica? Routine massage therapy, exercise and stretching. Focus on stretching the hip flexors (such as the piriformis muscles) and deep abdominal muscles (such as the iliopsoas) since these muscles specifically impinge on the nerve.

So if spending hours sitting down or not getting enough movement is a challenge you face, booking a massage can help decrease tension and improve mobility!

Below is the cross-section of a human thigh, these are the layers of tissue and muscle surrounding the bone. You can see how the deep fascia surrounds the insertion of the sciatic nerve. (the pink stuff is the thigh muscles)

image c/o massage & bodywork magazine

Topics mentioned above provide insight to the research, evidence and theoretical knowledge of the benefits of massage. These topics may cover one specific body part, but its understanding can be applied in the greater context of the human body. It is not intended to diagnose or treat.

Citations:

Rachelle Clauson & Nicole Trombely, The Sciatic Nerve: A 3D view from the inside out. Massage & Bodywork Magazine. ABMP. Summer 2025. View source here