Sciatic pain is often described as some of the worst nerve pain imaginable, just short of a root canal in intensity. More often than not, nerve pain is caused by nothing more than an irritated muscle, and can be fixed as easily as leaning against a tennis ball or pressing your thumb into the side of your hip.
Definition
A trigger point is an adhesion or collection of toxins in the muscle. They can cause pain and limit movement within the muscle. They are released with direct pressure, either with a finger or thumb, or with a tennis ball, "T-Bar," or "Knobby" tool used by massage professionals.
Significance
The sciatic nerve runs between the ischium (pelvic bone) and the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis muscle has a trigger point, the muscle becomes irritated. This puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain.
Locating a Trigger Point
Most likely, there will be a main trigger point and several "satellite" trigger points. The main point will feel like a small knot or pebble along the muscle, and will cause pain in another part of the body. Find and release the main trigger point before addressing the satellite points.
Sciatic Pain
The trigger point which typically causes sciatic pain is located along the piriformis, deep to the gluteus muscles. Pressing with your thumb, you should feel a tender spot. Once you have found the most painful of these spots, press with your thumb or device until the pain measures a four or five on a pain scale where 10 is excruciating pain and zero is no pain at all. Hold for 15 seconds or until the pain subsides. If it does not subside, repeat. Continue attacking trigger points as you find them.
Warnings
If the trigger point returns, or you cannot break it up after several tries, you may need to go to a massage therapist. The main trigger point may be eluding you, or your own pain tolerances may not allow you to push with enough force. You may also be unable to attack the trigger point at the right angle.
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