Exploring Relief: Do Massage Chairs Alleviate Sciatica Pain?
If you experience pain that radiates from the lower back down through your glutes and legs, you may be suffering from sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica. These uncomfortable and even painful symptoms can include sharp jolts, burning sensations or electrifying numbness along your lower back, buttock or legs.
Massage therapy is an effective way to reduce sciatic nerve pain, and massage chairs provide convenient and regular access to massage relief. Here’s what you need to know about the role massage chairs can play in alleviating sciatica pain and tips on how to select the best massage chair for sciatica.
What You Need to Know about Sciatica
“Sciatica” is actually used as a general term for any pain or discomfort you feel in the area of your sciatic nerves. You have two sciatic nerves, which extend from just above the buttocks on the lower back, past the hips and down each leg, ending just below the knee.
The pain and discomfort typically come from an injury or irritation to one of those sciatic nerves. Because they’re two separate nerves, sciatic nerve pain usually only affects one side of the body, ranging from the lower back down the length of one leg.
Sciatica can be associated with pain that worsens with movement of the legs, a numbness or weakness in the lower back, buttock, leg or foot as well as “pins and needles” tingling sensations in the legs, toes or feet.
Roughly 40% of people will experience sciatica in their lifetime. While some people are more genetically predisposed to the conditions that can cause sciatica, there are many risk factors that make everyone susceptible to the condition. Common risk factors include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Injury
- Pregnancy
- Excess weight
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sitting for extended periods
For more information about the causes and symptoms of sciatica, see our blog post: A Guide to Massage for Sciatica.
Benefits of Massage for Sciatica
If you’re looking for relief from sciatic nerve pain, massage therapy has been shown to not only decrease pain, but also improve your range of motion and assist with healing. That’s because massage therapy has direct benefits that can address the symptoms of sciatica as well as mitigate the causes of sciatic nerve pain.
Massage therapy helps to alleviate sciatica by:
- Loosening and relaxing the muscles that could be putting pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Increasing circulation and reducing inflammation by stimulating the blood vessels in your skin and deeper tissues
- Releasing endorphins that help to reduce the feelings of pain and stress
Types of Effective Massage
Different types of massage techniques provide different benefits. Depending on the severity of your sciatic nerve pain, as well as any other conditions, you may feel the most relief from certain types of massage therapy — or even a combination of different approaches.
- Deep Tissue Massage gives direct attention to trigger points, working to relieve tension and help with muscle injuries.
- Swedish Massage is used to relieve muscle tension and helps to relax and energize the body.
- Compression Massage provides pressure to muscle tissue, releasing tension and endorphins.
- Myofascial Release is mostly about relaxation, putting gentle pressure on specific areas of the body to release tightness.
With all types of massage you want to work the surrounding areas, not just the specific trigger points. This will provide more holistic relief and help avoid overworking those particular muscles.
It’s important to understand that, while massage for sciatica can help address some of the related conditions, it is not a cure. Massage therapy can’t un-pinch a nerve or stop the underlying cause of your pain. What it does do is relieve your symptoms so you can get your range of motion back and increase your quality of life.
How Massage Chairs Can Provide Sciatica Relief
So massage therapy can provide relief, but will a massage chair help sciatica? The answer depends on the type of massage and specific features that a massage chair offers. You’ll want to prioritize massage chair models that provide a range of massage treatments to the lower back and legs. You’ll also want to look for features that help with muscle relief, such as heat or stretching.
Here are the specific options to consider when selecting a massage chair for sciatica:
- Prioritize massage rollers that can provide a range of deep tissue massage pressure for the lower back region. Every massage chair has a series of rollers that work alongside the back of the chair, these mechanisms are defined by their range of motions and how they align with your back.
- 2D rollers only provide up-and-down and left-to-right motions
- 3D rollers add a variable pressure (in-and-out) motion
- 4D rollers add variable speed to the massage techniques
- S-Track chairs follow the curve of the spine, but end at the lower back
- L-Track chairs extend past the lumbar, down to the gluteus muscles
- J- or Flex Tracks combine the features of S- and L-Track chairsWhen looking at chairs, you’ll want at least a 3D massage to get the variable amount of pressure you need to deliver different massages techniques. While J-Track chairs are the “best” options for full back coverage, if you want to budget for a lower-priced massage chair, then consider whether you want the fit of a S- or L-Track massage chair.
- You’ll want to select chairs that offer a range of techniques associated with Swedish, deep tissue and shiatsu massage — specifically long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping. Kneading techniques in particular have been shown to be helpful in reducing inflammation and to stimulate nerve endings.
- Heat therapy is great for reducing tension and providing relief to sore muscles. Look for massage chairs that have heating zones within the lumbar (lower back) area. Chairs that have multiple heating zones for the legs can help to provide additional sciatica relief.
- Sciatica can be caused by herniated discs and pressure on the spine, so chairs with zero gravity recline can provide some much-needed relief. Chairs that have decompression techniques such as spinal twist or stretching features will give you more targeted pain and pressure relief.
How To Find the Right Massage Chair for Your Sciatica Pain Relief
- First, always consult with your doctor about treatment for pain, whether it’s chronic pain that you’re experiencing over time or acute pain that’s the result of an injury. Your doctor will provide important advice about the different types of treatment you have available, including the use of massage therapy.
- Next, you’ll want to identify the specific massage treatments you need to address your sciatica. Are you looking for the direct pressure of deep tissue massage, or more relaxing relief from compression and myofascial treatments? Kneading and shiatsu techniques will provide heavier and more direct pressure, while tapping, knocking and airbag compression gives lighter pressure that’s more dispersed across the body.
- Consider any added features that will help with the lower back and legs. If there’s heat therapy, which areas of the body does it address? Is there air bag compression for the legs? Does the massage chair have zero gravity recline and any additional stretching or decompression techniques?
- Talk to a massage chair expert about your needs and your budget to find the perfect chair that will provide you with targeted, consistent sciatica relief.
We asked the experts of our Massage Chair Review Team which massage chairs provide the best mix of features and functions to relieve sciatic nerve pain. Here are their top recommendations for the best massage chairs for sciatica.
Smart Chair X3 Massage Chair
The Smart Chair X3 3D/4D provides a deep tissue, full-body massage with a unique near-flat reclining S-Track massage mechanism and decompression stretch. The TrueFit™ Body Scanning technology uses sensors to detect body curves, shapes, sizes and pressure points customized for each user, while True Inversion and a Waist Twist Therapy feature provide back and spine relief, key for helping to relieve sciatic nerve pain.
Latest Price: $6,799
Massage Techniques:
● Shiatsu
● Kneading
● Tapping
● Knocking
Features To Help Address Sciatica:
● 360° 4-Node Plus Massage
● Body Scanning
● Lumbar Heat
● Rhythm Sync Massage
● Spinal Decompression Stretch
● Total Sole Reflexology
● Waist Twist Seat
● Zero Gravity Recline
Color options:
● Black
● Brown
Kyota Nokori M980 Syner-D Massage Chair
As the flagship of the Kyota lineup, the Kyota Nokori M980 Syner-D® Massage Chair partners its refined design with advanced massage technology to ensure this chair not only looks incredible but feels incredible too. Featuring Syner-D® Technology, the M980’s unique Flex-Track combines the full-body coverage of an L-Track with the stretching capabilities of an S-Track to offer superior spinal decompression and a full-length neck-to-glutes massage.
Latest Price: $11,999
Massage Techniques:
● Kneading
● Knocking
● Shiatsu
● Tapping
Features To Help Address Sciatica:
● Body Scanning
● Calf Kneading and Oscillation
● Footrest Extension
● J-Track/Flex-Track
● Lumbar Heat
● Syner-D Dual Back Massage
● Triple Foot Roller Reflexology
● Zero Gravity Recline
Color options:
● Black
“The unique Flex-Track combines the full-body coverage of an L-Track with the stretching capabilities of an S-Track to offer superior spinal decompression and a full-length neck-to-glutes massage. Complementing its state-of-the-art massage technology, the Complete Calf Kneading + Oscillation combined with the Triple Roller Total Sole Reflexology gently soothes the lower body and provides the ultimate foot massage.”
— The Massage Chair Store Review Team
Kyota Yutaka M898 4D Massage Chair
Kyoto’s products are informed by centuries-old massage techniques, updated and conveniently translated for modern life. Complete with Triple Roller Total Sole Reflexology™ Foot Massage and Intelligent Back and Foot Scanning, the Yutaka is designed to provide the targeted relief you need.
Latest Price: $9,999
Massage Techniques:
● 4D Shiatsu
● Kneading
● Knocking
● Shiatsu
● Sync
● Tapping
Features To Help Address Sciatica:
● 4D Massage Technology
● Intelligent Back Scanning
● Kneading & Oscillating Calf Rollers
● L-Track
● Lumbar Heat
● Mechanical Scanning Foot Extension
● Triple Roller Total Sole Reflexology™ Foot Massage
● Zero Gravity Recline
Color options:
● Black/Black
● Bronze/Brown
Kyota Kokoro M888 4D Massage Chair
The Kokoro features a unique J-track, which combines the qualities of both S- and L-tracks to deliver spinal decompression and a targeted glute massage. The tri-zone heat also sets it apart by providing heat therapy through the lumbar section, footrest and massage nodes. The automatic footrest extension with Enclosed Total Foot Massage provides added comfort for your lower body.
Latest Price: $8,999
Massage Techniques:
● Kneading
● Kneading with Tapping
● Knocking
● Shiatsu
● Tapping
Features To Help Address Sciatica:
● 4D Back Mechanism
● Automatic Footrest Extension
● Body Scanning
● Customizable Massage
● Enclosed Total Foot Massage
● J-Track
● Tri-Zone Heat
● Zero Gravity Recline
Color options:
● Saddle
● Brown
Infinity Dynasty 4D Massage Chair
Loaded with features, the Infinity Dynasty 4D redefines the ultimate massage experience. The 4D back massage mechanism mimics the movement of human hands, from your neck and shoulders to your glutes, while the triple foot roller Total Sole Reflexology™ provides relief via trigger points for a total body experience. TrueFit™ scanning in the back and legs ensures a massage experience just right for your back and lower body.
Latest Price: $9,999
Massage Techniques:
● Kneading
● Knocking
● Tapping
● Shiatsu
● Shiatsu 4D
● Sync
Features To Help Address Sciatica:
● 4D Back Massage Mechanism
● 360° 4-Node Plus Massage
● Airbag Compression Therapy
● Complete Calf Kneading + Oscillation
● Lumbar Heat
● Rocking Technology
● Triple Foot Roller Total Sole Reflexology
● Truefit Body Scanning
● TrueFit Footrest Extension
● Zero Gravity Recline
Color options:
● Black
● Brown
● Gold and Tan
Infinity Imperial Syner-D Massage Chair
The Infinity Imperial Syner-D features two individual massage mechanisms that work synergistically to provide therapeutic relief to the back and gluteal region. The Imperial Syner-D’s Flex-Track combines the full-body coverage of an L-Track with the stretching capabilities of an S-Track. Lower body massage, 66 air cells, calf kneading and reflexology foot rollers make this massage chair the full package not just for sciatica relief, but all over-over massage therapy.
Latest Price: $12,999
Massage Techniques:
● Kneading
● Knocking
● Shiatsu
● Tapping
Features To Help Address Sciatica:
● 4D Massage Technology
● Body Scanning Technology
● Calf Kneading + Oscillation
● Dual Back Massage
● Heat Therapy
● J/Flex-Track
● Triple Foot Rollers
● Zero Gravity Recline
Color options:
● Black/Black
● Dark Brown
● Gray/Tan
“Featuring Syner-D® Technology, the Imperial® has not one, but two individual massage mechanisms choreographed to work synergistically together to perform therapeutic relief to the back and gluteal region. The massage is second to none with two sets of roller mechanisms massaging simultaneously. It’s like having two massage chairs in one.”
— The Massage Chair Store Review Team
Testimonials from Massage Chair Store Customers
Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what previous customers have had to say on Trustpilot about how our massage chairs have helped them with their back pain.
- “I am going to have a good time creating my own personal massage program. I have confidence that I will have the support should I need it. After 16 years of tractor trailer driving my lower back is starting to feel it, this is a serious piece of therapy that I needed.” — E. Wise
- “[The massage chair] comes with many features and customization so anyone can personalize their massage experience. The massage rollers are great and provide a deep massage from the back of your neck to the glutes. Zero G is great and the back warmer works well to loosen tight muscles.” — Jeff Ehlers
- “We thoroughly enjoy our E330 Kofuko Massage Chair. It exceeded our expectations. I used to suffer from morning back pain. Now I do two massages a night, and the pain has gone away. The chair is very popular with our family, so much so that I need to wait my turn to use it.” — William L. Fahey
- “My husband and I bought an Infinity massage chair as a Christmas gift to each other. It is amazing! I use it every day. I had back issues due to scoliosis that have virtually disappeared!” — Linda Roney
- “I have suffered from soft tissue back pain for decades. I started shopping for massage chairs for about 3 years. I have tried many different chairs but I constantly had issues with my broad shoulders. The sales manager asked me to submit a review about my experience. Life happens and here I am finally posting this review a year later. This company stands behind the products that they sell. If I needed another chair I would not hesitate to order from this company again.” — Phillip Cumbo
Want to know more about these chairs, or interested in exploring more massage chair options? You could experience relief from sciatica with assistance from a personalized massage chair consultation.
Talk to a massage chair expert and schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free living!
Our Massage Chair Expertise
At Massage Chair Store, we’ve been in the business of manufacturing, repairing, selling and testing massage chairs for almost 15 years. Our team of trained massage chair specialists not only know the ins and outs of every chair we sell, they’ve spent hundreds of hours sitting in and using different massage chairs to test their functionality, features and overall comfort.
Our team of testers includes a range of body types and sizes. We always ensure that our ratings are based on a balanced consideration of features and budgets to provide our customers with maximum value no matter their price point.
Our expertise is one of the reasons we’re ranked #1 in customer service with thousands of verified five-star reviews that satisfied massage chair owners have left us through Trustpilot.
