Expert: Rachel Beider, LMT - 10/4/2009

Question
Hi my question is what should be done for bulging discs and si joint pain?  My lower 5 verterbrae just above my tailbone are very worn and have bulging discs causing chronic pain.  I also went for a massage and my therapist said my SI joint was out of place also causing pain and numbness down my right leg and buttocks down to my knee.  My therapist suggested treating my psoas muscles.  Is this necessary as I heard it is quite a painful treatment but if it will help I would consider it.  What are your thoughts on this matter?

Answer
Hello,

It's likely that the pain and numbness down your buttocks and leg are actually from the discs and lower back compression, rather than the SI joint, and potentially from tight muscles in your hips - the piriformis muscle often puts pressure on the sciatic nerve - which is the pain that you're describing.

Although releasing the psoas may be uncomfortable, it shouldn't be painful. The psoas muscle may be helpful in relieving lower back tension, in addition to working on the surrounding muscles. Also I'd highly suggest seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist in addition to massage therapy, as massage can only treat the soft tissue and muscles, whereas physical therapy can strengthen and support your body, and a chiropractor may be able to better address the disc issues.

I hope you've found this helpful, let me know if you have any further questions.

Warmly,

Rachel Beider, LMT
Owner, Massage Williamsburg
www.massagewilliamsburg.com