During my 25 years in practice, many patients who have come to our clinic report sciatica. It is a problem I am quite happy to tackle as the special needling method I use provides good outcomes in a situation where mainstream medical options tend to be limited. The benefits of Chinese acupuncture for patients who complain of sciatica were recently confirmed in a JAMA Internal Medicine article featuring a Chinese study which found acupuncture outperforms sham in relieving chronic sciatica.
Western Medical Analysis and Treatment of Sciatica
The sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower lumbar spine, is the largest nerve in our bodies. Functionally, the sciatic nerve allows for both sensory and motor function of the muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. Neuralgia or nerve pain affecting the sciatic nerve is common, with up to 43% of people experiencing this condition at some time in their lives. Although sciatica resolves with time in many patients, 20%-30% experience pain lasting more than one year, and some patients suffer severe complications which can impair walking and even cause incontinence.
Studies have found surgical interventions for sciatica generally offer poor results, so many patients agree to drugs with adverse effects, regular steroid injections (which can damage tissue), or months of physical therapy. Making matters worse, the deadly opioid crisis has dramatically changed pain management strategies, leaving many people struggling with sciatica with little to no relief from pain. Fortunately, Chinese medicine offers practical, effective treatments for patients looking for good solutions to alleviate their discomfort and improve range of motion.
Using Chinese Medical Care for Sciatica
Acupuncture is based on a network of connections in the body that are referred to as channels. In the case of sciatica pain, the areas often affected are along the course of the gallbladder, stomach, and spleen channels. Depending on the location of the pain and how far down the leg the discomfort radiates, the specific acupuncture points used vary. When working with a qualified and experienced Licensed Acupuncturist, your entire health history will be assessed, and the findings will be utilized to target not only the pain but its underlying causes.
As with any medical condition, the results depend on the specifics of the case. For example, chronic or severe cases of sciatica can be harder to treat than the mild, short-term cases. In our clinic, many sciatica patients leave after just one acupuncture treatment already feeling better. Recently, one patient told us that she felt so much relief two days after her first visit for acupuncture that she sat up in bed and cried tears of joy. If you or someone you know has been dealing with painful and debilitating sciatica, please call our clinic to schedule a treatment.