Acupuncture for Sciatica Pain Treatment

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve is compressed, causing pain that radiates down the back or side of the leg. It is typically caused by compression of different levels of nerve roots in the spine or inflammation of the sciatic nerve itself. Symptoms associated with sciatica include back pain, numbness, tingling sensation from the leg down to the foot, and weakness in the affected area.

The Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve originates from the lumbar spine levels of L4 to S3. It passes through the pelvis and then travels down to the knee, where it branches into the tibial nerve and peroneal nerve. The tibial nerve runs through the back of the lower leg, while the peroneal nerve runs along the outside of the lower leg. This nerve pathway explains why people with sciatica experience numbness and tingling in their legs.

Acupuncture Could Help Alleviate Your Sciatic Nerve Pain

At Ponsonby Wellness acupuncture clinic, we recommend you visit an acupuncturist to obtain advice and establish an individualised treatment plan for helping alleviate sciatic nerve pain and irritation.

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What Are Some of the Causes of Sciatic Pain?

Since we have briefly explained the nature and design of the sciatic nerve, it should be a little easier to begin to understand some of the causes of sciatic nerve pain. There are several reasons why so many people experience pain related to the sciatic nerve. We have listed a few.

Lumbar disc problems –Lumbar disc problems like degeneration and herniation are known to reduce the cushioning between spinal vertebrae. When this occurs, it most often causes pain and nerve compression in response.
Spinal stenosis – Spinal stenosis is a condition that is characterised by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing can cause nerve compression, which can be extremely painful.
Spinal vertebrae fracture – A spinal vertebrae fracture disrupts the integrity of the spine, causing direct and residual misalignment. This misalignment can adversely impact nerves and trigger sciatica.
Pregnancy – During the course of a woman’s pregnancy, there is an increase in pressure experienced. This enhanced pressure can cause a realignment of the hips which can trigger sciatic pain.
Tight muscles (Piriformis Syndrome) – The piriformis muscles are the main muscles that surround the sciatic nerve in the body. When these muscles get tight, they can have a tremendous impact by pressing on the nerve and causing significant pain.

How Can Acupuncture Help Address Sciatica Pain?

There are a number of ways in which acupuncture could help individuals dealing with sciatica and the pain it causes. It helps the individual get relief by relaxing tight muscles and improving blood circulation. Acupuncture has also been proven to help regulate the nervous system and release neurotransmitters in the body which reduces pain.

A Better, Risk-free Alternative for Lasting Pain Relief

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for sciatica without the side effects of prescription pain medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. It is also a safe, non-surgical option that can relieve sciatica pain.

Research Supports Acupuncture for Sciatica Pain Treatment

One systematic review of acupuncture for sciatica found that acupuncture improved sciatica symptoms better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment. Acupuncture also helps enhance the effects of medications that may be prescribed for sciatica so it can help reduce the dosage and mitigate the side effects.