Sciatica, a nerve injury that can cause severe lumbar and leg pain, will likely affect 40% of people in the US during their lifetime. In many cases, it’s treated as mild back pain – but this nerve injury can become more severe and painful if left untreated over time. With that in mind, can acupuncture help sciatica and its symptoms?
Acupuncture for sciatica is proven to help provide much-needed relief from the symptoms of slipped discs and sciatica. As the sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve across the body, it’s one of the most common reasons for people booking acupuncture treatments.
Is acupuncture for sciatica safe?
Studies show that acupuncture for sciatica is safe and effective, especially for relieving short to long-term pain. As the pain experienced from sciatica can affect mobility in the legs and can prevent sufferers from bending and maneuvering, regular sessions may also help to restore a full range of movement to the body.
Sciatica can arise through a variety of conditions – from a pinched nerve to a slipped disc, there are several reasons why you could receive a sciatica diagnosis from your doctor or physician. Your doctor will recommend various treatments to help ease the condition and any pain you may experience. Acupuncture is just one course of treatment that licensed doctors are likely to recommend.
Regular acupuncture sessions, partnered with a course of pain relief medication and recommended physiotherapy, can help to reduce pain to such a level that you can get back to doing the things you love. And, yes – acupuncture from a licensed specialist is completely safe. Make sure you only book in with a licensed professional and clinic, such as Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture.
How can acupuncture help to relieve sciatica?
Studies show acupuncture can help to relieve sciatica pain through nerve and tissue stimulation. By targeting trigger points across the body, acupuncturists can redirect blood and oxygen to flow freer to muscles and tissue in dire need.
Additionally, acupuncture helps to release cortisol, the hormone that regulates inflammation caused by muscle and nerve damage. The process can also release endorphins and serotonin into your body, which help to regulate and soften pain receptors.
Many people suffering from sciatica will find their movements restricted. They may be unable to lift heavy objects, drive, walk long distances, or bend and stretch in certain directions. This can be extremely debilitating to active and hard-working people – both at work and at leisure.
Acupuncture for low back pain can help to restore a fuller range of movement for people suffering from sciatica pain and other symptoms by boosting local circulation. This is where enhanced blood and oxygen flow comes into play.
The many pain-quelling benefits of acupuncture can effectively stop ongoing sciatica pain for some time – but it’s vital to attend regular sessions to avoid sciatica relapsing or worsening further.
Acupuncture may not be able to ‘cure’ sciatica outright, but it can restore flexibility to sufferers and in line with a professionally-recommended treatment plan, can help people lead full lives. Many doctors may recommend targeted acupuncture or electrostimulation alongside pain medication and physiotherapy to help ease long-term symptoms.
Each case of sciatica is likely to be very different. Sufferers experience symptoms in different severities and may do so at various stages of their lives. As such, discussing your expectations for treatment with your doctor and acupuncturist is important.
When should I get acupuncture treatment for sciatica?
As sciatica can arise at different levels of severity and for various reasons, it’s important to seek a firm diagnosis from a doctor if you’re concerned. Once diagnosed, getting treatment for your condition will ensure you reduce the chances of further pain or restricted movement.
Either via referral from a doctor or through booking directly at our clinic, we’ll help assess your pain condition and test your strength on your first visit. It’s essential to seek help as soon as you’re aware that sciatica pain and/or restrictions may prevent you from working or exercising – even if it’s preventing you from basic walking or running.
We understand that all sciatica cases are likely to differ, and your specific experience may require certain treatment and adjustment during sessions. During discussions at our clinic, you may even pursue an alternative type of treatment, such as dry needling to release pockets of tension or electrostimulation as an added boost to traditional acupuncture.
If you’re unsure which type or style of treatment is likely to suit your needs the best, don’t worry. Our clinic is on hand to ensure you can discuss all the fine points of your treatment before starting your first session.
Whether you have a diagnosis of sciatica or are experiencing increasing back and leg pain, acupuncture provides relief and freedom in the short term. It’s wise to book in as soon as you’re feeling discomfort.
Ready to try acupuncture for sciatica?
It’s normal to feel unsure about acupuncture for sciatica if it’s your first time booking the treatment. With professional, qualified support, you’ll soon find that regular sessions can help to provide you with relief and freedom to move that you may not expect from painkillers alone.
If you’re already considering acupuncture for calf pain, you may find that sciatica treatment can help take care of some of the similar aches and strains.
Sciatica is a complex condition that arises in many different ways and that can affect many of us at different stages of life. A little back and leg pain can soon develop into something more painful and restrictive through accident, posture, or otherwise. To avoid your sciatica getting to such a point, why not book an acupuncture session?
Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture provides a range of acupuncture, needling, cupping, and tissue therapies to help people with various aches, strains, and pains get back on their feet with confidence. Pain can be debilitating – and there are millions of reasons why you should always ask for help.
Book your first visit with our clinic either by calling us directly, or by using our form below. It’s time to get back to doing the things you love most without pain getting in the way.
