Does Acupuncture Really Help with Sciatica?

Dealing with sciatica? Try acupuncture! This centuries-old therapy relieves sciatica pain and keeps it from coming back. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, which, in turn, triggers the release of serotonin and other brain chemicals that alter the experience of pain. The specialists at In Your Home Therapy can develop a treatment plan for your needs and leave you pain-free.

What Is Sciatica?

This disorder is caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which originates from the spinal column. The pain may extend to the legs or toes. Sciatica can be triggered by a herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, and other conditions. Symptoms vary from a mild ache to sharp, burning pain and severe discomfort. Most patients also experience numbness weakness, tingling, and difficulty moving their legs.

About 15 percent to 40 percent of people develop sciatica during their lifetime. Aging, obesity, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, and sports injuries are some of the most common risk factors. If left untreated, sciatica can lead to nerve damage, bowel or bladder incontinence, and loss of feeling in the affected leg. Acupuncture has been shown effective for treating sciatica pain. Along with massage and physiotherapy, it’s one of the best ways to prevent and treat this condition.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

A licensed acupuncturist will ask about your problem and examine your symptoms. He will also check your skin and eyes, search for blocked energy, and measure your heart rate. After assessing your overall health, he will insert thin needles at certain points on your body. This may trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, change brain chemistry, and increase the flow of pain-killing chemicals, leading to pain relief.

Acupuncture is one of the safest and most effective treatments for sciatica. It doesn’t have any of the side effects associated with standard treatments and drugs. This therapy has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for back pain, including sciatica.