Sciatica involves pain caused by nerve root impingement and/or inflammation that has progressed enough to cause symptoms such as pain, numbness and tingling. The discomfort can be felt in the lower back, buttock, down the thigh, sometimes reaching as far as the foot. It is usually experienced on just one side.

Conventional management includes advice to stay active and continue daily activities; exercise therapy; analgesics (e.g. paracetamol, NSAIDs, an opioid); muscle relaxants; corticosteroid spinal injections; and referral for consideration of surgery. However, there is a lack of strong evidence of effectiveness for most of these interventions (Hagen 2007, Luijsterburg 2007).

Whilst there is limited research on the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for sciatica evidence suggests that it may provide some pain relief (Wang 2009, Chen 2009, Inoue 2008, Wang 2004).

Acupuncture is believed to relieve sciatic pain by stimulating nerves to release endorphins to change the way the brain processes pain. It can reduce inflammation, improve muscle stiffness and increase joint mobility. It has been suggested that it influences the signalling system which influences pain and increases factors which reduce pain and speed nerve repair.

I’ve successfully helped many people suffering with sciatica. If you’d like to book you can do so online here. Alternatively, you can email or contact me via my contact form here.

Source: British Acupuncture Council. More information is available from the British Acupuncture Council here

Photo Credit: Ava Sol.