Sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy is a medical condition caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. Neurological symptoms such as pain or numbness are present only on one side of the body. The pain usually goes down alongside the leg (front, side or back of the leg), can be felt in buttons and usually accompanied by lower back pain. Sciatica can be accompanied weakness in the affected leg or foot.
Sciatica mainly occurs because of the spinal disc herniation which presses on sacral or lumbar nerve roots.
Sciatica pain can be excruciating and debilitating. Sometimes sciatica goes away within a few days or weeks, however in some severe cases can last for months or more than a year.
Treatment of sciatica initially involves medications (e.g. paracetamol, NSAIDs, an opioid). Further medical advise could be use of muscle relaxants; corticosteroid spinal injections; and finally referral for consideration of surgery.
There is a lot of research on acupuncture for sciatica and evidence that acupuncture helps significantly to receive both back pain and sciatica.
Acupuncture can
- stimulate nerves that will further lead to release of endorphins and other natural pain killers;
- promote blood flow in the painful area which will further reduce inflammation;
- increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline, which can help to alleviate pain and facilitate nerve repair.
Please watch the video of Acupuncture Balance Method treatment which provides immediate results in the treatment of lower back pain and sciatica.