According to the Cleveland Clinic, 40% of individuals in the United States will experience sciatica to some degree during their lifetime. One of the most commonly reported complaints, sciatica can have a dramatic impact on an individual's life, due to both physical limitations as well as emotional implications. Sciatica most frequently presents as a sharp pain radiating from the lower back through the hip and down the leg. It is usually caused by a pinched nerve in the lower spine. Treatments such as over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections can and do provide relief from sciatic pain for many individuals. Research has shown that acupuncture, which is minimally invasive and carries a much lower risk of complications, can also alleviate pain and discomfort.
When used to treat sciatica, acupuncture can:
Reduce Inflammation: Acupuncture may help to reduce inflammation around the pinched nerve by way of neurotransmitter modulation and immune system regulation. Both of these byproducts of acupuncture can alleviate pain and discomfort.
Improve Blood Circulation: By stimulating specific points, blood flow to specific areas is increased, potentially encouraging vasodilation and microcirculation, promoting overall healing and pain reduction.
Balance the Autonomic Nervous System: Research shows that acupuncture may influence the body's nervous system, helping to reduce pain and promote relaxation by stimulating the release of endorphins.
If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture could help you, please give us a call at 301.880.3232 and it would be our pleasure to schedule a comprehensive evaluation for you.
Resources:
Ji M, Wang X, Chen M, Shen Y, Zhang X, Yang J. The Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:192808. doi:10.1155/2015/192808
Nielsen A, Dusek JA, Taylor-Swanson L, Tick H. Acupuncture Therapy as an Evidence-Based Nonpharmacologic Strategy for Comprehensive Acute Pain Care: The Academic Consortium Pain Task Force White Paper Update. Pain Med. 2022;23(9):1582-1612. doi:10.1093/pm/pnac056
Qin Z, Liu X, Wu J, Zhai Y, Liu Z. Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Treating Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:425108. doi:10.1155/2015/425108
Yu FT, Liu CZ, Ni GX, et al. Acupuncture for chronic sciatica: protocol for a multicenter randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2022;12(5):e054566. Published 2022 May 17. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054566