Acupuncture for sciatica

What sciatica is

Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from the low back through the buttock and down the back of each leg. Sciatica happens when the nerve, or the nerve roots that form it, are compressed or irritated.

Common causes include a herniated or bulging disk in the low back, narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) and tight muscles deep in the buttock. Sciatica can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the buttock, hip and leg. It usually affects one side. Sitting for a long time, bending, coughing or sneezing may make it worse.

How Robert treats sciatica

Robert is a certified practitioner of Toyohari, a Japanese style of meridian therapy. He trained in Japan in 2006 and 2007. He starts each visit by reading your pulse carefully. That reading shapes a gentle whole-body treatment with very fine needles and light contact. Many patients barely feel it.

For sciatica, Robert then works along the path of the nerve, in the low back, hip and leg. The aim is to ease the muscle tension around the nerve, calm pain and inflammation, and help you sit, walk and sleep more comfortably. Because the nerve can be sensitive, he keeps the work gentle and checks in with you as he goes.

If the area feels cold and achy, he may add moxibustion, a warming therapy that uses the herb mugwort. For sciatica that has lasted a long time, he may suggest a Chinese herbal formula as well. Robert sees one patient at a time, so you have his full attention.

Research suggests acupuncture can help with some kinds of chronic pain. A 2012 analysis of acupuncture for chronic pain pooled data from trials on back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache and shoulder pain. Its authors concluded that acupuncture is effective for chronic pain. It looked at back pain in general, not sciatica on its own.

What a course of treatment looks like

Your first visit takes about 75 minutes. Robert asks about your health history, when the pain started and what makes it better or worse. Then he reads your pulse and gives your first treatment. Return visits take about 45 minutes.

Many people with sciatica come for a series of 5 to 10 weekly treatments. Some notice a change within the first few visits. Others need the full series. Sciatica that has lasted for years may take longer. Robert checks your progress at each visit and talks with you about how often to come.

For sciatica, Robert usually needs to reach your low back, hip and buttock, so you may need to uncover those areas. Loose, comfortable clothing makes the visit easier. If you are also seeing a physical therapist, keep up the exercises they give you.

When to see a doctor first

Get emergency care right away if you have new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks. These can be signs of serious nerve compression.

See a doctor before starting acupuncture if you have:

• Weakness in the leg that is getting worse, or a foot that drags or slaps when you walk
• Symptoms in both legs
• Pain that started after a fall, car accident or other injury
• Fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
• Pain that keeps getting worse despite rest

Acupuncture can work alongside your doctor’s or physical therapist’s care once serious causes have been ruled out.

Related conditions

Sciatica often goes hand in hand with low back pain. You may also want to read about peripheral neuropathy and sports injuries.