Acupuncture is an ancient branch of Chinese medicine
which aims to balance the life forces in the body to
allow for natural healing and to promote emotional and
physical well-being. Modern acupuncture is used to restore,
promote and maintain the good health of the body as
a whole; it has gained acceptance in traditional medicine
circles. While there is little specific research on
acupuncture and sciatica, there is evidence that acupuncture
does provide quality relief from pain. Acupuncture is
an alternative sciatica treatment that gives relief
to many patients.
How does acupuncture help to relieve sciatica
pain?
Reduces the inflammation which is often present
in sciatica, causing pain.
Stimulates the nerves in affected muscles and other
tissue in the body which helps relieve pain and increases
the release of endorphins, the body's own pain killer.
Improves blood circulation which in turn improves
joint mobility and relaxes muscles which are tense
or in spasm, causing pain.
Increases serotonin and noradrenalin levels which
improves the patient's sense of well-being, speeds
up the repair of nerves and reduces pain.
Promotes the regeneration of the sciatic nerve.
Because the theory behind Chinese medicine is that
every part of the body is inter-connected, acupuncture
for sciatica must be personalized for the individual
patient. Before starting acupuncture sciatica treatment
the practitioner will take a complete medical history
and discuss the symptoms with the patient. The acupuncture
will then be aimed at the root of the problem which
is causing the sciatica symptoms and not merely masking
the symptoms.
It has been shown that acupuncture is especially effective
in relieving sciatica symptoms if it is commenced as
soon as possible after the pain starts or the injury
occurs. However, this is not always possible and many
people only turn to an alternative therapy like acupuncture
after the usual medical treatment has failed to correct
their symptoms or completely relieve their sciatica
pain.
How does acupuncture compare with medication
as a sciatica treatment?
One of the most common medications prescribed or recommended
for sciatica treatment is the NSAID group of drugs.
These are anti-inflammatories and are known to have
adverse side effects for most patients, the most common
being gastric irritation and liver damage. Most over-the-counter
and prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medication
give good short-term sciatica pain relief by blocking
the production of prostaglandins, the pain hormones.
Prostaglandins are also vasodilators which enhance circulation,
so while these drugs relieve the pain for a while, they
also restrict the blood supply to the affected area.
This actually prolongs the recovery and the patient's
return to good health.
Acupuncture increases circulation to the tissues that
are causing the sciatica pain, helping the muscles to
relax, the tissue to repair and the pain to subside.
Good circulation to injured areas helps to nourish the
tissues and also removes pain-causing substances like
lactic acid and eliminates muscle fatigue.
Several acupuncture treatments will probably be required
to get you to a position where your sciatica pain is
completely gone. Learning meditation can be very helpful
as a sciatica treatment in conjunction with acupuncture;
the breathing exercises and relaxation techniques help
to reduce stress, pain and tension. The muscles of the
back and hip are frequently tight and tense in sciatica
and may be in spasm. Both meditation and acupuncture
help to release this tension so that the body can heal
naturally.
Acupuncture is also able to reprogram the muscles to
stay in a relaxed state which is a great help in relieving
sciatica pain. As your sciatica pain reduces, it is
really important that you stretch and strengthen these
muscles so that they can support your spine in a balanced
way. You might enjoy learning Yoga or Tai Chi which
are both designed to strengthen body and mind to maintain
emotional and physical health.
It is important to find a fully trained and accredited
acupuncture practitioner for sciatica treatment so that
you can have confidence in a positive outcome.
