Central Earth Treatment Services

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR SCIATICA PAIN

WHAT IS SCIATICA PAIN

Sciatica is compression of the sciatic nerve which results in pain radiating down the back or side of the leg. It is commonly caused by nerve root compression at various levels in the spine or inflammation in the the sciatic nerve itself.

Symptoms associated with sciatica are low back pain, numbness or tingling down the leg as far as the foot, and weakness of the affected areas.

The sciatic nerve originates in the low back at spinal nerve levels from L4 to S3. It goes through the pelvis, then down to the knee, where it branches out into the tibial and peroneal nerves.

This nerve pathway explains why people can experience numbness and tingling all the way down the leg when they have sciatica.

What Causes SCIATICA PAIN?

LUMBAR DISC PROBLEMS - DEGENERATION, HERNIATION

Reduces cushioning between spinal vertebrae which causes pain and nerve compression

SPINAL STENOSIS

When the spinal canal narrows it can cause nerve compression

SPINAL VERTEBRAE FRACTURE

Causes misalignment of the spine and can impact nerves

PREGNANCY

There is increased pressure and a realignment of the hips that can create sciatic pain

TIGHT MUSCLES (PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME)

Muscles that surround the sciatic nerve can press on it when they are tight or

Sitting or driving too much can cause tightness in muscle that surround the sciatic nerve

People may experience:

Pain areas: in the back, buttocks, hip, or lower extremities

Pain types: can be mild, severe, radiating, or sharp

Pain circumstances: can occur due to injury or while sitting

Muscular: difficulty walking or muscle weakness

Sensory: leg numbness or pins and needles

Also common: burning sensation, foot numbness, or weakness

Another reason that the sciatic nerve can be compressed is due to tight muscles around it that press on it. This can mimic the sciatica pain felt down the leg from spinal nerve root compression but it not due to spinal compression or nerve inflammation.

Dr Annie Yang 杨 of Oahu Acupuncture Clinic will identify trigger point patterns in the piriformis and gluteus minimus muscles that can mimic sciatic pain.

The piriformis muscle is located right above the sciatic nerve in most people. If that muscle gets tight or inflamed it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain, tingling, and numbness down the back of the leg.

This condition is known as piriformis syndrome and it more of a muscle issue than a nerve issue.

The gluteus minimus muscle is the deepest of the gluteal muscles and is located on the outer hip. When that muscle forms a trigger point, it can cause a referral pattern down the side of the leg which most doctors call “pseudo-sciatica.”

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL ON ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR SCIATICA PAIN

"Had a great experience at Central Earth"

Came in for some sciatic pain. Just a few sessions and it went away! Big believer in acupuncture.

- Joey B. of Scottsdale, AZ

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for sciatica, and it may be as good as or better than standard Western medical care. Acupuncture can:

REDUCED PAIN

Acupuncture can temporarily stop nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, and it can also trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

IMPROVED FUNCTION

Acupuncture can improve function and reduce pain in patients with chronic sciatica from a herniated disk.

COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS

Acupuncture works well with other treatments like pain medication, physical therapy, stretching, and hot and cold packs.

PROVIDES LONG-LASTING RELIEF

Pain relief from acupuncture can last for months after the initial sessions.

Central Earth Healing is a go-to local OAHU Acupuncture Clinic providing Acupuncture Treatment for SCIATICA & CHRONIC PAIN in 96801 Honolulu.

After acupuncture, patients may notice improvements in stability and muscular activation. Pain relief may occur at the same time, or it may take a bit longer, depending on the chronicity of the sciatica and other health factors. There are different types of acupuncture that can be used to treat sciatica, including:

Manual acupuncture: Involves twirling, lifting, and thrusting manipulations

Electroacupuncture: Uses an electric microcurrent device for more frequent and intense stimulation

Warm acupuncture: Combines acupuncture with moxibustion treatment

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for sciatica without the side effects of prescription pain medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. It is also a safe, non-surgical treatment option that can relieve sciatica pain.