Acupuncture for Sciatica
Sciatica is a painful condition that affects many people, causing pain in day to day life. But with acupuncture for sciatica, one of many TCM treatment options available at Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic, you can enjoy relief from the pain that comes from sciatica.
What Is Sciatica and the Sciatic Nerve?
Sciatica is nerve pain that originates from deep within the sciatic nerve, which is developed from nerve roots that stem from the spinal cord. The nerve roots travel through the spaces between the discs, coming together to form the sciatic nerve. The nerve itself starts at the spine and makes its way to the back of the thigh and the leg via the buttocks.
The sciatic nerve is the main controller of sensation and function to the leg and foot. Sciatica, also known as sciatic pain, is typically the result of prolapsed or slipped discs bulging and putting unwanted pressure on the intervertebral nerves, creating an irritation in the process.
What Are the Common Causes of Sciatica?
There are numerous causes of sciatica, with the herniated disc as described above being the most common. Other causes of sciatica can include:
- Bony growths – Also known as osteophytes, these present as bony growths on the outside of joints
- Piriformis syndrome – A condition in which the buttocks’ piriformis muscle aggravates the sciatic nerve
- Lumbar spinal canal stenosis – Best described as a narrowing of the open spaces found in the lower spine, this needs to be diagnosed and treated by a medical specialist in the field. Those with a chronic case may have it for anywhere between four years and the rest of their life
- Spondylolisthesis – This is a condition where one vertebra of the spine slips forward onto the bone below it, often resulting in severe lower back pain or sciatica
Other possible causes of sciatic pain can include the formation of tumours on the nerve roots or spinal cord. Spinal trauma, whether by car accident or similar incident, can also lead to sciatica.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica presents with a number of different symptoms of varying intensity. First and foremost is the sharp pain that runs along the sciatic nerve. This pain can be felt all the way from the buttock to the foot, and it can often be accompanied or followed by sensations such as ‘pins and needles’, tingling and numbness. Occasionally, the leg might experience some muscular weakness.
How Can I Self-Manage Symptoms of Sciatic Pain?
While medical professionals no longer believe that bed rest is an effective means of alleviating the symptoms of sciatica, more successful self-care options can include:
- Rest (though not extended bed rest)
- Ice packs
- Correct posture
- Warm baths
- Ensuring the mattress on your bed is neither too hard nor too soft
- Performing gentle exercises that help to strengthen and build the lower back.
- Use of ergonomic furniture
Acupuncture for Sciatica
If the time has come to seek proper treatment for your sciatica, there are a range of options available, including pain relieving medication, manipulative therapies such as chiro and osteo, and surgery as a last resort. At Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic, we can help provide relief from the debilitating condition with the use of sciatica acupuncture therapy.
Acupuncture for sciatica involves the insertion of fine needles into pre-determined areas in the body called meridians that help to unblock a person’s life force – or Chi. Unblocking the meridians with the needles helps facilitate the smooth flow of Chi throughout the body to promote healing and provide relief from pain, including sciatica pain.
Book an Appointment for Our Services Today
Whether you’re looking for sciatica acupuncture therapy, cupping treatment, acupuncture in Melbourne or the expertise and advice of a trusted naturopath in Victoria, you can count on Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic to provide you with the service you need. Make an appointment at our clinic today.