Many people suffer from lower back pain and sciatica worldwide. But for some, it may just be an acute episode of lower back pain, while others can suffer back and sciatica pain for years with no relief. This article will examine lower back and sciatica pain and how acupuncture can help treat it.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is the compression of the sciatic nerve, resulting in a sharp pain radiating down the back or side of the leg. It’s typically caused by nerve root compression in the spine or inflammation in the sciatic nerve itself. Symptoms include back pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg that can reach the foot.

The sciatic nerve starts in the low back at levels L4 to S3 in the spine. It passes through the pelvis and down into the knee, where it branches out into the tibia and peroneal nerves. This extensive pathway explains why pain, numbing, and tingling can be felt so far down the leg.

Typical causes of sciatic pain

There are several reasons and causes for sciatic pain. These include the following:

• Lumbar disc problems. These problems can cause the degeneration and herniation of the lumbar discs, ultimately reducing the cushioning between the last vertebrae and causing pain and nerve compression.
• Spinal stenosis. This causes sciatic pain when the spinal canal narrows, causing nerve compression.
• Spinal vertebrae fracture. Fracturing vertebrae in your spine can cause misalignment and impact nerves.
• Pregnancy. When you become pregnant, increased pressure and a realignment of the hips can create sciatic pain.
• Tight muscles. If you have tight or sore muscles that surround the sciatic nerve, this can create sciatic pain when pressure is put on it.

Other reasons for sciatic pain

In addition to the reasons above, you may feel pain similar to sciatica if the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve are compressed or tightened on it. This is known to mimic the sciatic pain that can typically be felt down the leg. The difference is this pain is not occurring because of spinal compression or nerve inflammation. Instead, it is triggered in the piriformis and gluteus minimus muscles.

The piriformis muscle tends to be located above the sciatic nerve. And if it tightens or gets inflamed, it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain, tingling, and numbness down the back of the leg. This is known as piriformis syndrome. In addition, the gluteus minimus muscles are located on the outer hip and can cause pain down the leg when they tighten.

How can acupuncture help your sciatic pain?

Acupuncture is known for relaxing tight muscles, improving blood circulation, regulating the nervous system, and releasing neurotransmitters to reduce pain. Studies have proven that it can be an effective treatment for sciatica without any side effects caused by prescription medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. It’s also a safe, non-surgical treatment option that can help you manage your pain.

And if you decide to take medications to manage your pain, acupuncture has been shown to enhance the effects of drugs that may be prescribed. It can also help reduce the dosage you need and mitigate any side effects you may be feeling.

For more information about acupuncture for sciatica and more integrated intuitive healing, contact Amla Healing Arts.

We serve Bergen County, NJ, with holistic healing arts for pain management and wellness concerns. Beyond acupuncture for sciatica, we provide integrative, intuitive healing that includes herbal support, energy work, and skeletal integration.

If you’re ready to manage your pain and discover new mind/body cooperation in your life, contact Amla Healing Arts today to book your appointment.