Sciatica pain can be debilitating, but acupuncture can provide lasting relief. Those who experience pain in their sciatic nerve feel it erupt in their lower back. It follows the sciatic nerve’s path down the thigh and sometimes into the calf. These kinds of nerve problems can cause pain and numbness, and tingling, typically on one side of the body. Luckily, most sciatica pain resolves without surgery. There is a range of self-care treatments available to those who suffer from sciatica pain.

It’s critical to seek immediate medical attention if you have sciatica pain and experience:

• Loss of feeling
• Weakness
• Loss of bladder and bowel function

Some common treatments for mild sciatica pain include:

• Stretching
• Heat and cold therapy
• Posture
• Non-steroidal and steroid injections
• Acupuncture

We’ll be discussing how acupuncture can help with sciatica pain in greater detail.

What causes sciatica pain?

The sciatic is the largest nerve in the body, running from the spine’s lumbar region to the feet. An issue in one area can radiate throughout the lower extremities because the nerve’s path goes through a large section of the body. While sciatica pain is frustrating, it rarely requires surgical intervention. There are several reasons you may experience pain, including several causes of pressure on the nerve, including:

• Herniated spinal disk
• Bone spurs
• Narrowing of the spinal passage

Some factors may make you more prone to sciatica issues:

• Age: as we grow older, our spines are susceptible to issues that put pressure on the nerve.
• Weight: added body weight can put additional strain on the spine and sciatic.
• Lifestyle: both repetitive motion and long periods of sitting may cause sciatica pain.

Regardless of your unique combination of risk factors and spinal issues, you don’t have to accept sciatica pain as a part of your life. Reach out to a licensed acupuncturist like Amla Healing Arts for pain management and relief from sciatic issues.

How can acupuncture help with sciatica pain?

Acupuncture functions to release tight muscles in your body. Doing so can improve circulation, help your nerves self-regulate, and even help your body release pain-reducing chemicals. Acupuncture can help your body regulate itself to address sciatica pain.

If you’ve tried common self-care sciatica treatments without getting the results you want, acupuncture is a safe alternative to prescription muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory and steroid injections. There are no side effects, and you can experience relief immediately.

For severe sciatica pain, some patients pair acupuncture with prescription solutions, which allows them to decrease their dosage and augment the drugs’ benefits.

How can I tell if acupuncture is right for my sciatica pain?

When you have an experienced, licensed acupuncturist, there are very few risks or side effects. But not everyone is a candidate for acupuncture. Consult with your primary physician before seeking treatment. Some people who may not be eligible for acupuncture include:

• Individuals with bleeding disorders: sometimes bleeding or bruising occur at the site of needle insertion. Those who are on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders may increase the likelihood of those side effects.
• Pregnant women: some forms of acupuncture can stimulate labor, so it’s important to let your acupuncturist know your prior conditions.
• People with pacemakers: some acupuncture techniques use mild electric shocks, which can disrupt the functionality of pacemakers.

For most people suffering from sciatica pain, acupuncture is both safe and effective.

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

Misty Kammarada, L.Ac serves Bergen County, NJ, with holistic healing arts for pain management and wellness concerns. Beyond acupuncture for sciatica, she provides 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, send your insurance information to Misty for verification, and book your first appointment.