Treating Sciatica With Acupuncture
- Posted on: Jun 1 2017
Sciatica is a painful condition that millions suffer from every year. It is caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve and runs from the end of the spine, bilaterally through the buttocks, and down your leg. In some cases, it can be so painful it impedes leg movement. The vast majority of cases of sciatica are caused from a spinal disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, usually only effecting one side of the body. According to the National Institute of Health, effective treatments for sciatica include acupuncture and physical therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1895638/
Throughout the years, acupuncture has helped many people who have sciatic pain. According to Chinese Medicine, there are 12 main pathways of energy in the body. One of them runs along a similar trajectory to the sciatic nerve and has several points that can be very helpful in decreasing sciatic pain.
One often overlooked instigator of sciatica can be stress or frustration. When we are stressed, our muscles tend to naturally clench. If the muscle around the sciatic nerve clenches too tightly, the nerve can get overstimulated, potentially resulting in pain. Acupuncture can help calm the mind, as well as relax the muscles.
The best part about acupuncture helping sciatica is that it is safe and all natural. Medications can have side effects or simply mask the problem temporarily. The goal of acupuncture is to use the body’s own resources to take away the pain. Come in for a relaxing acupuncture treatment and stop suffering!
Posted in: Acupuncture