Acupuncture for sciatica and leg pain

Sciatica specifically describes pain associated with the sciatic nerve root. It generally affects the lower back, gluteal region and leg, sometimes radiating to the lower leg and foot.

The discomfort is experienced is due to impingement or inflammation of the nerve. The sciatic nerve passes down the back of the leg, but it is also common for people to have nerve pain radiating from the back  down the side or front of the leg. This pain is sometimes referred to as sciatica, although technically it follows a different nerve pathway.

Does acupuncture help sciatica?

There is good quality evidence to show that acupuncture is a good treatment option for sciatic and other nerve pain of the leg. There are several acupuncture channels passing from the area of the lower back and hip down the legs. These often follow the pathways of pain described by patients and can be used to help to relive the pain. We use local and distal points on these channels to  promote the circulation around and away from the site of pain and promote healing.

Acupuncture has been found to have an anti inflammatory effect in the body. It works on local muscle and nerve tissue to promote circulation of blood and immune system modulation. It has been found to have an effect to reduce the sensitivity of pain preceptors in the brain. Acupuncture is also understood to promote levels of serotonin and noradrenaline which help with pain control and speed up the repair of nerves.

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