The providers at Integrative Acupuncture have been successfully treating sciatic pain with acupuncture for over a decade. Our busy practices in Montpelier and Williston, Vermont, allow us to perfect our skills at treating sciatica quickly and effectively. A comfortable and welcoming clinic, easily accessible from Washington, Chittenden and Lamoille counties, awaits you to eliminate your sciatic pain. Naturally.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve along its pathway, often at its root in the lower lumbar and sacral spine. Common causes of sciatica include lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and pregnancy.
Common symptoms include pain in the rear of leg that is worse when sitting, burning or tingling down the leg, numbness or weakness of the leg or foot, constant pain on one side of the buttocks, and shooting pain down the leg. Often symptoms only occur on one side of the body. For some people the pain may be so great they are unable to walk or stand. For other people the pain may be uncomfortable but manageable.
How Does Western Medicine Treat Sciatica?
Sciatica is commonly treated with recommendations to avoid sitting, use heating pads and alternate sides when lying down while waiting for the pain to relieve on its own. If pain remains, recommendations for pain medication, physical therapy and/or steroid injections may be suggested. For very severe cases, surgery may be considered.
We receive referrals from medical doctors, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and other providers all over Washington, Lamoille and Chittenden counties to use acupuncture on their patients with sciatica. We pride ourselves on integrating with other healthcare providers and will communicate about your care effectively.
How Is Sciatica Treated With Acupuncture?
We generally provide quick and effective relief from sciatic pain via acupuncture. When the acupuncture needle is inserted, the body naturally reacts by reducing muscular tension and increasing circulation of blood. The body also releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer while the needles are resting. A recent meta analysis of 12 studies of acupuncture for sciatica showed that acupuncture was more effective than conventional Western medicine in outcomes effectiveness, pain intensity, and pain threshold.
We may incorporate moxibustion, cupping, and/or infrared heat therapy to further relax muscles and reduce pain. We often end a treatment for sciatica with deep tissue massage, or tuina, and stretches.
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Sources:
Ji M, Wang X, Chen M, Shen Y, Zhang X, Yang J. The Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:192808. doi:10.1155/2015/192808
