How do I know if I have sciatica?
The pain characteristically starts at one side of the lumbar area or hip, radiating a burning sensation along the back of the thigh, gluts, or lateral side of leg.
What is the cause?
Trauma, injury, weak muscle stabilizer due to bad posture, muscle spasm, disc degeneration or injuries.
How will acupuncture help?
In acupuncture we term sciatica as a Bi Pain Syndrome caused by obstruction of qi and blood along the bladder and gall bladder meridian, resulting in pain. Treatment principles are to activate qi and blood circulation and relieving pain.
Main treatment approaches focus on these two meridians which run along the path of the sciatic nerve by placing needles into specific points to relieve pain. Needling technique involves acupuncture, using a warming herb technique moxibustion, electro – acupuncture and or cupping with heat lamp. Usually patients feel relief after 3 – 4 treatments every day or second day. The sooner you get treatment the less likely it will become chronic. It’s much harder to shift the pain if it’s been more than 3 months.
Anything I can do from home to help me recover?
Rest, support the lower back, mind the posture and keep lumbar region warm