Category Archives: Acupuncture for Sciatica

Posted on

Acupuncture Treatment for Herniated Disc Symptoms

Patients often ask me if at my acupuncture clinic in Mesa, AZ if acupuncture is an effective treatment for a herniated disc.  The answer is yes, acupuncture can alleviate herniated disc symptoms for many people.  The pain from a herniated disc can be debilitating and negatively effects your relationships, ability to work and enjoyment of life.  Acupuncture treatment for herniated disc symptoms can help you regain your life.

What causes a herniated disc?

Excessive pressure on the discs and degeneration of the discs cause lumbar disc herniation.  When the spine bends forward (flexes) this position places enormous pressure on the discs especially when the spine in in this position for a long period of time.  A twisting motion combined with the flexed position adds even more strain on the discs.  Athletes involved in sports and activities that involve repetitive bending forward and twisting like golf, baseball and football are more vulnerable to lumbar disc injuries.  Sitting and leaning forward for long periods during office work, studying and driving long distances also damages and injures the discs.  Sitting, more than standing or walking places the discs under enormous pressure and is thought that this is the reason for disc herniation in younger adults. 

As we age the disc begins to breakdown.  The disc loses water and becomes dehydrated.   The collagen and gelatinous matrix that make up the disc weakens making it more vulnerable to injury especially under strain.   A disc herniation puts pressure on the spinal nerves and cause pain.  The injury also causes the release of many different inflammatory substances that irritate the nerve root and cause pain.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

One of the leading causes of low back pain is lumbar disc herniation.  People with lumbar disc herniation also experience pain, numbness, tingling and electrical sensations into the buttock and down the leg.  Other symptoms include muscle cramping, loss of strength and heaviness in the legs.

On rare occasions, symptoms include severe low back pain with loss of bladder and bowel control.  This is cauda equine syndrome and it is a medical emergency.   If not treated immediately the symptoms can become permanent. 

How can acupuncture help herniated discs?

Most people with a herniated disc respond to conservative (non-surgical) care and acupuncture plays an important role.  Acupuncture treatment for herniated discs alleviates pain, releases muscle spasms and restores mobility.  Acupuncture increases micro circulation to the affected area and stimulates the body to produce its own natural pain killers (endorphins).  It also reduces the inflammation that irritates the nerve root by decreasing inflammatory cytokines.  It also stimulates the production of immune cells that clear cellular debris that also irritates the nerve root

Is there anything I can do to help alleviate the pain from a herniated disc?

Yes.  The discs swell overnight and put pressure on the nerve root causing more pain upon waking in the morning.  Avoid movements and stretches that flex the spine first thing in the morning.  Examples are bending to touch your toes or bringing your knees to your chest to stretch your low back.  Always avoid waking and then immediately sitting at your desk or table to check email, study or catch up on work.  Instead go for a walk and allow time for the discs to shrink.  Doing this will lessen the pain you experience during the day.

My free E book 3 Ways to Heal Chronic Pain at the Root has more tips and valuable information to help reduce pain caused by herniated discs.  You can find it on the upper right of this post.

If you are looking for pain relief from herniated discs call 480-832-0966 to schedule an appointment and I will be happy to help you.

Stay well,

Dr. D

Photo credit: https://michaeldorausch.com

Posted on

Acupuncture for Sciatica

Patients often ask me “Denise, is acupuncture good for sciatica?” I can confidently say that among natural treatments, acupuncture is one of the best sciatica treatment options available. I have successfully treated sciatica at my acupuncture clinic in Mesa, AZ. Acupuncture alleviates sciatic nerve pain so you can get back to enjoying life again.

What is sciatica?

People with sciatica often experience one sided pain, burning, aching and a pins and needles sensation that can occur in the buttocks, legs and feet. The sciatic nerve is long and wide and holds the title of largest nerve in the body. It travels from the lower back to the buttocks and back of the thigh. Just above the knee it splits into two branches. One branch continues along the back of the lower leg to the sole of the foot, while the other branch travels along the outside of the lower leg to the outside of the foot. Sciatic pain occurs when the nerve gets irritated or inflamed anywhere along it’s pathway.

  • The sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve is shown above in yellow.

What triggers sciatica?

Any condition that damages, compresses or entraps the sciatic nerve can trigger sciatica. These conditions include:

  • Herniated or bulging discs that press on the nerve root.
  • Degenerated lumbar discs that compress the nerve root.
  • Lumbar stenosis which is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine and compresses on the nerve root.
  • Muscle spasms in the low back irritate the nerve.
  • Tightness of the piriformis muscle entraps the sciatic nerve causing pain.
  • Often overlooked are trigger points in the gluteus medius and minimus muscles that cause a pain pattern that feels very similar to sciatic nerve pain.
  • Gluteus medius and minimus trigger points in red.
Gluteus medius (first two drawings from the left) and minimus (3rd, 4th and 5th drawings from left). Trigger points are marked with a T. Pain referral area is in red.

How does acupuncture get the sciatic nerve to stop hurting?

Acupuncture increases the production of endorphins – natural pain killers which decrease nerve pain signals Acupuncture also blocks the formation inflammatory cytokines that also cause pain and create inflammation. Electroacupuncture, which feels similar to a TENs unit plays an important role in the treatment of sciatica. Electroacupuncture restores strength and control of muscles that may have become weak due to damage of the sciatic nerve. It also speeds the healing and promotes the regeneration of the sciatic nerve.

Degenerative changes in the spine cause shortening of the deep spinal muscles that connect to the vertebrae. This shortening pulls the vertebrae closer together which puts more pressure on the nerve root resulting in sciatic pain. Acupuncture at these shortened areas causes a lengthening of the muscle which takes pressure off the nerve and alleviates the sciatic pain.

Acupuncture points for sciatic nerve pain

I do a thorough assessment at my acupuncture clinic in Mesa, AZ before beginning acupuncture for sciatic pain. I may do orthopedic testing, manual muscle testing and examination for trigger points. Depending on those results I may begin with acupuncture points in the hands, ankles and other areas. Using these distal points can be a good way to start especially if the affected area is sensitive. In addition, they are extremely effective in bringing down pain levels. If necessary, I will use acupuncture points and electroacupuncture in the back, hip and legs to further decrease inflammation and promote healing of the sciatic nerve.

My free E-book 3 Ways to Heal Chronic Pain at the Root has valuable information to help reduce sciatic pain. You can find it on the upper right of this post. If you are looking for sciatic pain relief call 480-832-0966 to schedule an appointment at my acupuncture clinic in Mesa, AZ and I will be happy to help you.

Stay well,

Dr. D