Sciatica is a general term for pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is in the lower back. It is a common condition affecting roughly 3 million people annually.
Typical causes for sciatica are a herniated disc, bone spurs or even a tumor. These conditions press on the nerve, causing pain that radiates down the hips, buttocks, lower back, and/or the back of one or both legs. It is more common for sciatica to affect just one leg, and the pain may extend all the way to the foot.
In addition to pain, sciatica can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or even a burning sensation in the affected area. It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from sciatica to catch their foot on the ground when walking.
Treatment Modalities
Sciatica is a treatable condition. Treatments for sciatica pain relief include massage, acupuncture, and herbal therapy. Holistic Alternatives can provide all of these forms of therapy and can tailor a plan using any combination of the three to address your pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be a highly effective treatment for sciatica, addressing pain and symptoms without drugs or surgery. Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture has a total effective rate of over 80% in treating sciatica when used alone, a rate that increases when used in combination with herbal medicine. Acupuncture can address sciatica pain by lowering the levels of certain biochemicals in the body, reducing pain and inflammation. Benefits have been observed from treatments using both traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture.
Acupuncture can have both immediate and long-lasting impacts on sciatica pain. In addition to reducing inflammation, acupuncture causes the body to release natural opioids, reducing the intensity of sciatica pain. Further, acupuncture has been shown to aid in the repair of nerve damage. Indeed, at least one meta-analysis of numerous studies of sciatica treatments has shown that acupuncture is more effective than medication in treating sciatica.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be an effective means of reducing the pain of sciatica, with studies suggesting that massage can be more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in treating sciatica pain.
Massage can reduce muscle tension and lead to the release of natural endorphins, both leading to diminished pain. Massage therapy also improves blood circulation and reduces stress, further contributing to diminished pain and improving the body’s natural healing abilities.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal therapies have been used for thousands of years to treat sciatica pain as a part of traditional Chinese medicine. Herbal therapies have particularly measurable benefits in reducing pain from sciatica when combined with acupuncture. Studies have shown that a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies can have a total effective rate of 95% in treating sciatica pain.
Qualified in all the above forms of therapy, Holistic Alternatives can offer a drug free, non-surgical means to sciatica pain relief.
Robert Lutz
L.Ac., LMT, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
Contact Robert to schedule an appointment:
Texts welcome (727) 266-3000.
TCM practitioner for over 20 yrs:
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
- Reiki Master
- Ordained Interfaith Minister
- Optavia Coach
- Certified Nutritionist
- Certified Fitness Trainer
“I offer alternatives to harsh drugs & invasive procedures when practical & safe to do so. I believe in supporting the healing qualities & wisdom of your body. Clients receive quality care with uninterrupted attention for 60 minutes or longer per session.”
