If you have ever experienced low back pain with sharp shooting pain down the back of the leg you may have been doctor diagnosed with sciatic pain. Sciatic pain is a symptom of an underlying medical condition of the lower back area. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back, runs through the glute, and down the back of each leg.
Sciatic pain occurs when there is a structural impingement or compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. This occurs when there is an acute injury to the lower back. Or it can be the result of long-term degeneration of the lumbar area.
So how does acupuncture help? Acupuncture stimulates a response from the nervous system to help release and relieve the pain associated with sciatica.
This response from the nervous system leads our brain to:
release a cascade of natural painkillers (endorphins and enkephalins)
increase blood flow to the area being treated therefore delivering new oxygenated blood to help with cell regeneration
relax the muscles in the surrounding area, reducing compression or impingement
While acupuncture can’t heal the structural issues of the lower back that causes sciatica, it’s an effective treatment for pain management.
Book in with our in acupuncturist Avery and Dayna to see how they can help alleviate your symptoms.
