Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, running from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of both legs. It then divides into several branches below the knee and supplies sensation to the skin of the foot and the majority of the lower leg.

Anything that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause pain anywhere along its pathway.  Some experts estimate that up to 40% of people will experience sciatica at least once in their lifetime.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The main symptom of sciatica is a shooting pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve; from the lower back, through the buttock, or down the back of either leg.

Other common symptoms of sciatica include numbness in the leg along the nerve and/or a tingling sensation (pins and needles) in the feet and toes.

Sciatica may feel like a mild ache; a sharp, burning sensation; or extreme discomfort. Pain may worsen with:

• Prolonged sitting
• Standing up
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Twisting
• Lifting
• Straining

How can you treat sciatica?

Evia Medical Center’s team of physicians and acupuncturists offer an integrative approach to treating sciatica. Working together, your team will create a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Prescription pain relief medication
• Trigger point injections (TPI)
• Acupuncture
• Lifestyle changes that can improve your level of pain

Does acupuncture treat sciatica?

Many patients with sciatica experience significant pain relief through acupuncture, as well as assistance in managing and resolving their condition over time. Inserting tiny sterile needles into specific points on the lower back and along the sciatic nerve triggers the central nervous system to release chemicals that alter your sensation of pain and promote a sense of well-being.

While acupuncture cannot heal the structural issues of the lower back that cause sciatica, it is a useful, side-effect free treatment for the management of the pain.

Evia Medical Center in Smithtown, New York, has helped countless patients suffering from sciatica associated pain. With their integrative medicine approach, you receive the most well-rounded, comprehensive level of care. Call today to get fast and expert relief.