Treatment for Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful condition which affects the area of the sciatic nerve. It is usually caused by compression of the nerve or by inflammation and may be felt in the lower back, through the buttock and passing down the back of the leg.

Careful, targetted Tuina Massage and/or acupuncture with heat therapy may be extremely effective in alleviating low back pain in general and sciatica pain in particular. Clinical trial evidence for the effectiveness of both Chinese Tuina Massage and Acpuncture support this and the World Health Organisation recommends the use of acupuncture for both general back pain and for sciatica.

As a yoga and Pilates Teacher, and as someone who has suffered from chronic back pain I understand very well how debilitating these conditions are and also the importance not only of therapy but of lifestyle change for lasting permanent results.

Chinese Medicine will tend to view sciatica as an obstruction on the Bladder or Gallbladder channels which run along the sciatic areas of the back, buttock and leg. The use of heat, massage and needling will help to relax and decontract tissue which may be impinging upon the sciatic nerve. Fine, non-invasive Acupuncture needles are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body thus reducing inflammation to the area of the back or leg which may be causing pain.

Treatment is subtle, targeted, non-invasive and may be very relieving. Most people will enjoy their treatment of massage, heat and acupuncture, particularly when they experience the results.

References:

Evidence for effectiveness of Acupuncture for Low Back Pain and Sciatica

WHO recommended Acupuncture points.

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