Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lumbosacral region through the hips, buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body. It can be a debilitating condition caused by the impingement of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lumbosacral region through the hips, buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body. It can be a debilitating condition caused by the impingement of the sciatic nerve.

Causative Factors :

As per Classical Chinese Medicine, Sciatica occurs due to a combination of Kidney Qi, Du Mai, Chong Mai and Dai mai (meridians that influence the back and the hip girdle) pathology that causes Qi and blood stasis in the lower back, gluteal region and along the legs.

  • 90% of sciatica is due to a herniated spinal intervertebral disc causing nerve root compression. It could also be due to a bone spur or due to overworking of the piriformis muscle.
  • Excess body weight can contribute to the spinal changes that trigger sciatica.
  • A job that requires you to sit for prolonged periods, twist your back, carry heavy loads or drive a motor vehicle for long periods might also lead to sciatica.
  • Diabetes Mellitus increases the risk of sciatic nerve damage.
  • Red flag: Sciatica which causes progressive sensory symptoms (numbness and tingling sensation along the lower limbs) or motor symptoms needs to be clinically evaluated as it may be an emergency or point towards a progressed state or a tumor.

Methodology :

  • A detailed history is taken to ascertain the involved meridians, aggravating and relieving factors along with orthopedic and neurological examination, especially the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test is done.
  • Treatment predominantly is through needling, electrostimulation and cupping. The patient is advised to initially rest the back as much as possible, then slowly incorporate stretching exercises as the pain subsides followed by a strength-training routine to strengthen the back as well as the gluteal muscles.
  • Maintenance acupuncture sessions, a regular and sustainable work out routine and proper postural changes (while sitting, standing and lifting) effectively controls the disease progression.
  • A well-placed needle sets off a cascade of events:
  • Through the neurohumoral pathway; producing a signal that travels along the spinal cord to the brain, triggering a release of neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphins, serotonin and enkephalins. (Pomeranz, 1987, Zijlstra 2003, Zhao 2008, Cheng 2009).
  • Reduction of inflammation by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors thereby reducing pain. (Kim 2008, Kavoussi 2007, Zijlstra 2003).
  • Through enhancing local microcirculation, by increasing the diameter and blood flow velocity of peripheral arterioles. It can repair muscle injuries and strengthen weak muscles or relax tense ones. (Komori 2009).
  • Due to the concentrated placement of acupoints around the joints, it can influence the stimulation of nerve growth factor and bone growth factors; thereby facilitating tissue regeneration. (Gh, He, Ruan Jw, Zeng Ys, X. Zhou, Y. Ding, and Zhou Gh, 2015)

As per Classical Chinese Medicine, regular Acupuncture sessions in the long run promote production and circulation of Qi, blood and body fluids as well as aid the transformation process by eliminating toxins through sweat, urine and faeces. This, in turn optimises immunity, improves appetite, energy levels and sleep, regularises bowel movements and helps manage stress better.

The safety profile of acupuncture is excellent, with very few adverse events when performed by a trained practitioner.
As no two patients are alike, the duration of the treatment vastly depends on the patient’s age, health habits and the severity of the condition.

Related research papers on acupuncture for sciatica :