Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body, with the pain extending from the lower back / buttocks down the leg. When asked to specify what they’re feeling, patients usually describe as:
- Shooting, sharp pain making it difficult to stand
- Constant pain on one side of the buttocks
- Pain in the buttocks or leg that worsens with sitting
- Burning, tingling, or searing pain down the leg
- Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot.
Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition of the lower back area. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back, runs through the buttocks, and down the back of each leg. Portions of the sciatic nerve branch to various areas of the leg, like the calf or toes. 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 can be the result of long-term degeneration of the lumbar area. The location of the painful symptoms in the leg depends on where in the lower back the sciatic nerve is being compressed. Common causes include herniated disc, disc degeneration, lumbar spinal stenosis, etc.
Treating Sciatica with Acupuncture Peter Sheng, MD
Acupuncture might trigger the release of natural painkillers, increase blood flow to the painful area and relax the muscles in the surrounding area. Dr. Sheng approaches the treatment with a distal approach. Not a single needle is inserted into areas of pain. Scalp, ears, arms and legs can be used to cover any form of sciatica. In the 30 years of practice, this style of acupuncture works effectively.
Treatment for Sciatica in Cincinnati
Call our office at (513) 528-2900, or use our online contact form to REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT for sciatica treatment using Acupuncture with Peter Sheng, MD.