Sciatica

Definitely, one of the most common conditions, I see in clinic is sciatica. If you or someone you know has ever suffer with sciatica, you know it is extremely painful and can be quite debilitating. It can manifest as a nervy pain that radiates from the buttock down the leg. Sometimes this pain can even cause numbness and tingling in the leg as well as the foot. Often time affecting one or both legs. The sciatic nerve originates deep in between muscles in the buttock. When this nerve is compressed pain is the result. Any number of reasons can cause this nerve to send fiery pain down the legs. Lumbar disc compression, spinal stenosis, or just plain standing on a hard floor too long, are just a few possible roots.

Oriental Medicine treats this condition in two stages. First is to get you out of pain. Second treat the underlying causes.

To ease your pain, we will start my utilizing qi, blood and the meridian systems. Based on where the pain is presenting, your acupuncturist will choose which meridian is most involved. Pain from sciatica typically either radiates down the outside of the leg on Gall Bladder Meridian (GB), or down the middle of the back of the leg, the Bladder Meridian (BL). After determining which of the two is most involved, by needling those points, we can start moving qi and blood to ease discomfort.

Not only is it important to understand where the pain is manifesting, but also to establish what is the root cause of this condition. Simply treating the pain will not prevent it from returning.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views sciatica from three different differentials (root causes) 1.)Cold Invasion, 2.) Qi and/or Blood stagnation 3.) Kidney qi deficiency. Each of these differentials, have their own acupuncture point prescriptions. Each one may need adjunct therapies like cupping, moxabustion, electrical stimulation and bodywork.

You don't have to live with sciatic pain. Call us at 843-455-4228. We can discuss your health care needs, set up your first appointment and get you feeling better today!