Acupuncture Treatment of Sciatica

This is the last in a series of three posts focusing on acupuncture treatment of sciatica.

Acupuncture for Back Pain

What is the best way to address Sciatica and back pain?

A: Combination Treatment

It is best to approach sciatica using combination style treatment. This is where my style, experience, and skills differ from other acupuncturists.

I believe the most effective therapy includes acupuncture, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage,) and stretching. It can also include cupping and electric stimulation. The back, hip, and pelvis are very interconnected and the treatment should incorporate all of them.

Overall, the treatment should relax and stretch the tendons and fascia while strengthening the muscles. This will help release the spastic muscles and strengthen them, allowing the back to naturally heal. It can even encourage an out of place disc to go back into place, depending on severity.

Acupuncture will help to reprogram the muscles to stay relaxed. In effect, this is working to help the body heal itself. Chinese massage, or tui na, works to foster the acupuncture by releasing any extra tension in the fascia and connective tissue around the muscles. The technique called rolling is very important to deeply relax the muscles and improve circulation at the same time.

After the pain is gone, it is important for you to keep up you own back. Stretching is essential. Stretching will help keep the muscles healthy and relaxed. And it is the best way for you to maintain your own back. Also, doing tai chi, the Chinese exercise and meditation, is very effective to strengthen the lower back and relax it.

If you have sciatica and are interested in learning more about how acupuncture might help you, please schedule a free consultation. Call us at 917-887-4946. If you are out of the New York Area, please check out Acufinder.com.