Recent research studies confirm that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment option for sciatica. Sciatica can develop from herniated discs in the lumbar spine and frequently impacts mobility and quality of life, making everyday activities difficult. Acupuncture offers a holistic, drug-free therapy that not only alleviates pain but also improves function. Different from taking pain medication, acupuncture has demonstrated long-term benefits for sciatica sufferers.
As an acupuncturist who treats sciatica patients every day, I’m excited to see growing research validating what I’ve witnessed in my practice—acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for sciatica with long term benefits.
In this blog, I’ll share how acupuncture works for sciatica, highlight the recent research supporting its effectiveness, and explain why it’s a valuable option for those seeking a natural path to recovery.
Table of Contents
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is most commonly caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine that compresses part of the nerve, leading to inflammation, pain, and often numbness in the affected leg.
The pain associated with sciatica can range from mild to severe, often described as a sharp, shooting pain or a burning sensation that worsens with movement, prolonged sitting, or standing. Symptoms may also include tingling, muscle weakness, or a feeling of electric shocks running down the leg. For some, the discomfort is constant, while for others, it comes and goes.
Acupuncture Treatment for Sciatica
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to alleviate various forms of pain for thousands of years. The treatment works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes encouraging the body to heal itself.
From a scientific perspective, acupuncture may help sciatica by promoting the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins,improving circulation, and reducing inflammation. It can also stimulate the healing process within nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. By modulating the nervous system and reducing inflammation, acupuncture not only addresses the pain associated with sciatica but also helps improve mobility and function.
Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for Sciatica
A recent randomized clinical trial compared the effects of acupuncture to sham acupuncture in patients with chronic sciatica caused by herniated lumbar discs (1). The study demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved function compared to the sham group, with these benefits lasting up to 52 weeks.
Participants who received acupuncture reported a substantial decrease in leg pain scores within the first four weeks. The improvement in pain levels was almost double that of the sham group, indicating the effectiveness of acupuncture beyond the placebo effect. Additionally, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a measure of functional ability, showed marked improvement in the acupuncture group, highlighting its impact on enhancing quality of life and daily function.
Acupuncture Protocol for Sciatica
In the study, the acupuncture treatment for sciatica was a semi standardized approach based on expert consensus and traditional acupuncture points.
Acupuncture Points:
Core Points:
BL25 (Dachangshu) and BL26 (Guanyuanshu) on the lower back were used for all participants.
Additional Points Based on Pain Location:
For pain radiating to the lateral side of the lower extremity, points such as
GB30 (Huantiao), GB31 (Fengshi), GB33 (Xiyangguan), GB34 (Yanglingquan), and GB39 (Xuanzhong) were used on the affected side.
For pain in the posterior lower extremity, points like BL36 (Chengfu), BL40 (Weizhong), BL54 (Zhibian), BL57 (Chengshan), and BL60 (Kunlun) were chosen.
If the patient had pain radiating in both the lateral and posterior areas, the acupuncturist selected five points from the above combinations based on the patient’s symptoms.
Frequency and Duration: Participants received 10 acupuncture sessions over a four-week period. The frequency was three sessions per week for the first two weeks, followed by two sessions per week for the remaining two weeks. Each session lasted 30 minutes.
What is a treatment like?
Acupuncture treatments are tailored to the individual’s symptoms, the specific areas affected by pain, and the underlying imbalances causing the pain. Treatment begins with an assessment of the patient’s condition to determine the most appropriate acupuncture points and treatment approaches.
The first step in treatment is get the patient in a comfortable position. Then we will address specific points on the lower back, gluts, and legs to address the pain. I usually will include electrical stimulation to the acupuncture points for enhanced pain relief.
We may also include cupping to enhance the pain relief.
A common protocol includes 10-12 sessions over a four-week period, gradually reducing frequency as symptoms improve. Each session may last 30 minutes, during which the needles are manipulated to enhance therapeutic effects.
Feel Better, Get Acupuncture!
Acupuncture offers a promising natural solution for managing sciatica. Backed by clinical research, acupuncture has demonstrated its ability to significantly reduce pain and improve function not just in the near term but with effects lasting well beyond the treatment period.
Acupuncture can also be used alongside your physical therapy as a means of reducing dependency on medication and more invasive procedures.
References:
- Tu JF, Shi GX, Yan SY, Ni GX, Yu FT, Cai GW, Liu ZS, Ma CY, Wang LQ, Yang JW, Zhou XQ, Meng XL, Fu HY, Li J, Wan WJ, Sun TH, Wang XZ, Liu CZ. Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Sciatica From Herniated Disk: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. Published online October 14, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5463.
