Acupuncture can help reprogram the muscles to stay in a relaxed position. Acupuncture treatments can also help treat sciatica by releasing natural painkillers such as endorphins and enkephalins from the brain and neurological system.
Acupuncture is a relatively reliable traditional therapy that comes from Chinese medicine, and for the most part, we consider acupuncture to be credible – because it rarely brings side effects – unlike drugs.
Acupuncture and sciatica
Sciatica is pain caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back to the sole of the foot. The irritation can cause pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve, and can also create a lack of muscle power in the legs and cause sensations in the legs, buttocks and lower back. Recent statistics show that up to 10 percent of the population between the ages of 25 to 45 are dealing with or have experienced sciatic pain.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It consists of a large group of smaller nerves that begin in the lumbar region of the spine, travel through the buttocks and move down the leg. Symptoms of sciatica include referred pain, numbness and tingling. Sciatic nerve irritation can be caused by muscle spasm, spinal disc compression or slipped spinal discs.
Within traditional Chinese medicine, blood stagnation is the most common cause of sciatica. Blood stagnation can affect the soft tissue of the lumbar spine, hips and pelvis. This is what causes the muscles to spasm, and then creates additional tension that triggers the shooting pain associated with sciatica.
Traditional Chinese medicine suggests several treatment modalities to manage sciatica.
Acupuncture for sciatica: Many studies have shown acupuncture to be more effective in relieving the pain, numbness and tingling associated with sciatica than modern medicinal treatments. Acupuncture treatments can help reprogram the muscles to stay in a relaxed position. Acupuncture treatments can also help treat sciatica by releasing natural painkillers such as endorphins and enkephalins from the brain and neurological system.
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Risk of acupuncture
According to an article in hindawi, the main risks of acupuncture include:
Some evidence of the risks of moxibustion has been found in these cases. AEs include allergies, burns, infection, coughing, nausea, vomiting, fetal distress, premature birth, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), ectropion, hyperpigmentation, and even death.
Life advice for sciatica
Adding potassium to your diet can help you heal from sciatica. Bananas, oranges, potatoes and spirulina are good sources of potassium. Dark legumes and pulses, such as black beans, kidney beans and soybeans are also beneficial when it comes to healing sciatica. Avoid foods that create moisture in the body, such as spicy, fatty or fried foods and dairy.
Incorporating daily exercise and stretching into your life can also help. The lower back and lumbar spine can become weakened if neglected, so sitting for long periods of time without getting up can be very detrimental. This also has a way of weakening the muscles in the lumbar area, which can then lead to slipped discs. Stretching and moving throughout the day, even after the pain has subsided, is vital for a healthy back.
