In my years of working in chiropractic care, I have had many patients come to my clinic looking for relief from sciatica. For those who aren’t aware, sciatica is a set of symptoms affecting the sciatic nerves, which run from the lower back down to the feet. Sciatica can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and even weakness in your lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, etc. In most cases, just one leg is affected, but experiencing symptoms on both sides is not uncommon. If you are experiencing sciatica, I encourage you to stop by my clinic at Dr. Lester Chiropractic to find out how I can help. One treatment option I offer is acupuncture. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture for sciatica.
- Endorphin Release – One way acupuncture for sciatica provides symptom relief is by stimulating the body to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, at the site of pain. Acupuncture involves piercing the skin with tiny needles, and this stimulates the body’s production and release of endorphins, which flood the affected area and help relieve the pain you are experiencing.
- Nerve Reaction – Another way acupuncture for sciatica can help provide relief is by prompting a reaction from the nervous system, causing it to block pain signals in the affected area. Research on this effect is still ongoing, but it is thought that acupuncture treatments might stimulate a brain response which causes the nervous system to alter the way it perceives pain, which can provide relief from sciatica.
- Blood Flow & Muscle Relaxation – A third way acupuncture for sciatica helps relieve symptoms is by stimulating blood flow to the affected area. When blood flow to the area increases, it helps the muscles to relax, which can relieve pain and stiffness.