One of the most common types of pain our clients have been presenting with, especially in these recent months! So we thought it would be a good place to start our story, because it can be quite debilitating.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the name given to a type of nerve pain which radiates along the pathway of the sciatic nerve, from the lower spine down the back or side of the leg, and sometimes to the feet.
Symptoms
Pain, tingling, numbness, weakness
Characteristics: typically one-sided
Areas: back, hip, buttocks, back and side of leg, feet
Pain types: mild-severe, radiating, sharp, burning, prickly, tingling Pain circumstances: can occur sitting, standing, sneezing, coughing, going to the toilet, and even lying down.
Causes of Sciatica
There are a number of causes of sciatica.
Herniated disc: most common, the disc between the spine bulges to press on the sciatic nerve.
Bony spurs: bony outgrowths near the sciatic nerve touches the nerve.
Piriformis Syndrome: in some people, the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle instead of underneath, making it prone to nerve pinching issues.
Lumber spinal canal stenosis: narrowing of the space where the sciatic nerve runs puts pressure on the nerve.
Spondylolisthesis: vertebra may slip over the one below it, distorting the spinal canal and compressing the sciatic nerve.
Can acupuncture help me with symptoms of sciatica? - Absolutely.
Next coming article: Find out how acupuncture and natural medicine can help with sciatica, the differences with Western medical treatment and how they can work together.