Muscle & joint complaints
Acupuncture for Sciatica & Herniated Disc
With sciatica, pain radiates from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes into the foot. The pain can vary from dull and aching to sharp and stabbing, often with tingling or numbness. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to reduce pain and muscle tension and to support recovery.
What is sciatica and how does it show up?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the buttock down the back of the leg into the foot. When this nerve or one of the nerve roots in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed, this is called sciatica.
The pain usually starts in the lower back or buttock and radiates into one leg. This may be accompanied by tingling, a "sleeping" or numb feeling in the leg, foot or toes, shooting pain when coughing, sneezing or straining, and loss of strength. Symptoms often increase with prolonged sitting, standing, bending or lifting.
The most common cause is a herniated disc, in which an intervertebral disc bulges and presses on a nerve root. Narrowing of the spinal canal due to wear (stenosis), a tight piriformis muscle in the buttock, overuse, prolonged sitting or poor posture can also irritate the nerve.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Sciatica from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sciatica is seen as an obstruction in the flow of Qi and Blood along the meridians of the back and leg. The course of the pain, along the back or rather the side of the leg, indicates which meridian is involved and which points are selected.
Qi and Blood stagnation
Qi Zhi Xue YuAfter lifting incorrectly, a sudden movement or prolonged strain, the flow can become locally blocked. Within TCM, this is associated with sharp, stabbing pain in a fixed location that worsens with pressure and movement.
Cold-Damp obstruction
Han Shi BiWithin TCM, influences of Cold and Damp can obstruct the flow in the back and leg. This is associated with heavy, stiff pain that worsens in cold or damp weather and improves with warmth.
Kidney deficiency
Shen XuWithin TCM, the Kidneys are connected with the lower back. With long-term or recurring complaints, especially at a later age, a deficiency may play a role. This is associated with an aching, tired back and symptoms that worsen with exertion.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with sciatica?
Treatment focuses first on reducing pain and muscle tension in the back, buttock and leg. Depending on the course and cause of the symptoms, acupuncture, laser acupuncture, cupping or a combination may be used.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on local points in the lower back and buttock, and on points along the course of the pain in the leg.
- 02Local laser treatment: the lower back, buttock or the area of radiating pain in the leg can be treated directly with therapeutic laser light.
- 03Cupping: cups can be used to release tense muscle tissue in the lower back and buttock. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture.
- 04Posture and load: attention is also given to sitting posture, lifting and moving in daily life, so that the nerve is irritated as little as possible.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc?
Sciatica is the name for radiating nerve pain from the back into the leg. A herniated disc is one possible cause: a bulging intervertebral disc presses on a nerve root. Sciatica can also have other causes, such as a tight piriformis muscle or narrowing of the spinal canal.
Can acupuncture help with sciatica?
Acupuncture can be used to reduce pain and muscle tension in sciatica and to support recovery. Treatment is tailored to the course of the pain and what is causing the symptoms.
Can acupuncture be used for a herniated disc?
Yes. With a herniated disc, acupuncture can be used as support for pain and muscle tension, also alongside physiotherapy or guidance from your GP or specialist. It does not remove the herniation itself; in many cases the body gradually recovers from it on its own.
Can laser acupuncture be used for sciatica?
Yes. With sciatica, laser light can be applied both to acupuncture points and locally to the lower back, buttock or the area of radiating pain in the leg. This is especially comfortable when moving or lying down is painful, as the treatment is needle-free and calm.
Why is cupping combined with acupuncture?
With sciatica, muscle tension in the lower back and buttock often plays a major role, for example in the piriformis muscle. Cupping can release this muscle tissue, while acupuncture focuses on pain and flow along the leg.
When should I see my GP first?
If you lose control over urination or bowel movements, experience numbness around the anus or groin, or rapidly increasing weakness in the leg or foot, contact your GP immediately. These are signs that require urgent medical assessment.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Back pain
Lower back discomfort, morning stiffness, or persistent muscular tension.
Tendon complaints & sports injuries
Overloaded tendons, such as heel spur or the Achilles tendon, and injuries from sport.
Muscle & joint complaints
Overuse, tendon irritation, stiff joints, or restricted mobility.
Personal Treatment Plan
Suffering from radiating pain in your leg?
During a treatment, we look at the course of your symptoms and which form of acupuncture suits you best.