Acupuncture is an ancient therapy that has been practised for thousands of years. In modern medicine, acupuncture can be used to treat sciatica that is a debilitating condition caused by the compression of sciatic nerve, which can cause leg pain eventually. The pain is actually felt radiating down the leg and in the buttock. In addition to western treatment, there are another natural therapy of sciatica such as Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
How to treat sciatica pain in acupuncture?
Studies have showed that acupuncture can effectively treat sciatica by stimulating the nerve root affected by the back problems, and relieve leg pain. Acupuncture can also reduce the limitations of physical movement and inflammation of the affected area, and improve the stiffness of the legs. Furthermore, the effective rate of acupuncture for sciatica, on its owns, achieved an 81.6% when combined with herbs, achieved a 95% totally.
2. Considerations when choosing an acupuncturist that is right to you.
When you considering acupuncture to treat sciatica, an acupuncturist that is right to you is a must. A successful treatment mainly depends on the skill and experience of the acupuncturist. When you see a acupuncturist, he will firstly ask your medical history, symptoms and living habits before providing you a tailed-made acupuncture session. The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner. The following 3 tips that can help choose an acupuncturist that is right to you:
- Choose a licensed acupuncture practitioner. Your own doctor may be a good resource for referrals to a licensed or certified practitioner. Friends and family members may also be good sources of referrals.
- Discuss acupuncture with your doctor first. Acupuncture is not for everyone. Discuss all the treatments and medicines (dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter) you are taking. If you have a pacemaker, are at risk for infection, have chronic skin problems, are pregnant, or have breast or other implants, be sure to tell your doctor. Acupuncture may be risky to your health if you fail to mention these matters.
- Consider costs and insurance coverage. Before starting treatment, ask the acupuncturist about the number of treatments needed and how much the treatments will cost. Some insurers cover the cost of acupuncture while others do not. It is important to know before you start treatment whether acupuncture is covered by your insurance.
3. Is there negative side effects of acupuncture?
Like other therapies, there is negative side effects and risks in acupuncture, it include:
- It is not recommended for people with low white blood cells or platelets to do acupuncture, such as Hemophilia.
- When the needle is inserted or removed from the skin, it is followed severalseconds of pain sensation which is different for every person. During the process, some people may feel nothing, while many people feel pain. In addition to pain, some people may have side effects such as tingling, warmth, fatigue, dizziness, and pressure.
- Before acupuncture, please make sure to use new needles. If the needles used are not sterilized, it may lead to the increased risk of HIV infectionand hepatitis.
- After acupuncture, the skin may bleed or bruise. No need to worry about it, the wound will heal naturally in a few days.
