SCIATICA

What is Sciatica? 

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates down the sciatic nerves which are the largest nerves in your body. They start in your low lumbar spine and travel down through the buttocks, the leg, and all the way through the soles of your feet and your toes.

Sciatica happens when the nerve itself or a root that forms the nerve becomes pinched. This is usually the result of a ruptured or slipped disk in the back that puts pressure on the nerve or root, causing pain to radiate down some or all of the sciatic nerve. Osteoarthritis can also contribute to sciatica by narrowing the exit from the lower spine through which the nerve passes. As a result, sciatica is more common in older adults.

Causes of sciatica

Sciatica may be triggered by heavy lifting, coughing or sneezing, sitting or driving too long, poor posture at home or at work, or the symptoms may just appear with standing or walking. Sciatica pain is caused by an irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression of a nerve in the lower back. The most common cause is a herniated or slipped disk that causes pressure on the nerve root.

In Chinese Medicine, it says“where is blockage, where is pain; where is weakness, where is pain.  Generally there are six channels that flow through the arm which dominate the circulation and function of the hip，sacrum, thigh and hamstring. If any of these channels are blocked, it will affect the energy flow and blood flow therefore pain, numbness or spasm happens. It is important to find out where the blockage is, and to clear it.

Sciatica treatment

Every person with sciatic pain is different. Many cases of sciatica go away over time with some simple self-care treatments including ice, heat, stretching, over-the-counter medicines. If the conservative treatment has not relieved the pain, it is time to try other treatment options such as Chinese Medicine(Acupuncture), physical therapy(physiotherapy), or spinal manipulation(Tui Na) massage.

Chinese medicine for sciatica

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees sciatica as an imbalance in the body. While this refers more to the energy pathways of the body, it’s true that sciatica is caused by an imbalance— usually a herniated disk. TCM, therefore, has three different treatment options for sciatica. TCM practitioners determine which treatment is right on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the patient gets the correct treatment for their particular situation.

• Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by relaxing tight muscles, improving blood circulation, regulating the nervous system, and releasing neurotransmitters to reduce pain.

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for sciatica without the side effects of prescription pain medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxers. It is also a safe, non-surgical treatment option that can relieve sciatica pain.

One systematic review of acupuncture for sciatica found that acupuncture improved sciatica symptoms better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment. Acupuncture also helps enhance the effects of medications that may be prescribed for sciatica so it can help reduce the dosage and mitigate the side effects.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631886/

Acupuncture Points for Sciatica pain:

Urinary Bladder

23: This point is located on the lower back, halfway between the lowest ribs and the hip bone and on either side of the muscle group that runs right up the spine. This point reduces muscle tension and provides relief from low-back pain.

Urinary Bladder 40: Ths point is located directly in the middle of the crease at the back of each knee. This point treats all the major pain sensations felt along the spine. It also helps to control muscle spasms, knee stiffness, arthritis, leg pain and it helps to dissipate excess heat trapped in the body.

Urinary Bladder 62: This point is located just below the ankle bone on the outer side of each ankle. This point is great for relieving lumbar spine tension as well as anxiety.

• Herbal treatment

One of the major causes or irritants of sciatica, according to TCM, is a Wind-Cold-Damp Bi obstruction. Essentially what this means is that outside forces such as cold, wind, and dampness can affect the body’s Qi (energy). When the body’s Qi is affected, illness and misalignment can creep in unobstructed. 

One of the ways to relieve pain from sciatica is through herbal medicine that warms the body and fights off the wind, cold, and dampness so the body’s energy can return to normal. 

There are many different herbs used for these purposes, depending on the particular malady. For sciatica, a couple of herbs include Dipsacus (Xu Duan), for pain relief and stiffness, and eucommia (Du Zhong) for backache. For more herbs and their healing properties.

• Massage therapy

Another common TCM for treating sciatica is massage therapy, also known as Tui Na. Tuina Massage might help muscle spasms that often occur along with sciatica. It can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours, depending on the severity of the pain. Here is a article about how to relieve sciatica pain with acupressure in 5 minutes.

Chinese medical clinic for sciatica

Shanghai Medical Clinic is a pure traditional Chinese Medicine provider that is trusted by the local people and communities in Dubai, UAE.  Contact us to learn more about the traditional Chinese medicine approach to Sciatica treatment or pain management conditions we treat!