Conditions That Acupuncture Treats

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that is characterized by pain associated with the sciatic nerve and its location in the body. In most cases, only one side of the body displays symptoms. The path the pain takes can start in the buttocks or lower back and travel into the hips and then down the leg. A herniated spinal disc is the most common cause because the disc can protrude and press on this nerve. In addition to pain, numbness in the leg can also occur as a result of the compression and inflammation. The pain can be excruciating for some people, and traditional treatments might not help all patients. Acupuncture is quickly becoming a common treatment for this condition. It may aid this condition by releasing natural painkillers to make the pain more tolerable. These natural painkillers include enkephalins and endorphins. This complementary treatment may also help to deliver more blood to the affected area and relax the muscles that are located near this nerve.