Do you need a remedy for the constant back pain? Acupuncture can help to ease your discomfort. What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the widest and longest nerve in your body. It is located in your back, extending from the lower spine to the buttocks, then proceeding down along the back of each leg. It controls feeling, movement, and stability in many areas of your body, including your buttocks, hamstrings, hips, inner thighs, lower legs and feet. The sciatic nerve also provides motor control to muscles to move them or regulate their tone[1].
Any injury or damage to this nerve anywhere along its length can cause what is referred to as Sciatica. Sciatica, more accurately termed lumbar radiculopathy, is not so much a condition. It is a syndrome involving nerve root impingement and/or inflammation that has progressed enough to cause neurological symptoms (e.g. pain, numbness). The most common symptom of Sciatica is pain in the lower back and hip area on one or both sides of the body, which can extend down the leg. Pain caused by Sciatica is a common condition that can impact one's quality of life. Sciatica may be completely unexpected in onset and can subsequently persist for days or even weeks.
Is acupuncture good for Sciatica?
Is your Sciatica giving you a hard time? Acupuncture is a great way of providing short-term sciatica pain relief, and with the help of the correctly selected exercises, it can make a noticeable difference in your life. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for patients with chronic pain. Acupuncture as a nonsurgical treatment has been shown to increase the range of motion, improve the wellbeing of patients, and potentially offer hope for those living with chronic back pain.
Acupuncturists perceive health as a vital force or energy called "qi" circulating between the organs along channels called meridians. According to Chinese medicine, Sciatica is a channel disorder. The idea of Acupuncture for Sciatica is removing channel obstruction and promoting qi and improving blood circulation. What can I expect during my acupuncture for sciatica appointment? 1. Taking your medical history Generally, your first acupuncture for sciatica consultation will be longer than followup sessions due to the initial interview. You will be asked questions about your current symptoms and your health history. During your initial interview, we will take a thorough case history looking into various areas of your life. The standard questionnaire may include medication, diet, sleeping patterns, digestive and urinary functions, sexual function, menstrual period, emotional quality, and a basic level of stress questions. We are here to listen to you and take your views into account, respecting your individuality and preferences. Please remember that this is also your time to express your concerns and come up with questions at any time during the consultation. The follow-up sessions would usually take less time. 2. Body diagnosis The body diagnosis comes after the initial interview. Taking the pulse in both wrists is the cornerstone of any Chinese medicine diagnosis as it gives the practitioner information about your energetic body from the Chinese point of view. That will take a minute or so, and it will be felt several times during and after the treatment. 3. Placing the needles Having all the above information into account, the practitioner will make the diagnosis and proceed with the treatment, which will consist of the gentle insertion of 3 to 6 singleuse sterile needles. It may also involve the use of moxibustion (the burning of a medical herb either directly on the body or indirectly from an inch or so away). Needles will stay for about 20 minutes, and the final removal of the needles is usually painless. Do not wait! Get help with your sciatica pain today! There is no doubt that Sciatica makes life difficult. If you have pain anywhere along the path of your sciatic nerve, there is no need to suffer any longer. Acupuncture therapy at Virtue Acupuncture can help to enjoy pain relief. As an experienced Acupuncture Clinic, we are dedicated to providing customized acupuncture for Sciatica for you in a welcoming and hygienic environment. Please get in touch today for more information or to schedule your acupuncture for sciatica appointment in North London. Trusted sources: [1] British Acupuncture Council
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