If you've been feeling pain up and down your leg, you might be experiencing sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs up the back of your legs and connects to the lower vertebrae. Sciatica is when an injury causes pain, discomfort, or irritation along this nerve. It can range from slight discomfort to debilitating and can be located anywhere between the gluteus and the ankle. To properly treat this issue, you must first understand the underlying cause. 

How Acupuncture Can Help

Sciatica can be very uncomfortable and interfere with daily life, so many people may turn to pain relievers. However, overuse of medication can lead to dependence. Instead, you can try a holistic approach to reduce your symptoms. Acupuncture uses tiny needles to stimulate the nerves, which will release endorphins and alleviate the pain. It will also relax tense muscles and reduce inflammation in your lower back and affected leg. 

What Causes Sciatica?

1. Herniated Disc

Herniated discs cause up to 90% of sciatica cases. The discs in the spine act as cushions in between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges, or herniates, it creates pressure along the sciatic nerve. If the disc only bulges on one side, this is called unilateral sciatica, and you'll only feel pain in one leg. Bilateral sciatica means the bulge is putting pressure on both sides, and you'll feel pain in both legs. 

2. Spondylolisthesis

A stress fracture in the vertebrae can cause small amounts of movement that results in sciatica. It is more common in younger adults and likely to cause discomfort on both sides of the body. 

Spondylolisthesis is typically caused by physical stress injuries like weightlifting or rigorous exercise. Acupuncture can help alleviate the pain by stimulating the nerves and reducing inflammation. 

3. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the muscles. Stenosis typically occurs from wear and tear on your joints as you age, which is why it's more common in adults over the age of 60. 

Those with spinal stenosis should avoid high-impact exercises like running and weightlifting. You can also benefit from acupuncture and physical therapy.

If you are experiencing sciatica and looking for holistic treatment, turn to Marie Gonzales, L.Ac. in Nyack, NY. She provides patients with acupuncture to relieve them of sciatic nerve pain so they can avoid invasive surgery and reliance on medication. She has provided personalized service to the New York Metropolitan area for over 20 years. To learn more about what ailments she can treat, visit her online, call (845) 398-1312 to schedule an appointment.