Understanding how to treat sciatica

By Lori Mitchell
From mykawartha.com

It is estimated that 40 per cent of people will experience sciatica at some point in their life. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body and is about as big around as your thumb. It originates in the low back, where the nerve root exits the spinal cord, and then travels through the buttock down to the toes. The sciatic nerve can become aggravated at any point along its path, thus causing pain both at the site and along the path of the nerve.

I have treated many people suffering from sciatica over the years, and there is no one fix for everyone. The degrees of pain vary, the location and intensity vary, the trigger for the aggravation is different. Sciatica for some can be so debilitating and take your breath away. The pain can shoot down the leg as if an electrical shot was going through you, or it can feel like your being stabbed with a knife. Pain can be sharp, numbing, tingling and cause weakness. Pain can be long lasting if not treated properly.

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a lumbar herniated disc. It can also be from:

•    Degenerative disc (this is where the cushion between the vertebra breaks down)
•    Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward of another one)
•    Pregnancy
•    Osteophytes (bone spurs that grow on the spine or joints)
•    Muscles spasms in the back or buttocks
•    Arthritis

Any and all of these things can cause irritation to the sciatic nerve.

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, sciatica can be a result of external influences (heat, cold, damp or wind) blocking the circulation in the body or a trauma causing stagnation, or it could be from an underlying condition in the body. We also recognize that it can be caused from structural or muscular imbalances and often it is a combination of both internal and external influences.

Acupuncture is very effective in treating this condition. Acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation in the joints and discs and promote healthy blood flow.

These techniques focus more on the mechanical reasons for the pain. As I mentioned, not all cases are caused by this and therefore are not always responsive to treatments that solely focus on the mechanical issues. This is where acupuncture really helps because it can address both the mechanical and internal issues causing the pain. As an acupuncturist we also utilize topical salves or liniments to reduce pain, inflammation and promote circulation. Another technique we utilize is tuina, which is a form of massage, stretching and joint mobilization.

Some other forms of treatment are:
Hot or cold compress
Chiropractic adjustments
Physical therapy
Massage
Whatever you decide, remember what works for one person may not work for the other. It is best to try to understand the root of your issue and not just address the symptoms.

https://www.mykawartha.com/opinion-story/9494065-understanding-how-to-treat-sciatica/