Can sciatica be treated with acupuncture?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on January 03, 2025
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Regarding whether acupuncture can be used for sciatica, it should first be clarified that acupuncture is feasible for treating sciatic nerve pain.

Acupuncture can promote the recovery of nerves, thereby effectively alleviating the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. However, it is important to note that it is best to undergo acupuncture in the acupuncture and massage department of a formal hospital. Formal hospitals are more professional, have a better grasp of indications, and tend to provide more satisfactory results. Additionally, for patients with sciatic nerve pain, it is crucial to minimize local irritation. It is essential not to expose the area to cold, apply local heat, and combine treatment with some neuro-nourishing medications, such as mecobalamin, which is quite effective.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Does sciatica cause numbness in the legs?

Sciatica can cause sensory abnormalities in one lower limb and even lead to muscle weakness. It can also cause numbness and sensory abnormalities on the dorsum or sole of the foot. However, foot numbness should first exclude causes like exposure to cold or poor blood circulation in the lower limbs. After excluding other causes of foot numbness, it can be diagnosed as sciatica-induced symptoms such as foot numbness. At this time, it is advisable to actively nourish the nerves and avoid certain postures that may aggravate sciatica. Additionally, sciatica can also be caused by lumbar disc herniation, or simply by the local compression of the sciatic nerve in its course.

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What Chinese medicine is taken for sciatica?

Sciatica is categorized under "Bi Syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine. There are several Chinese herbal formulas to consider for treatment. The first is Xuan Bi Tong Bi Tang, which has an overall effectiveness rate of about 96%. The second herbal formula is Wu Tou Xi Xin Tong Bi Tang, which also has good therapeutic effects and is statistically shown to be superior to non-steroidal measures. The third medication is Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, which also has a high effectiveness rate and significant results, but lacks large-scale clinical data. Additionally, in terms of diet, it is advisable to consume dishes such as Sichuan Duan stewed pig tail and other traditional Chinese medicinal foods that include old mulberry branches like Sang Ji Sheng.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How should one sleep with sciatica?

Sciatica is a very painful condition. Paying attention to some details when resting and sleeping can alleviate sciatica to a certain extent. Specifically, the first point is to sleep on a hard bed, preferably a solid wooden bed. If the bed is too soft, consider placing a wooden board on it. Second, lying on your back is better than lying on your side. This is because lying on your back can maintain the stability of the lumbar spine, thereby reducing the pressure on the discs. Third, maintain a moderate flexion of the hips and knees while sleeping. To do this, place a small soft pad under the lower back and a small soft pillow under the knee joints to keep the hip joints in a slightly flexed position. The purpose is to let the muscles of the lower back relax optimally, thus stabilizing the lumbar spine and reducing the burden on the lumbar discs. Therefore, for sciatica, if you sleep on a harder bed in a supine position, and maintain proper knee and hip flexion, it can be very beneficial for recovery.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
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What foods should be avoided with sciatica?

Sciatica is often caused by a herniated lumbar disc, where the nucleus pulposus breaks through the fibrous ring, leading to a series of nerve root compressions. Symptoms include sciatic nerve pain extending along the lateral side of the buttock and thigh, numbness, and pain on the dorsum of the leg and foot. Walking becomes difficult, with sensations of shortened tendons, and dressing or putting on socks in the morning feels particularly strenuous. Diagnosis can usually be confirmed with a CT scan of the lumbar spine. Once diagnosed, it is recommended that patients use medications that promote blood circulation and alleviate pain, or drugs that nourish the nerves. Strict bed rest is crucial, along with local heat application. During medication, foods that are spicy and stimuli like alcohol can have an impact, although some medications require the use of yellow wine, this is an exception. However, it is best to avoid spicy foods during the medication period. Strict bed rest should continue generally for ten days, after which symptoms should ease and gradually disappear. Treatments may also include traction, which can effectively relieve nerve compression and restore the normal physiological curvature of the lumbar spine, reducing compressive symptoms. If conservative treatment fails, interventional surgery, such as ozone ablation surgery, may be considered. This is a frequently used method with decent effectiveness, but there is a possibility of recurrence. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Which department should I register for sciatica?

Sciatica is divided into primary and secondary types. Primary sciatica is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve itself, thus one should visit the Department of Neurology. Secondary sciatica is more common and usually stems from spinal conditions, so initially one should visit the Department of Spinal Surgery. Alternatively, one can visit the Department of Orthopedics, which deals with broader orthopedic issues. If experiencing severe acute pain, a visit to the Pain Management Department can provide rapid and effective pain relief. For frequent episodes of sciatica and interest in rehabilitation, the Rehabilitation Department can be considered. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine has unique approaches to treating sciatica, so visiting the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine to try treatments with Chinese herbs and methods is also an option.