We’re often asked . . . What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a group of symptoms caused by the compression and/or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve, itself, is a large nerve that exits from the lumbar vertebrae and travels to the foot. The sciatic nerve is responsible for movement and sensation of the pelvis, buttock, leg, knee, and foot. Sciatica can occur when a bulging disc compresses on the sciatic nerve and causes shock-like, burning, numbness, and/or loss of motor control in the areas that the sciatic nerve runs. Sciatica can also be caused by a tumor. Sciatica is often accompanied with back pain.

When you come an acupuncture clinic, you practioner will take a health history and ask you key questions relating to your sciatica and back pain. Two important questions they will ask you are . . . 1) what types of symptoms are you experiencing and 2) where are you experiencing these symptoms. Patients often report that their sciatica either runs through the back of their leg(s), side of the leg(s), and/or down the front of their leg(s). In addition, patients often show us where their accompanying back pain is.

All of the information you tell them is very important to us. It tells them which muscle groups, joints, ligaments, and/or tendons are involved. It enables us to customize an acupuncture treatment specific to your sciatica and back pain.

They are able to determine if the acupuncture treatments are working for you, based on your response. Patients usually report that just after a few treatments they are experiencing much less pain, burning, numbness, etc.

In our clinical experience, we have discovered that eight/nine out of ten sciatica patients are responsive to acupuncture. Thus, the majority of patients are responsive to acupuncture. If, however, we find that you are not responsive, we can discuss your options . . . we can discuss diet therapy, herbal therapy, and if needed, we can refer a primary care physician and/or chiropractor to you.

Acupuncture is a therapy. At Metis Acupuncture Clinics, we use acupuncture as a therapy to find a long-term solution for your sciatica and back pain.

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Anita Tadavarthy, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist treating back pain, neck pain, constipation, among others in Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Beaverton, and the greater metropolitan area. You may contact her to book an appointment at 503.819.2904 or visit her website MetisAcupuntureClinics.com for more information.