What sciatica is
Sciatica is pain running from the lower back or buttock down the leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, most often from a bulging disc or narrowing in the spine. It usually improves within six to twelve weeks, but for some people it lingers or keeps returning.
What the evidence shows
Several trials and reviews, mostly from China, report that acupuncture reduces sciatic pain more than conventional medication in the short term. The quality of this research is variable. In the UK, NICE guideline NG59 on low back pain and sciatica advises against offering acupuncture for managing that specific condition, on the basis that it was not clearly better than sham. NICE's later guideline on chronic primary pain does recommend acupuncture. The two positions are not as contradictory as they look: where sciatica has become a long-term pain problem, acupuncture may be a reasonable option; for a recent, mechanical episode, exercise and staying active are the priority.
How acupuncture is used for sciatica
Practitioners needle points around the lower back, buttock and along the leg to reduce muscle guarding, particularly in the piriformis and gluteal muscles that can compress the nerve, and to modulate pain signalling. Electro-acupuncture is sometimes used. Most people would have four to six weekly sessions.
Our approach at Omnia
Sciatica responds best to a combined plan. At our Chiswick clinic we start with a physiotherapy or manual therapy assessment to identify the cause and rule out anything that needs a doctor. Acupuncture is then added where it is likely to help with pain and muscle tension, alongside a graded exercise programme. We review at session three and change course if you are not improving.
When to see a doctor first
Numbness in the saddle area, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel, weakness in the leg or foot, or pain that is severe and worsening need urgent medical assessment before any acupuncture.