Sciatica

Nerve Pain & Neuralgia

Like other nerve pains, sciatica is frequently highly responsive to acupuncture.

Richard takes referrals from ‘The Pain Clinic’ at Southmead Hospital – A nationally recognised centre of excellence for pain management.

To talk to Richard about how acupuncture might help you personally and to see his clinic locations, click here for contact and location information.

Sciatic pain is felt in the lower back, buttock, and sometimes in various parts of the leg or foot. As well as the pain which is sometimes severe, the leg may become numb or weak. It may become difficult to move or have control of the leg. Usually, the symptoms are just felt on one side of the body.

Although sciatica is a fairly common form of low back pain and leg pain, the real meaning of it is often misunderstood.

Sciatica is a collection of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the root of the nerve, causing the pain. This point is important to understand, because treatment for sciatic symptoms will differ, according to the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Richard has over 30 years experience of treating this and other types of nerve pain. Acupuncture has been shown to be twice as effective as drugs or western treatments for back pain. Richard treats sciatica & back pain on a daily basis with acupuncture.

What will the Acupuncture treatment for Sciatica and Back Pain be like?

For sciatica, back and lumbar pain, the acupuncture points used are usually on the part of the back affected and additional points on the legs.

The needles are incredibly fine and most people are not put off – in fact they are usually pleasantly surprised by how they enjoy the treatment.

The sensation of ‘needling’ is like pulling a hair out of your arm. Try it!

How many Acupuncture treatments?

The number of acupuncture treatments required will depend on a number of factors: how long someone has had the symptoms, the intensity of the symptoms, how much the back can be rested, and the patients overall vitality.

The treatment will usually start off on a weekly basis although as the improvement will generally come faster with treatment more often than that, this is a matter of choice. After a period of time treatment can often be stopped or spread out to 6 monthly maintenance appointments.

For chronic back problems NICE guidelines recommend 12 treatments over a 10 week period. For acute back pain results can be very rapid – sometimes immediate.

Why else to choose Acupuncture? :

• Very Low risk: Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained professional.
• Naturally calming: Many people feel deeply relaxed during or after treatment (often falling asleep during treatment).
• Drug-free: It helps the body heal without medication or potentially worrying side effects.
• Minimal discomfort: Needles are hair-thin and usually painless.
  
• Mild effects only: Rare side effects include slight redness or brief bruising.

click here for contact and location information.