Alternative Treatments to Reduce Sciatica

Acupuncture - What's Old is New!
Most people know a little about Acupuncture. It is an Ancient Chinese therapeutic practice that is popular in the United States. The art of acupuncture involves unblocking Qi or Chi (pronounced 'chee'). Qi is the body's vital energy force that continuously circulates through Meridians. It is believed that when Qi is blocked or becomes weak physical and mental illness can develop. The purpose of acupuncture is to restore a healthy flow of Qi throughout the body.

Acupuncturists insert very fine needles (sterilized and disposable) into precise points on the body. The points are called Meridians. Each Meridian is the same as a channel, acupoint, or acupuncture point. Because Meridians run close to the skin's surface, it is not necessary to insert needles deep into tissue. Meridians correspond to specific parts of the body, or a body system such as the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or lymphatic system. During an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner may gently twirl, heat or stimulate by other means some or all the needles.

Is acupuncture uncomfortable? No. Even patients who are averse to needles find acupuncture to be a painless and relaxing experience. If you want to pursue acupuncture treatment, look for a licensed practitioner who uses sterile equipment.

Acupressure - Close Cousin to Acupuncture
A close cousin to acupuncture is Acupressure. Acupressure is a non-invasive, safe and gentle therapy. It unblocks Qi without needling. The acupressure practitioner uses their thumbs, fingers and elbows to place a precise amount of pressure to specific body points. Acupressure therapy includes the application of consistent pressure to one or more points and briskly rubbing the acupressure point to stimulate it. Acupressure points and acupuncture points are identical.

Yoga - Balancing Mind and Body
Yoga stretches may lessen sciatica when the cause is piriformis syndrome (sometimes a controversial diagnosis). Piriformis syndrome involves the piriformis muscle found in the lower part of the spine. This muscle aids hip rotation. Gently stretching this muscle may help reduce sciatic pain. However, certain yoga stretches do not benefit sciatica. Poses such as forward folds and twisting can irritate sciatic nerve pain. Any exercise that involves stretching the back of the legs can irritate sciatica. As with any exercise, the patient must remember not to push their body beyond pain limits. Respect the pain and remember - gently stretch!

Biofeedback - Connecting the Mind and Body
Can I simply 'think my pain away' with Biofeedback? No, it is not that easy, more is involved. Biofeedback often requires intensive patient participation and is not for everyone. Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that teaches the patient how to change or control a habitual reaction to stress or pain. Some experts view biofeedback as a controversial therapy because its use to treat low back pain has not been adequately researched. Despite this view, many patients have benefited from biofeedback training.

Biofeedback includes the use of special equipment to measure and 'feedback' information to the patient about their physiological reactions to certain stimuli such as stress and muscle tension. By teaching the patient deep breathing techniques, visualization, and mental and physical exercises, the patient learns how to control - in this case, muscle tension that may contribute to sciatica.

Prevention - Better than Medicine
Consider a few simple suggestions to help reduce sciatica or thwart its recurrence:

• Regular exercise helps to build and preserve a strong muscular core; specifically, target the muscles in the abdomen and low back. A strong core is essential for good posture and spinal alignment. Proper posture relieves pressure on the low back that contributes to sciatica.

• To reduce the risk of lumbar disc herniation that can lead to sciatica, avoid movements that involve extreme body rotation.

• Try to keep body weight close to ideal.

• Choose seating that supports the spine's natural curve and allows the feet to rest flat on the floor. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Make it a point to get up and walk around often.

• Do not sit cross-legged. This places pressure on the sciatic nerve.

• Avoid sitting on a wallet kept in the hip pocket.

• Lifting and carrying things that are heavy, bulky or awkward in shape can contribute to sciatica. Remember to hold the item close to the body, lift with the back straight using the strong leg muscles.

• Feel a big sneeze or cough coming on - try to brace yourself first.

• Select a mattress and box spring that offers good support. Slip a pillow under the knees to help relieve low back pressure. People who prefer to sleep on their side should place a pillow between their knees to help reduce hip and low back pain.

• There are many other treatments available to patients with sciatica. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which therapies will be most helpful to you!