Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve and is typically felt in the buttocks, down the back of the leg, and possibly on the foot. It is typically caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease and lumbar spinal stenosis.
It usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes. It is the result of a pinched or inflamed sciatic nerve and can occur following an injury, muscular strain or herniated (slipped) vertebral disc. The pain can vary from infrequent and irritating to constant and incapacitating. It is rare that permanent sciatic nerve damage (tissue damage) will result.
Symptoms
Shooting pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve; from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of either leg.
Numbness in the leg.
Tingling sensation along the nerve in the feet and toes.
Pain may be aggravated by sitting for long periods.
Nausea, vomiting, general lethargy, strong food cravings or aversions.
Causes
Herniated disk: It occurs when a disk is pushed out of place, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Lumbar spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal cord in the lower back.
Tumours within the spine may also compress the root of the sciatic nerve.
Diagnostic patterns
The Chinese Medicine treatment of sciatica generally involves arriving at the appropriate TCM diagnosis or pattern.
Sciatica-related acupuncture points: The following six acupuncture points may be useful for sciatica in general—UB 32, UB 36, UB 37, UB 38, L4 Huatuo, L5 Huatuo.
TCM theory
Chronic sciatica issues in pregnancy are often related to the deficiency of kidney qi. Acute sciatica issues involve a stagnation of qi and blood or a collection of cold and dampness in the area.
Treatment goals
Tonify kidney qi and move stagnation.
Acupuncture points
KD 3 (tonify kidney qi), GB 30 (move stagnation), GB 34 (move stagnation), LV 3 (resolve qi stagnation), UB 40 (lumbar command point)
Liver wind basics
It can come from LV blood deficiency, LV yang rising or from internal heat, muscle spasms, convulsions, high fever, fairly serious condition.
Acupuncture points
LU 11, SI 3, SI 8, ST 1, ST 3, ST4, ST 5, ST 6, ST 7, ST 8, ST 42, ST 45, UB 1, UB 2, UB 3, UB 4, UB 5, UB 6, UB 9, UB 10 and UB 41
The author is Head of the Department of Acupuncture, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.
This treatment is now being made available in India.