/ Health Concerns / Musculoskeletal & Pain

Sciatica

Overview

Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks down each leg. This condition often results from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other spinal issues, leading to significant discomfort and impaired mobility. Given the challenges in managing sciatica, various treatment options, including acupuncture, have gained attention for their potential benefits. Recent research has examined the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating sciatica symptoms and improving overall treatment outcomes. Below is a summary of key findings from studies evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture compared to other interventions for sciatica.

A network meta-analysis by Lewis (2015), which evaluated 21 different interventions, found that acupuncture ranked second in terms of overall effectiveness and pain intensity for sciatica. In another systematic review and meta-analysis by Qin (2015), which included 11 randomized controlled trials—10 comparing acupuncture to medications and one comparing acupuncture to sham treatment—it was suggested that acupuncture is superior to drugs and could enhance the effects of medication for patients suffering from sciatica. Additionally, a systematic review by Ji (2015) of 12 randomized controlled trials indicated that acupuncture was more effective than conventional Western medicine in terms of treatment outcomes, pain intensity, and pain threshold.