Sciatica describes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, along the path of the sciatic nerve. It’s often caused by irritation of a nerve root in the lower back, and many cases settle over weeks to a few months.
When to get urgent help
Please see a doctor straight away, or call 000, if leg pain comes with any of the following:
- Numbness around the groin or buttocks
- Changes in bladder or bowel control
- Weakness in the leg that is getting worse
- Pain after a significant fall or accident, or with fever
For other sciatica, it’s still sensible to see your GP or physiotherapist for an assessment and management plan.
What the research says
Some clinical trials and reviews suggest acupuncture may help reduce sciatic pain for some people, at least in the short term, but the quality of evidence is generally low to moderate and results vary. Acupuncture is best seen as one possible part of a plan that also includes staying active and, where recommended, physiotherapy.
What a session involves
- We ask about your symptoms, any scans or reports, and what your GP or physio has advised
- Fine needles are placed at points in the back, hip and leg, and left for around 20 to 30 minutes
- Some people also have massage, cupping or heat therapy in the same session
- We review how you’re going and adjust, or stop, if it isn’t helping
Who you’ll see
For persistent or recurring pain, we usually recommend our Comprehensive Treatment with Tommy Ngo, who focuses on pain management. Find out more on our acupuncture page.
Booking
Book a free 20-minute assessment at our St Lucia clinic and we’ll recommend the right practitioner. Book a free assessment or call 0434 743 569.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Please see your GP or physiotherapist for assessment of back and leg pain.
