How acupuncture treatment works for sciatica

How acupuncture works for sciatica

Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain, ranging from mild to severe. Sciatica is usually caused by a compressed nerve in the lower spine.

How does acupuncture work physiologically for pain relief?

By inserting small needles into specific sites on the body, the needles trigger a response from the nervous system. This response from the nervous system leads our brain to:

• release a cascade of natural painkillers (endorphins and enkephalins),
• increase blood flow to the painful area,
• relax the muscles in the surrounding area.