For individuals considering acupuncture for sciatica relief and management, can knowing how it works and what to expect during a session help in making the decision?
Acupuncture Sciatica Treatment Session
Acupuncture for sciatica is a safe and effective medical treatment to relieve and manage pain symptoms. Studies suggest it is as effective as other treatment strategies and causes fewer side effects. (Zhihui Zhang et al., 2023) The frequency of acupuncture to relieve sciatica pain depends on the severity of the condition and injury, but many report improvement within two to three weeks. (Fang-Ting Yu et al., 2022)
Needle Placement
Circulation problems can cause the body’s energy to stagnate in one or more meridians/channels, leading to pain in and around the surrounding area. (Wei-Bo Zhang et al., 2018)
The objective of acupuncture is to restore optimal circulation by stimulating specific points in the body called acupoints.
Thin, sterile needles stimulate the acupoints to activate the body’s natural healing abilities and relieve pain. (Heming Zhu 2014)
Some practitioners use electroacupuncture – a gentle, mild electrical current is applied to the needles and passes through the tissues to activate the nervous system. (Ruixin Zhang et al., 2014)
Acupoints
Acupuncture sciatica treatment involves specific acupoints along the bladder and gallbladder meridians.
Bladder Meridian – BL
The bladder meridian/BL runs down the back along the spine, hips, and legs. The acupoints within the meridian for sciatica include: (Fang-Ting Yu et al., 2022)
BL 23 -Shenshu – Location on the lower back, near the kidney.
BL 25 – Dachangshu – Location on the lower back.
BL 36 – Chengfu – Location on the back of the thigh, just below the buttocks.
GB 30 – Huantiao – Location on the back, where the buttocks meet the hips.
GB 34 – Yanglingquan – Location on the outside of the leg, below the knee.
GB 33 – Xiyangguan – Location lateral to the knee, on the side.
Stimulating acupoints in these meridians increases blood flow to the area, reduces inflammation, and releases endorphins and other pain-relieving neurochemicals to relieve symptoms. (Ningcen Li et al., 2021) The specific acupoints vary depending on symptoms and the root cause. (Tiaw-Kee Lim et al., 2018)
Example Patient
An example of acupuncture sciatica treatment session: A patient with persistent shooting pain extending down the back and side of the leg. A standard treatment consists of the following:
The acupuncturist thoroughly goes over the patient’s medical history and symptoms and has the patient point to where the pain is located.
Then, they palpate on and around the area to find where the pain worsens and lessens, communicating with the patient as they go along.
Depending on the site and severity, they may start placing needles at the lower back, focusing on the site of the injury.
Sometimes, the sacrum is involved, so the acupuncturist will place needles on those acupoints.
They then move to the back of the leg and insert needles.
The needles are retained for 20-30 minutes.
The acupuncturist leaves the room or treatment area but regularly checks in.
The patient may feel a warmth, tingling, or mild heaviness, which is a normal response. This is where patients report a calming effect. (Shilpadevi Patil et al., 2016)
The needles are carefully removed.
The patient may feel deeply relaxed and will be advised to get up slowly to avoid dizziness.
There may be soreness, redness, or bruising at the needle insertion site, which is normal and should resolve quickly.
The patient will be given recommendations as to avoiding strenuous activity, properly hydrating, and performing gentle stretches.
Acupuncture Benefits
Acupuncture has been shown to be a complementary therapy for pain relief and management. The benefits of acupuncture:
Improves Circulation
Acupuncture stimulates blood circulation, which nourishes damaged or irritated nerves and promotes healing.
This helps relieve sciatica symptoms, like numbness, tingling, and pain. (Song-Yi Kim et al., 2016)
Releases Endorphins
Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals, which help relieve pain. (Shilpadevi Patil et al., 2016)
Regulates the Nervous System
Acupuncture rebalances the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, which reduces stress, tension, and pain. (Xin Ma et al., 2022)
Relaxes the Muscles
Nerve pain often accompanies muscle tension and spasms.
Acupuncture relaxes tight muscles, reducing pressure and providing relief. (Zhihui Zhang et al., 2023)
From Symptoms to Solutions
References
Zhang, Z., Hu, T., Huang, P., Yang, M., Huang, Z., Xia, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, X., & Ni, G. (2023). The efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails. Frontiers in neuroscience, 17, 1097830. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1097830
Yu, F. T., Liu, C. Z., Ni, G. X., Cai, G. W., Liu, Z. S., Zhou, X. Q., Ma, C. Y., Meng, X. L., Tu, J. F., Li, H. W., Yang, J. W., Yan, S. Y., Fu, H. Y., Xu, W. T., Li, J., Xiang, H. C., Sun, T. H., Zhang, B., Li, M. H., Wan, W. J., … Wang, L. Q. (2022). Acupuncture for chronic sciatica: protocol for a multicenter randomised controlled trial. BMJ open, 12(5), e054566. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054566
Zhang, W. B., Jia, D. X., Li, H. Y., Wei, Y. L., Yan, H., Zhao, P. N., Gu, F. F., Wang, G. J., & Wang, Y. P. (2018). Understanding Qi Running in the Meridians as Interstitial Fluid Flowing via Interstitial Space of Low Hydraulic Resistance. Chinese journal of integrative medicine, 24(4), 304–307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-017-2791-3
Zhu H. (2014). Acupoints Initiate the Healing Process. Medical acupuncture, 26(5), 264–270. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2014.1057
Zhang, R., Lao, L., Ren, K., & Berman, B. M. (2014). Mechanisms of acupuncture-electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology, 120(2), 482–503. https://doi.org/10.1097/ALN.0000000000000101
Perreault, T., Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Cummings, M., & Gendron, B. C. (2021). Needling Interventions for Sciatica: Choosing Methods Based on Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms-A Scoping Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(10), 2189. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10102189
Li, N., Guo, Y., Gong, Y., Zhang, Y., Fan, W., Yao, K., Chen, Z., Dou, B., Lin, X., Chen, B., Chen, Z., Xu, Z., & Lyu, Z. (2021). The Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Mechanisms of Acupuncture from Acupoint to Target Organs via Neuro-Immune Regulation. Journal of inflammation research, 14, 7191–7224. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S341581
Lim, T. K., Ma, Y., Berger, F., & Litscher, G. (2018). Acupuncture and Neural Mechanism in the Management of Low Back Pain-An Update. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland), 5(3), 63. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030063
Kim, S. Y., Min, S., Lee, H., Cheon, S., Zhang, X., Park, J. Y., Song, T. J., & Park, H. J. (2016). Changes of Local Blood Flow in Response to Acupuncture Stimulation: A Systematic Review. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2016, 9874207. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9874207
Patil, S., Sen, S., Bral, M., Reddy, S., Bradley, K. K., Cornett, E. M., Fox, C. J., & Kaye, A. D. (2016). The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management. Current pain and headache reports, 20(4), 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-016-0552-1
Ma, X., Chen, W., Yang, N. N., Wang, L., Hao, X. W., Tan, C. X., Li, H. P., & Liu, C. Z. (2022). Potential mechanisms of acupuncture for neuropathic pain based on somatosensory system. Frontiers in neuroscience, 16, 940343. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.940343
Health care should not be subpar; with so many choices, advertisements, reviews, word of mouth, etc., finding quality health care can be challenging. This can be a physician, dentist, nutritionist, or chiropractor. How to know when a top chiropractic team is treating you?
When Chiropractic Care Is Necessary
Individuals wonder when they should see a chiropractor. Signs and symptoms that could indicate you should see a chiropractor include:
Trouble standing, walking, bending, or performing daily activities.
Discomfort or pain when sitting or lying down.
Headaches.
Neck pain.
Shoulder, arm, or hand tingling or pain.
Back pain.
Hip pain.
Pain that runs down one or both legs.
Knee pain.
Foot problems like numbness, tingling, or pain.
Top Chiropractic Team
A top chiropractic team will harmoniously perform their jobs; even with obstacles, they will get it done. They will communicate effectively with each other and the patients, explain the whole process, provide personalized treatments and not a one size fits all approach, and value the patients’ time.
Communication
Communication is vital for individuals to understand and have confidence in their personalized treatment plan.
The chiropractor and supporting staff will ensure the patient understands what will happen and how it will affect their injury/condition.
The doctor and staff will continually ask how you are doing.
The team’s ultimate goals are to get the healing process activated and the patient’s satisfaction.
Offered Multiple Treatment Options
Spinal adjustments are not the only thing individuals should think of when considering treatment. Multiple treatment approaches have been found to achieve the best results when dealing with musculoskeletal conditions and disorders. The chiropractor will discuss and offer specific treatment options that can include:
A top chiropractic clinic doesn’t feel like the doors are just revolving with patients rushing in and out like a grocery store.
Every patient’s appointment is their time with:
A detailed consultation
Therapeutic prep-massage to loosen muscles and joints before the adjustments.
Thorough chiropractic adjustments
After-care patient questions – The chiropractor or staff will take the time to answer all your questions and not waste your time waiting around.
Recommended stretching exercises
Body analysis
Nutritional advice
Treatments Are Working
Chiropractic care can take some time to treat, rehabilitate, and heal the injury or condition.
The treatments work, and you see and feel the progress.
You can move around without fear of triggering pain.
Your confidence grows in yourself and the team.
If treatment is not working or producing lasting results, the chiropractor will refer you to another medical professional.
A top chiropractic team wants the best medical treatment for each patient, even if they cannot provide it.
Patient Satisfaction
When treated by a top chiropractic team from the front desk, patient care coordinator, massage therapists, nutritionist, and clinic manager, the overall experience is positive and pleasant; you can feel the difference and leave exhilarated.
Functional Medicine
References
Clijsters, Mattijs et al. “Chiropractic treatment approaches for spinal musculoskeletal conditions: a cross-sectional survey.” Chiropractic & manual therapies vol. 22,1 33. 1 Oct. 2014, doi:10.1186/s12998-014-0033-8
Eriksen, K., Rochester, R.P. & Hurwitz, E.L. Symptomatic reactions, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction associated with upper cervical chiropractic care: A prospective, multicenter, cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 12, 219 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-219
Gary Gaumer, Factors Associated With Patient Satisfaction With Chiropractic Care: Survey and Review of the Literature,
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 29, Issue 6, 2006, Pages 455-462, ISSN 0161-4754, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.06.013 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161475406001588)
Kerns, R.D., Krebs, E.E. & Atkins, D. Making Integrated Multimodal Pain Care a Reality: A Path Forward. J GEN INTERN MED 33, 1–3 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-018-4361-6
Pribicevic, M., Pollard, H. A multi-modal treatment approach for the shoulder: A 4 patient case series. Chiropr Man Therap 13, 20 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-13-20
Chiropractors and spine specialists utilize spinal imaging through X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to figure out what is causing back problems and pain. Imaging is common. Whether chiropractic or spinal surgery, they help immensely discover back issues and allow the individual to see what is happening. Types of cases include back pain that:
X-rays for back pain can be quite helpful. An X-ray is radiation-based and is used to examine the conditions of the bone structures. X-rays are optimal for bone tissue or tissues that are ossified or calcified. They work the best with hard tissues, specifically bones. Soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, or intravertebral discs do not present as well.
Individuals undergoing a back X-ray will be scanned by a machine that generates a beam. A receiver picks registers the beam after it passes through the body and generates an image. It takes around five minutes to complete but could be longer depending on the doctor’s number of images. X-rays are helpful for insurance purposes and rule out bone conditions like compression fractures and/or bone spurs. X-rays are ordered for specific reasons and are often part of a whole-body diagnostic study. This includes MRI and/or CT scan.
CT Scan
CT stands for computed tomography. It is a series of X-rays that are digitized into images using a computer. The advantage of a CT scan to standard X-rays is that it offers different views/angles of the body and can be in 3D. CT scans are most often used in trauma cases or individuals who have had surgery. They take around five minutes. For X-rays, individuals stand up or lay under the X-ray machine as it scans the body. A CT scan has the individual lie down in a circular donut-looking machine that scans while rotating during the imaging. Individuals are recommended to wear casual loose, comfortable clothing. Sometimes a dye, or intravenous contrast, is used to get the vascular tissues to stand out, generating clearer images.
MRI
MRI is short for magnetic resonance imaging. MRIs use magnets to generate images. MRI imaging is often used in individuals that have undergone surgery. They take longer, usually around 30 to 45 minutes. No metallic objects are allowed in the MRI. Patients are asked to remove items like belts, jewelry, etc. Contrast dye can be a part of an MRI. The machine is like a tunnel. This can become challenging for individuals that have claustrophobia. Consult with a doctor and find out how to get comfortable during the process.
Other Forms of Spinal Imaging
Other forms of imaging include:
CT navigation
CT navigation shows real-time CT scans during the procedure.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy involves an X-ray beam that passes directly through the body that shows live, moving images.
Both of these types of spinal imaging are utilized during surgeries. For some cases, intraoperative imaging is used. This type of imaging uses high-tech robotics to help surgeons navigate through tight spaces during the procedure. This increases the surgeon’s accuracy and reduces the size of the incision.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used for spinal conditions. This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to generate images. However, the imaging tests which are used in spinal imaging are primarily X-rays and MRIs.
Imaging Appointment
Talk with your doctor or chiropractor ahead of time to understand what to expect during the imaging process. They will let you know how to prepare and any special instructions before the appointment. Along with medical history and a physical examination, spinal imaging is an important part of the diagnostic process to find what is causing the pain and to develop the best treatment plan.
Body Composition
Short-term Effects of Coffee and Blood Pressure
The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant or substance that excites the body’s systems. When caffeine is ingested, individuals experience an increase in excitement, specifically in the cardiovascular system. This excitement causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise and then lower back to a baseline level for healthy individuals. Coffee slightly increases short-term blood pressure. Moderate coffee consumption is safe for individuals that do not have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
References
United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (May 2021) “Doses in Our Daily Lives” https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives.html
X-Ray for Back Pain: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. (April 2009) “What is the role of imaging in acute low back pain?” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697333/
The first step in chiropractic care is getting the individual’s medical history. Many visit a chiropractor with certain expectations of how things will go. They will lay down on a table while the chiropractor adjusts the spine. There will be pops and cracks, and the tension will go away. And afterward, they�ll feel better.
However, without an individual’smedical history, the treatment will not be as effective because of the lack of information. This means that a chiropractor is only able to perform general adjustments but is not able to get to the root cause and maximize the full potential of the adjustments. Patient education starts the moment someone walks into the clinic.
The nature of holistic medicine
Some questions a chiropractor might ask include:
What type of pain is presenting – shooting, burning, aching, throbbing, etc?
Have you had any recent surgeries?
Is there a history of chronic pain?
What medications are being taken?
Each will be explained in further detail and what they mean for the development of a treatment plan. An individual needs to understand how important their medical histories are for treatment progress. Patient history prevents executing the wrong treatment plan by having an informed understanding of the individual’s body.
For example, a chiropractor can�t perform the same adjustments on a senior with osteoporosis that they do on a middle-aged athlete. And someone recovering from surgery will not have the range of motion when healthy.
An adjustment can result in X, Y, or Z, depending on the factors at work. Medical history is vital as it eliminates any unknowns, so a chiropractor can solve for X, Y, or Z by being able to provide the best outcome for the individual.
The more information, the better the treatment plan
When an individual has neck pain, a doctor is not going to prescribe immediate surgery, unless it is an emergency. Rather, they will perform a full examination, ask questions, try to find the cause, and analyze the intensity of the pain. A chiropractor is no different, and individual medical history is vital. Obtaining as much information as possible can help a chiropractor reach a proper diagnosis and ensures the right course of action is taken.Individuals often do not realize but for example,
An automobile accident that happened last year could be manifesting symptoms now.
Shoulder surgery five years ago could be limiting the range of motion, affecting the musculature around the cervical spine.
Chronic plantar fasciitis and self-medicating for a while can cause instability in the lumbar spine affecting the cervical spine.
Every little bit of information can help put the puzzle together to get a clear picture of what is going on. The biggest contributor of information is patient medical history, formally documented and informally spoken.
Informed care
A visit to Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic is a collaboration between patient and chiropractor that leads to informed and the best treatment possible. Medical history informs optimal care. For more information or for more tips on chiropractic care, contact us today.
New Patient Chiropractic Care
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Hunter, J. �Medical history and chronic pain.��The Clinical journal of pain�vol. 17,4 Suppl (2001): S20-5. doi:10.1097/00002508-200112001-00007
New Patient Intake Form: Truide Torres, office manager at Injury Medical Clinic with Dr. Alex Jimenez, discusses some of the most common questions patients have when they come in for their first office visit. Patients can save time and fill most of the required forms online by visiting https://elpasobackclinic.com/patient-intake-form. If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident or a work-related accident, Truide Torres describes which type of insurance can be used to provide you with the healthcare benefits you deserve. Dr. Alex Jimenez is the recommended non-surgical choice for well-being.
New Patient Intake Form Explained
Personal injury is a valid term for a physical, mental or emotional injury to yourself, as opposed to damage to property. The expression is commonly used to refer to a type of tort lawsuit where the individual has suffered harm. Personal injury lawsuits are filed against the person or entity that caused the injury through negligence, gross negligence, reckless conduct, or misconduct, and in some instances on the grounds of strict liability. Common types of personal injury claims include automobile accidents, work-related accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, assault claims, and product defect accidents (product liability).
Our team has takes great�pride in bringing our families and injured patients only�clinically proven treatments protocols. �By teaching complete holistic wellness as a lifestyle,�we also change not only our patients lives but their families as well.� We do this so that we may reach as many El Pasoans who need us, no matter the affordability issues.
There is no reason we cannot help you.�
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Neck Pain Treatment: Shane Scott was involved in a car accident and suffered injuries which manifested into debilitating headaches and lower back pain. As a recent father, Shane Scott must rely on his overall health and wellness to take care of his daughter. Shane Scott became a car accident treatment patient with Dr. Alex Jimenez and his symptoms improved dramatically within a matter of time. Shane Scott highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as a non-surgical choice to help improve auto accident whiplash injuries and their symptoms.
Whiplash is a non-medical term used to describe a range of injuries to the neck caused by or associated with a sudden distortion of the neck related to extension, although the specific injury mechanisms remain unknown. “Cervical acceleration–deceleration” (CAD) describes the mechanism of this injury, while the term “whiplash associated disorders” (WAD) refers to the harm sequelae and symptoms. Whiplash is often related to auto accidents, typically when the vehicle has been hit in the rear nonetheless, the injury could be sustained in a number of different ways. Whiplash is one of the most often claimed injuries on auto insurance policies.
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