Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Definition

Sciatica (ischialgia) refers to pain along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body. The pain typically radiates from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg, and can extend as far as the foot.

Common Causes

• Lumbar disc herniation
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Piriformis syndrome
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
• Tumours or cysts (rare)

Physiological and Pathological Mechanisms

• Mechanical compression of the sciatic nerve
• Inflammatory irritation of the nerve root
• Muscular compression in the gluteal region (piriformis)

How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands Sciatica

Sciatica corresponds in TCM to a Bi obstruction along the Bladder and Gallbladder meridians. Cold-dampness or Qi-Blood stagnation blocks the flow of energy.

Treatment Principles

Acupuncture

Points along the Bladder meridian (BL 23, BL 40, BL 57, BL 60) and GB 30 are used to resolve the obstruction and relieve pain.

Tuina Treatment

Deep pressure massage of the gluteal musculature, stretching techniques for the piriformis, and mobilisation of the lumbar spine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Warming, Qi-regulating herbal formulas to dissolve cold-dampness in the meridians.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Heat applied to the lumbar region, stretching exercises (piriformis stretch), back-strengthening exercises, adjustment of sleeping position.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Warning Signs

• Incontinence or numbness in the perineal region
• Complete paralysis of the foot or leg
• Bilateral sciatica
• Pain following trauma

When to Contact a Clinic

If bladder or bowel dysfunction occurs, call emergency services immediately.