Sciatica

Sciatica describes pain traveling along the path of the sciatic nerve, most often triggered by disc irritation, piriformis compression, or lumbar joint dysfunction. From a TCM standpoint the presentation is a channel obstruction along the Bladder or Gallbladder meridian, and clinical outcomes tend to be strongest when treatment addresses both the local nerve irritation and the muscular pattern above and below it.

Treatment typically combines needling at hip and gluteal points (huántiào and surrounding), distal foot and lower-leg points, and Tui Na to release the piriformis if involved. Some patients respond well to electroacupuncture. Herbal formulas may be used when there is weakness or cold-damp pattern underlying the presentation.