Pain is common nowadays especially on lower back which could also referring to Sciatica pain. Sciatica is a form of nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It is the largest and thickest nerve in the human body. This nerve originates from the lower spinal nerves—L4, L5, and S1–S3—and travels through the buttocks, down the legs, and into the feet.
What Does Sciatica Feel Like?
Sciatica typically presents as a sharp, shooting, or burning sensation that starts in the buttock. It can radiate down to the leg or calf. Depending on the location (central, left of right) of the herniating disk, the pain can relate to one side of both sides. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. In milder cases, it may feel like general discomfort in the lower back or hip area.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Around 90% of sciatica cases are due to herniated (slipped) discs in the lower spine. However, not everyone with a herniated disc experiences sciatica. The pain occurs only when the disc—or surrounding inflammation—irritates the sciatic nerve. Other common causes include:
- Osteophytes (bone spurs) on the lumbar vertebrae
- Muscle strain from poor posture or heavy lifting
- Trauma or repetitive injury
- Pregnancy-related changes
- Tightness or inflammation in muscles such as the piriformis, gluteus medius, or multifidus
At Julie’s Adelaide acupuncture clinic, we frequently see both older clients and younger adults even in their 20s suffering from sciatica—often triggered by everyday actions like bending or lifting.
How Acupuncture Can Help With Sciatica Pain
Conventional treatments for sciatica include pain medications, physiotherapy, chiropractic adjustments, steroid injections, and surgery. However, acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free alternative—with evidence proven results.
Acupuncture for Sciatica: What the Research Says
Acupuncture has been used for over 3,000 years to treat “Bi Syndrome,” a traditional term for chronic pain and inflammation. Modern studies now support its uses:
- A systematic review of 12 studies found acupuncture to be more effective than conventional Western medicine for pain relief, pain intensity, and pain threshold.
👉 View Study - Research by Inoue M. and colleagues showed that acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural painkillers, including adenosine, which acts directly on nerve pain like sciatica.
- A separate cohort study found that electroacupuncture significantly reduced symptoms of radicular sciatica by regulating key proteins in the hypothalamus.
👉 Read PubMed Article
These findings support acupuncture as an reliable and safe treatment option for sciatica, especially when combined with muscle assessment and lifestyle modifications.
Holistic Sciatica Care at Julie’s Acupuncture Clinics in Greater Adelaide
At my Adelaide acupuncture clinics—located in St Georges (Eastern Suburbs) and Marino (Southern Suburbs)—I offer a thorough assessment of your back, hips, and legs to uncover the root causes of your pain.
Whether you’re dealing with a long-term pain issue or a recent injury, I develop a tailored acupuncture treatment plan to:
- Treat sciatic nerve pain
- Restore muscle and tissue balance
- Support spinal health and stability
- Help prevent future flare-ups
💡 Fun fact: Many of my clients report noticeable improvements within just a few sessions.
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet—Pain-Free?
If you’re struggling with sciatica, arthritis or injury, and are looking for an experienced, fully qualified practitioner in Greater Adelaide, give me a call.
✅ Registered practitioner
✅ Health fund rebates available
✅ Friendly, one-on-one care
📞 Call Julie Today: 0430 886 998
Or explore more at: adelacupuncture.com.au