Where to perform moxibustion for sciatica

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on December 03, 2024
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Typical sciatica, in addition to soreness and numbness in the buttocks, is accompanied by sensory abnormalities in the back of the thigh, the back of the calf, the lateral muscles, and the foot. Thus, the location for moxibustion treatment spans from the buttocks to the thigh and calf, targeting corresponding traditional Chinese medicine acupoints progressively. This can alleviate, to some extent, the sensory abnormalities in the buttocks and lower limbs caused by sciatica. It is recommended to concurrently take oral medications that nourish the nerves to collectively reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. If there is no significant relief after two to four weeks of treatment, it is advised to revisit the hospital for further examination and treatment. Hospitalization for systematic treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can sciatica be treated with acupuncture?

Regarding whether acupuncture can be used for sciatica, it should first be clarified that acupuncture is feasible for treating sciatic nerve pain. Acupuncture can promote the recovery of nerves, thereby effectively alleviating the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. However, it is important to note that it is best to undergo acupuncture in the acupuncture and massage department of a formal hospital. Formal hospitals are more professional, have a better grasp of indications, and tend to provide more satisfactory results. Additionally, for patients with sciatic nerve pain, it is crucial to minimize local irritation. It is essential not to expose the area to cold, apply local heat, and combine treatment with some neuro-nourishing medications, such as mecobalamin, which is quite effective.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Where to go for sciatica treatment

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human lower limb. If symptoms of sciatic nerve pain occur, it is first necessary to determine the cause of this pain. Sometimes, the pain is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc, leading to a ruptured nucleus pulposus protruding from the annulus fibrosus, which compresses the nerve root canal, causing this nerve pain. In such cases, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic or spinal surgery department. If there is no degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral discs or the condition of spinal stenosis, and only this pain occurs, it is advisable to visit a pain management department.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can sciatica patients run?

The pain of the sciatic nerve is generally caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus protrudes through the rupture of the fibrous ring of the degenerated disc, compressing the nerve root, which leads to symptoms such as sciatic nerve pain, numbness, and even restricted movement when walking. The intervertebral disc serves to absorb shocks and cushion the pressure on the lower back. During running, the load on the lower back increases, which could potentially exacerbate the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. Therefore, it is best to avoid running exercises when sciatic nerve pain is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to relieve sciatic nerve pain

How to alleviate sciatica pain. First, it is necessary to rest in bed absolutely, especially sleeping on a firm bed. While sleeping on a firm bed, you can also pad a soft pad in the lumbar area and place a soft pillow under the knee joints. The main purpose is to keep the knee and hip joints in a flexed state, allowing the muscles in the lower back to fully relax. Second, you can take some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers orally. Third, you can use traction therapy. Traction therapy is very effective for relieving sciatica pain as it can reduce the pressure inside the disc and expand the volume of the spinal canal, thus alleviating the stimulation and compression of the nerve roots. Fourth, you can consider undergoing physiotherapy, massage, and manipulation. However, aggressive massage is not recommended. Fifth, you can undergo intradiscal blockade or sacral canal injections. Sixth, you can perform nucleoplasty, which involves injecting collagenase into the intervertebral disc, or between the dura mater and the protruding nucleus pulposus. This often requires the intervention of a pain specialist. Therefore, after the aforementioned treatments, sciatica pain should generally be alleviated. If there is no relief or if symptoms worsen, then surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Does sciatica cause numbness in the legs?

Sciatica can cause sensory abnormalities in one lower limb and even lead to muscle weakness. It can also cause numbness and sensory abnormalities on the dorsum or sole of the foot. However, foot numbness should first exclude causes like exposure to cold or poor blood circulation in the lower limbs. After excluding other causes of foot numbness, it can be diagnosed as sciatica-induced symptoms such as foot numbness. At this time, it is advisable to actively nourish the nerves and avoid certain postures that may aggravate sciatica. Additionally, sciatica can also be caused by lumbar disc herniation, or simply by the local compression of the sciatic nerve in its course.