Acupuncture Proven Effective for Sciatica: Clinical Trial

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Patients who received four weeks of acupuncture reported significant pain relief up to a year later.

Sciatica is a notoriously difficult condition to treat, with limited success from both conservative therapies and surgical interventions. However, a clinical trial found that acupuncture can serve as an effective treatment for sciatica. Patients who received four weeks of acupuncture treatment reported significant pain relief that lasted up to a year.

Sciatica is often caused by herniated lumbar discs, which can lead to severe pain and, in some cases, long-term disability. While many patients with chronic sciatica turn to acupuncture for pain relief, studies confirming its efficacy remain limited.

A clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Oct. 14 demonstrated that acupuncture can effectively relieve sciatica pain caused by herniated discs. By comparing the effects of true acupuncture with those of sham acupuncture (also known as placebo acupuncture) control group, the study confirmed that the benefits of acupuncture far exceed those of the placebo effect.

The researchers recruited 220 patients with sciatica caused by herniated discs. Participants were divided into two groups: one group received true acupuncture specifically targeting sciatica, while the other underwent sham acupuncture treatment.

The true acupuncture treatments adhered to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, with practitioners selecting seven acupoints tailored to each patient’s condition. In the sham acupuncture group, needles were placed on seven non-acupoint locations far from meridians. To make the sham treatment more convincing, blunt-tipped needles were used at six sites, touching the skin without penetration, while only one needle was inserted into the skin.

The treatment consisted of 10 sessions over a four-week period, followed by a 48-week follow-up. Patients who received true acupuncture reported significantly reduced leg pain and improved daily functioning after four weeks compared to those in the sham acupuncture group.

Based on patient self-assessments using the Oswestry Disability Index, leg pain scores dropped by 30.8 in the true acupuncture group, whereas the sham acupuncture group showed a reduction of only 14.9. Additionally, the true acupuncture group demonstrated greater improvements in other measures, such as back pain and the frequency of pain episodes.

The researchers noted that this study is among the largest and most rigorous trials conducted to date on the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating sciatica. Based on the findings, acupuncture should be recognized as an effective treatment option for sciatica caused by herniated discs.

Principles Behind Acupuncture’s Pain Relief

According to TCM theory, the body’s vital energy, known as qi, flows through pathways called meridians. Stimulating specific acupoints with acupuncture helps regulate the flow of qi, thereby promoting overall well-being.

Kuo-Pin Wu, superintendent of Taiwan Xinyitang Heart Clinic, told The Epoch Times in an interview that acupuncture relieves pain by enhancing the flow of qi and blood in areas where local nerves are compressed. This process relaxes tense muscles and ligament fibers, improves circulation, and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.

Wu also discussed a technique called “moving the Qi therapy,” which involves massaging or needling distal acupoints while simultaneously moving the affected area. This approach enhances qi and blood circulation to the injured region, facilitating the realignment and stabilization of misaligned lumbar joints.

There are many acupoints for treating lower back pain, including Yaotongxue (EX-UE16), Yanglao (SI6), Renzhong (GV26), and Weizhong (BL40), Wu said. Scalp acupuncture is also commonly used to provide immediate pain relief for some patients.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Each Patient

Current medical treatments for sciatica include pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and muscle relaxants to alleviate symptoms, along with epidural steroid injections and physical therapies such as traction. However, some studies indicate that the effectiveness of these treatments remains uncertain.

Surgical treatments, such as discectomy, involve removing the protruding part of the disc, which can provide rapid symptom relief for some patients. However, research has shown that the long-term outcomes of surgery may not necessarily be superior to those of conservative treatments.

The Importance of Rehabilitation Exercises

Wu explained that he employs treatment methods based on the pathological conditions identified through Western medical examinations. For sciatica caused by issues such as loss of lumbar lordosis, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis, he often recommends rehabilitation exercises to relieve tension in the lumbar spine. These include movements such as the knee-to-chest hold or lying on a lumbar support cushion.

In cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis, he suggests performing a prone stretch using a half-round foam roller to help realign the vertebrae.

Wu also noted that acupuncture applied around the L3, L4, and L5 vertebrae has shown excellent results for such conditions.

Understanding the Effectiveness of Sham Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common treatment in TCM, but evidence-based medicine has long questioned whether its effectiveness is merely due to the placebo effect.

Studies evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture often compare true acupuncture with sham acupuncture to eliminate placebo-related outcomes. One randomized trial found that the sham acupuncture group exhibited therapeutic benefits, with some results showing no significant difference from the true acupuncture group. Such findings are a key argument supporting the view that acupuncture may function solely as a placebo.

Dr. Jingduan Yang, CEO of Northern Medical Center in New York, explained in his book “Clinical Acupuncture and Ancient Chinese Medicine” that sham acupuncture, commonly used in research, typically involves applying pressure to acupoints without piercing the skin or needling areas that are not specific acupoints.

However, TCM views the human body as a highly interconnected network, where each part is linked to others through invisible energy pathways known as meridians. Stimulating any part of the body can affect nearby areas and trigger energetic responses. Acupoints are not precise, singular spots but rather small areas with a radius of approximately 0.2 inches (0.5 centimeters). If the sham acupuncture site is too close to the true acupoint, it may still stimulate the acupoint and produce an effect.

Additionally, the skin contains its own energy network, meaning that even without piercing it, sham acupuncture can still stimulate energy flow into the body.

Relieving Pain Through Self-Massage

After learning the principles of acupuncture, we can incorporate acupoint massage into our self-care routines.

The Sanjian acupoint is located in the depression on the radial side of the index finger joint. Pressing it often produces a sore, numb, or tingling sensation, Yang said. He recommends massaging the point in a counterclockwise motion six times, alternating between both hands. With three to five minutes of massage, you may begin to notice symptom relief.

Location of the Sanjian acupoint. (The Epoch Times) — Location of the Sanjian acupoint. The Epoch Times

It is important to note that proper acupuncture treatment does not cause side effects for most people. However, it may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Additionally, treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. It is recommended to consult a health care professional for a personalized treatment plan.