Acupuncture and Sciatica: Impact on Pain and Function in Middle-Aged Adults

The efficacy of acupuncture for chronic pain conditions has been the subject of a great deal of debate. Many still hold to the belief that whatever benefits this treatment provides are the result of a placebo effect. Studies have shown, however, that acupuncture can affect endorphin secretion and increase the bioavailability of serotonin and norepinephrine, 2 neurotransmitters that are believed to be involved in analgesia. Also the demonstrated benefits of veterinary acupuncture would appear to contradict the placebo theory.

Quality research has shown acupuncture to be beneficial for the pain of osteoarthritis

A recent study examined the potential benefits of acupuncture for the management of sciatica, pain radiating along the course of the sciatic nerve, related to herniated vertebral disks, the apparent cause of sciatica in approximately 85% of cases. The slides above highlight the study and the findings.