Sciatica

Sciatica can cause sharp, shooting pain down the lower back, hips, and legs, often resulting from nerve compression. Acupuncture provides a non-invasive solution to alleviate sciatic nerve pain by reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and promoting nerve healing. At Austin Honeysuckle Acupuncture Clinic, we offer customized treatments that focus on relieving the discomfort of sciatica while enhancing mobility and overall well-being.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg, becomes irritated or inflamed. This results in pain that can be felt anywhere along the nerve’s path, often affecting only one side of the body.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is typically caused by compression of the nerve at its point of exit from the spine. Common causes include subluxation (misaligned vertebrae), a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

What Is Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome presents symptoms similar to sciatica. While sciatica stems from nerve impingement in the lower back, piriformis syndrome is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks. When this muscle spasms or becomes inflamed due to overuse or poor posture, it can compress the nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg.

How Can Acupuncture Help Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome?

Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for sciatica, often providing better outcomes than conventional therapies. At Honeysuckle Acupuncture in Austin, we use a combination of acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbs to relieve pain and support healing.

Our treatment approach focuses on:

• Improving circulation in the lumbar spine and lower body to promote tissue healing and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve
• Releasing tight muscles and trigger points in the hips, glutes (including the piriformis), and legs
• Addressing underlying causes such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, while relaxing surrounding muscles to support recovery