Has anyone tried acupuncture? Will it help with the sciatic nerve causing pain in my leg?

2024-07-20T17:12:43-04:00

I'm a person who can stand a lot of pain without complaining however, the sciatic nerve has been causing me a lot of pain in my right leg for years. For a long time I thought it was my hip joint but the V.A. did an xray and they said it is fine. The problem is I don't have any cartilage in my lower back; it's all worn away. My primary care has recommended acupuncture as a way to help deal with the pain. I have resisted up until now but am seriously considering it. It is really bad at night when I am trying to get to sleep and keeps me awake for hours sometimes while I am tossing and turning trying to find a position to make it ease up. Lately, driving more than a half hour makes it a challenge to go any distance. I have an appointment on 29 July with whole health to discuss this and other options. I'd like to hear from anyone who has tried this treatment and what if it helped them.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jul 20 at 2024 5:42 PM

2024-07-20T17:42:20-04:00

VIC ~~ Give Chiropractic Treatment A Try.
From My Personal Experiences, SCIATIC Pain Can Be Totally Relieved.
The Problem You May Encounter Is Getting A Referral By An M.D. If A Referral's Needed;
As Far Too Many Don't Believe In Chiropractics. BUT It ' "K-ing WORKS. And, With Me,
ONE Treatment Is All I Needed. Much Is Caused By Pinched Nerves Along The Spine,
And Chiropractics Relieves that Pressure. ~"SMOKE If Ya Got'em"~

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 20 at 2024 5:45 PM

2024-07-20T17:45:57-04:00

I was not impressed when I tried accupuncture.,My current ‘treatment’ is application of a pulsing vibrator that emits ‘waves’ into my posterior. After the second of ten weekly treatments, the middle toes of one foot were painful for 24 hours. The technique has not yet been identified by name. When I do get a name for it, I shall share it.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jul 20 at 2024 6:10 PM

2024-07-20T18:10:17-04:00

I haven’t tried it, however, with a reputable acupuncturist I would try it if necessary. Years ago I watched a video of brain surgery on an individual that had to be awake to respond to different stimuli of the brain. No anesthetic was used except acupuncture. It convinced me if you have a good practitioner it works.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2024 6:17 PM

2024-07-20T18:17:28-04:00

Cpl Vic Burk it worked for me in specific areas... along with Chiropractic adjustment. I routinely go to stay adjusted...
You may want to try an Rx Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel... works great for me.

Response by Bethina Lee made Jul 20 at 2024 7:00 PM

2024-07-20T19:00:36-04:00

I will give my 2 cents and show you my situation...I have 2 completely degenerated discs in my neck (and the rest is following) I believe 3 in my lower back are completely gone. I also am diagnosed with RA, possibly LUPUS..
Since 8-10 years ago I started to take Turmeric with black pepper, it will take approximately 30-180 days to get into your system. After that I had no pain, plus it enhances your mental well being. I still take this supplement to this day. No Pain...very few days in between and it's rare, I will have some pain. However check in with your specialist and GP to see if you can take these supplements. There are many studies, medical testing, and proven results that will reinforce this...I will include links as well what I used. I hope this will help you .

Response by SSG Gordon Holmes made Jul 20 at 2024 7:24 PM

2024-07-20T19:24:36-04:00

Tried both at Kaiser and the VA for neck pain. Little relief. I am starting next week for leg and foot nephropathy. I hope it works out better. Both prior times there was little to no pain. It can't help to try (it is a lot better than repeated injections into the nerves).

Response by Bethina Lee made Jul 20 at 2024 7:39 PM

2024-07-20T19:39:10-04:00

Here are some research and related links there is more out there but thought these would help our just for now

Turmeric: The Evidence for Therapeutic Use for Arthritis - The Rheumatologist

Curcumin and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review of literature - PubMed

Effect of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC

Curcumin in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases - PMC

Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials - PubMed

Curcumin for arthritis: Does it really work? - Harvard Health

Consumption of dietary turmeric promotes fat browning and thermogenesis in association with gut microbiota regulation in high-fat diet-fed mice - Food & Function (RSC Publishing)

An Overview of Curcumin in Neurological Disorders - PMC

Role of Turmeric and Curcumin in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials | ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Turmeric for healthier diet, pain relief - Mayo Clinic News Network

Turmeric Benefits | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide | Diabetic Retinopathy | JAMA Ophthalmology | JAMA Network

7 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Response by Bethina Lee made Jul 20 at 2024 7:42 PM

2024-07-20T19:42:07-04:00

This is what I use, however please consult your GP, specialist, and dietician for professional advice please! I hope this helps

Response by Bethina Lee made Jul 20 at 2024 7:46 PM

2024-07-20T19:46:26-04:00

This is another brand that is reputable, but please again, do your own research & CONSULT WITH YOUR SPECIALIST. PLEASE...
I AM NOT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
Thank You

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 20 at 2024 9:00 PM

2024-07-20T21:00:41-04:00

I have not tried acupuncture but am a huge believer in holistic medicine including acupuncture. I have seen stretching that you can find on YouTube help better than pain meds and steroids. In case no one has educated you, sciatica is from the nerve to your leg exiting out a small hole in your hip area and this the reason pain usually starts there.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2024 9:32 PM

2024-07-20T21:32:22-04:00

Cpl Vic Burk My first session was on Wednesday. After more visits, I will have a better idea on how it helps with pain.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jul 21 at 2024 7:01 AM

2024-07-21T07:01:38-04:00

It’s not for everyone I did try it and the nerves in my body lit up like a thunderstorm,

Response by SMSgt William Gardner made Jul 21 at 2024 8:30 AM

2024-07-21T08:30:40-04:00

I have had just about the same symptoms. Fortunately for me In 2004 I had a discetemony surgery which relieved the sciatic pain. An MRI should definitely show whether you have a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. Good luck.

Response by SPC Jeff Daley, PhD made Jul 21 at 2024 10:07 AM

2024-07-21T10:07:41-04:00

Greetings Vic - Years ago I was on a mountain bike and went down hard. The result was I could not raise my arm without pain that was tolerable. MD didn't help and a friend recommended acupuncture I tried one that was supposedly certified in the field and an MD. No results. Then I was told I needed to see a guy who was a Russian-Chinese US Naturalized citizen. Several people in our community recommended him. I was in pain so I gave it another try. After the first treatment, I had about 85% use of my arm. A few more and I was 100% without pain.

I share a longer explanation because the treatment is dependent on the skill level of the practitioner. After my experience, I am a believer in acupuncture, but like any other medical procedure, physical or mental, getting a person who practices in the realm of excellence is key.

Best wishes for getting to 100% soon.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2024 11:57 AM

2024-07-21T11:57:59-04:00

I tried it and got nothing. Chiropracty is a good alternative. It doesn't fix it, But the relief is measurable. I've got the low back disc problems also. I took steroid shots for it also. Core strengthening is the best.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 21 at 2024 5:01 PM

2024-07-21T17:01:42-04:00

Looks like there's some scientific evidence indicating that it helps, at least temporarily.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S [login to see] 000747

ScienceDirect

Response by PFC Sammie Collins made Jul 22 at 2024 12:04 AM

2024-07-22T00:04:00-04:00

I have. Mine won't stay in place and I very highly value my chiropractor but yes, I tried acupuncture. It helps but doesn't last unless I kept going back. I have both SI joints and bulges in L4,5 that won't stay in place and 2 bad knees. I found on my own that if I stretch the front and insides of my thighs it helps better than anything else. Being in alot of pain, I sit alot or sit for along time at one. Try stretching and see if helps.

ALSO- Ask your acupuncturist about you PSOAS muscles!! Mine took his elbow and said "this is adjusting the back from the front" and all of the sudden my abdominal muscles and the front of my thighs sucked up tight and they stayed that way for about 5 hours and I was shocked!! I could even climb stairs!!! My back didn't hurt at all. He has tried it a couple of times and couldn't get it quit as dramatically but even alittle helped. You would be shocked. Ask your chiro or acupuncturist.

Response by Capt Kellogg P. made Jul 22 at 2024 4:33 AM

2024-07-22T04:33:32-04:00

CONTACT YOUR VA PRIMARY CARE TEAM. REQUEST A COMMUNITY SERVICE REFERRAL FOR ACUPUNCTURE. AND OTHER SERVICES. THE VA HAS PAID FOR MY CHIROPRACTOR, ACUPUNCTURE, HEARING, ORTHOPEDIC, NEUROLOGY AND PODIATRIST - THANKS TO OBAMA CARE - FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS.. COMMUNITY SERVICE WILL FIND YOU CHOICES OF PROVIDERS IN YOUR AREA. find your own provider, then tell the community service lady/man WHO YOU WANT TO SEE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK!!

Response by Capt Kellogg P. made Jul 22 at 2024 4:38 AM

2024-07-22T04:38:41-04:00

ASK YOUR PRIMARY CARE TEAM TO REFER YOU TO COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND ANY OTHER SERVICE YOU WANT THE VA TO PAY FOR. THANKS TO OBAMA CARE, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS KNOW THAT YOU CAN REQUEST THIS REFERRAL. FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS, COMMUNITY SERVICE PAYS FOR PROVIDERS OF MY CHOOSING FOR ACUPUNCTURE, ORTHOPEDICS, HEARING, CHIROPRACTOR, NEUROLOGY, CARDIOLOGY, DERMATOLOGY, PODIATRY, OB/GYN, GASTROENTEROLOGY, CARDIOLOGY AND A FEW MORE -OLOGIES.

Response by Sgt Jon Mcvay made Jul 22 at 2024 4:39 AM

2024-07-22T04:39:12-04:00

For that it will help you.

Response by SSG Gordon Holmes made Jul 26 at 2024 6:53 PM

2024-07-26T18:53:53-04:00

Had acupuncture this afternoon at Kaiser for leg and foot nueropathy. Seem to be helping, I will let you know next week how it is going. I have another appointment on Monday for the next round. I spoke with the acupuncturist, she had her own practice before working for Kaiser, she stated the VA referred a lot of their patients out of VA due to wait times.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 27 at 2024 6:51 PM

2024-07-27T18:51:57-04:00

Never gave it a thought because military healthcare system didn't even recognize it as an option in my days, so obviously wouldn't pay for it. I did have issues with sciatic nerve causing pain in my left leg and lower back when on active duty. The flight surgeon put me on absolute bed rest for what ended up to be over 8 weeks, the first 3 in the base hospital. That works great for someone on active duty who still gets paid, but isn't possible for someone in a civilian job, but did clear the problem. The physical therapist who worked with me in the hospital taught me leg lifts that I still use and the signs to recognize I was doing things that I irritated the nerve.

Response by SGT James Hunsinger made Aug 24 at 2024 1:57 AM

2024-08-24T01:57:31-04:00

I had an issue that was causing my whole body to be wracked with pain. I was literally bed ridden for several months. I tried traditional acupuncture and while it did not cure my pain it did lessen it and lessened my stress it seemed but it was always a temporary thing. Now, full disclosure, at that time no one knew what was actually wrong with me and without knowing it is hard for a acupuncturist to provide the correct application of acupuncture.

Also, be aware that there are two different types of acupuncture. There is traditional "acupuncture" and "dry needling". You should probably research these and the difference because they are not equally effective for everything. I personally think that traditional acupuncture is more effective as it has been around for hundreds of years. But your mileage may vary, just look into the differences and see which you think will be more applicable for your situation.

I wish you the best of luck in getting relief. I hope it does you some good.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2024 12:54 PM

2024-08-25T12:54:36-04:00

I also tried it for back pain and it did not help at all.... I didn't even consider it for my intense migraines.... not even the TENS issued by the VA helps..
Dee
1SG (R)

Response by MSgt Donald Graves made Sep 2 at 2024 2:35 PM

2024-09-02T14:35:36-04:00

I had a sciatic nerve injury years ago. It only lasted a couple of weeks but flares up on occasion. I have a friend who is a black belt in Karate. He studied in Japan and represented the US in a World Tournament at one time many years ago. When I told him about my pain, he advised me to find a piece of furniture hat was about hip high. Lean over it and let my legs dangle. The feet may touch the floor, but your legs should be limp so that their weight pulls your spine. It has worked for me every time I have done it.