A recent randomized clinical trial in China suggests that acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and disability for individuals suffering from chronic sciatica. The study demonstrated that participants receiving acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those undergoing sham acupuncture, with improvements lasting throughout the 52-week trial. This finding offers hope to many dealing with the persistent discomfort of sciatica, which can be caused by conditions such as herniated discs, piriformis syndrome, and spinal stenosis.
Acupuncture, a practice with roots deep in Chinese history, first appeared in historical records around 100 BCE, though its conceptual system may date back as far as 6,000 BCE. This ancient technique appears to hold modern relevance, providing substantial relief in the context of chronic pain management. The study’s results highlight acupuncture’s potential as a viable treatment option for sciatica, alongside traditional methods like counseling and walking therapy.
Dr. Medhat Mikhael, a pain management specialist, identifies herniated discs, piriformis syndrome, and spinal stenosis as frequent culprits behind sciatica. Despite these varying causes, the study found that a combination of counseling and walking therapy significantly reduced participants’ need for healthcare support and time off work due to pain. Walking, experts say, is an accessible and cost-effective therapy that can enhance endurance, elevate mood, and offer long-term relief from back pain.
Jason Chong, a vocational education teacher, commented on the nature of Qi, explaining that it is not a simple substance like blood or electrical charge but rather a concept akin to metabolism. He elaborated on how acupuncture could stimulate the central nervous system through various means such as electrical, thermal, and mechanical stimulation.
“Acupuncture at its core is a circulatory medicine. It releases constrictions to facilitate better flow of blood and fluids through the body. This enables better perfusion of oxygen and other nutrients, along with removal of waste products, resulting in better functional ability of the body,” said Chong.
“Reduced sympathetic and increased parasympathetic activity, changes in brain wave patterns towards alpha and theta states, release of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin and dopamine), decreasing limbic activity, and HPA axis regulation,” he added.
Dr. Thomas Pontinen, founder of MAPS Centers For Pain Control, emphasized the benefits of walking for back pain management. Walking activates the core gently and distributes pressure evenly throughout the body. This therapeutic exercise complements other pain management strategies by promoting overall physical health.
Mark Hancock, PhD, senior author of the study, reiterated the significant reduction in pain and disability observed in participants who received acupuncture as opposed to sham acupuncture. These findings support the integration of acupuncture into comprehensive pain management programs.
Pocovi, a researcher involved in the study, noted that exercise and education are best practices for back pain management. However, he acknowledged that accessing these programs can sometimes present significant barriers.
“Firstly, I will go to say that Qi is not a simple substance that can be measured, such as blood volume/pressure or electrical charge. It is a concept of functional ability, perhaps closer to the idea of metabolism,” stated Chong.
“Where conditions are more acute and there is minimal structural degradation, then a treatment course of 6–10 treatments could provide lasting relief,” Chong explained. “Where there are more significant structural changes, then often more maintenance treatment is required. After an initial course of treatment, this maintenance program becomes more spaced out as the body maintains its corrections, and clients adopt better lifestyle practices.”
Featured image made on Ideogram
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