To understand how acupuncture helps relieve pain, we must understand what acupuncture is. It has been used by people for a few thousand years. Over the last few decades it has gained popularity in our country because of the relief that it brings without side effects. It is an alternative form of treatment. 

Well conducted studies in the last 10 years have substantially solidified the picture. Recent reviews have shown that it is more effective than usual treatments for chronic pain, osteoarthritis, or headache. 

In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for anxiety 

It is absolutely recommend you get acupuncture if you have problems with pain due to any nerve issue such as sciatica! Acupuncture can help relieve pain, relax upset muscles, and help your body to heal itself without drugs or expensive and potentially risky surgery. In some cases we may recommend an MRI just to rule out anything serious (badly herniated disc, tumors, etc), but for many patients acupuncture is all they need.