Request for advice on treating sciatica pain

Submitted by garyjp9 on Wed, 06/15/2011 - 10:31am

My mother is 87 years old and is suffering from spinal stenosis (quite normal for her age) and severe sciatica in her left leg. The pain extends to her foot. She was treated by an acupuncturist with many needles around her body via the "balance method."  It only brought temporary relief. Moreover, her left ankle swelled up for the next two days. This happened twice.  She has never experienced such swelling before or after and has no heart condition.

---Has anyone ever heard of this type of edema in response to acupuncture?

---She does not like needles. Can sciatica be treated with fewer needles and in a more localized fashion than with the balance method? 

Thank you, Gary

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Comments

Feng Mei's picture
Submitted by Feng Mei on Wed, 06/15/2011 - 11:50pm.

For Sciatic just need 3

For Sciatic just need 3 needles on the local area: GB30, Huan Zhong & Ashi point, 3 needles at least 2 cun long, and she must bend left hip to acupuncture.

garyjp9's picture
Submitted by garyjp9 on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 5:52pm.

Your comment on sciatica pain

Thank you very much for your advice.   Gary

Chad Dupuis's picture
Submitted by Chad Dupuis on Thu, 06/16/2011 - 9:30am.

If the swelling came and went

If the swelling came and went after two days I simply wouldn't worry about it very much.  Yes, you can get localized swelling from the acupuncture points or even other tuina/massage techniques in the area - it generally passes quickly.  It's somewhat rare either way...

With regards to sciatic treatment - we have a page on acupuncture for low back pain with many of the commonly used points and, yes, there are any number of ways to treat sciatic pain.  If she really doesn't like needles she should consider seeing another practitioner as with proper insertion it shouldn't be an issue (i.e. you shouldn't feel the needles) - with heavier techniques it can create tension in the patient and lead to inferior results.  Someone who also does tuina (chinese medical massage) and cupping would be preferred over those that do not in my opinion.

Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.
Yin Yang House Acupuncture and Wellness Center

garyjp9's picture
Submitted by garyjp9 on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 6:01pm.

Sciatica for back pain

Thank you very much for your advice and for the link to your treatment page. I really appreciate it. Gary

DD Chhaya's picture
Submitted by DD Chhaya on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 8:51pm.

 Kindly guide me as to Huan

 Kindly guide me as to Huan Zhong point and how to locate that. I could not find reference to that point on our site

DD Chhaya

Chad Dupuis's picture
Submitted by Chad Dupuis on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 8:54pm.

Huan Zhong is an extra point

Huan Zhong is an extra point located midway between GB 30 and GV 2

Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.
Yin Yang House Acupuncture and Wellness Center

DD Chhaya's picture
Submitted by DD Chhaya on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 9:00pm.

 So kind of you Chad ! :-)

 So kind of you Chad ! :-)