A Complementary Therapy That May Be Combined With Medications
Acupunctureforsciaticais a safe and effective practice to relieve pain.
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Acupuncture Needles for Sciatica: Where Do They Go?
Some practitioners use electroacupuncture (electricity passes through the tissues from the needles) to activate the nervous system.
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The specific acupoints targeted may vary depending on your symptoms and the root cause of sciatica.
Does Acupuncture Help Nerve Pain?
Acupuncture shows promise as a complementary therapy for reducingnerve pain.
Acupuncture is a low-risk therapy for aches and pains during pregnancy and may help reduce sciatica pain.
Research shows acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for sciatica during pregnancy.
It can help improve circulation and reduce pain and inflammation without adverse effects on the pregnant person or fetus.
Proceed With Caution
Some acupoints are contraindicated for pregnancy as they can induce labor.
Consult a healthcare provider before trying acupuncture, especially while pregnant.
Most people experience little to no pain during this process.
You may feel a brief, mild prick or tingling at the needle insertion point.
The acupuncturist may leave the room during this time, but they will check on you regularly.
This is a normal response to acupuncture; many people find it calming.
Aftercare
After the session, your acupuncturist will carefully remove the needles.
Its common to feel deeply relaxed after acupuncture, so take your time getting up to prevent dizziness.
You may notice minor redness, bruising, or soreness at the needle sites.
This is normal and should fade quickly.
How you feel after acupuncture can vary from person to person.
Some people may feel calmer and relaxed, while others may feel more energized.
Insurance and Financials
Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies by insurance providers and plans.
Some insurance plans cover acupuncture for sciatica, while others do not.
Contact your insurance provider to ask about your plans coverage.
Medicare covers up to 12 acupuncture sessions annually for chronic low-back pain.
Medicaid coverage varies from state to state.
If your insurance plan does not cover acupuncture, you will pay for treatments out of pocket.
Some acupuncture clinics offer sliding scale fees based on income, and some may offer discounts for multiple sessions.
Acupuncturists target specific points on the body believed to be connected to the sciatic nerve.
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