Acupuncture stops pain and improves the daily life of people suffering from sciatica, according to the results of a new study published on Monday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, reports Live Science, writes Agerpres.
The researchers who conducted the study recruited 220 people suffering from sciatica, a condition that causes pain, weakness and numbness in the lower body. These symptoms are caused by pressure exerted on the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. In this case, all patients suffered from sciatica caused by disc herniations.
To treat the symptoms of sciatica, doctors usually recommend pain relievers. Some patients receive epidural injections, others fight against sciatica through stretching movements. In severe cases, doctors recommend surgical interventions to remove the fragment from the spine that presses on the sciatic nerve.
But these options may be insufficient or unsatisfactory for patients, according to a commentary that accompanies the new study and is signed by Dr. Jerard Kneifati-Hayek of Columbia University and Dr. Mitchell Katz of NYC Health + Hospitals.
The new study presents concrete evidence that acupuncture can be a good treatment for sciatica. There have been other studies that have shown this treatment to be effective, but their methodological and conceptual limitations have prevented scientists from drawing firm conclusions.
By comparison, “this is a methodologically rigorous study,” according to Kneifati-Hayek and Katz. The new study included experienced acupuncturists, a control group that received placebo therapy, and participants were followed for 1 year after receiving acupuncture treatment.
The study was conducted in six hospitals in China, and the patients’ diagnosis was confirmed by medical specialists. In order to be included in the study, all participants had to suffer from moderate to severe sciatica pain, not take any medication that could have therapeutic effects on this condition, and not have received acupuncture treatments for sciatica during the at least 1 year.
The chosen participants were divided into two equal groups. The first group received 10 standardized acupuncture treatment sessions for sciatica over a 4-week period. The second group received a “sham” treatment in which practitioners placed needles in areas of the body where they had no therapeutic effect. “It is a common practice in acupuncture studies,” according to the study authors.
The researchers recorded each participant’s individual perception of their back and leg pain both before starting treatment and throughout the study – at weeks 2, 4, 8, 26 and 52. They also used a special questionnaire for people with disabilities, called the Oswestry Disability Index, to check the possible effects of the treatment on the daily life of the patients – for example, if they could sleep well, if they could lift objects and perform certain tasks.
The differences between the two study groups became apparent from the second week and remained statistically significant at week 52.
The results obtained suggest that acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option for people with chronic sciatica from herniated discs.
“Studies like this one can facilitate the adoption of acupuncture as a form of treatment by health systems and insurers. They help both patients and their doctors make informed decisions about how to approach treatment for sciatica,” added Dr. Kneifati-Hayek.
source – AGERPRES
Acupuncture: The Surprising Solution for Sciatica?
Well, sit tight, folks! If you’ve been clenching your fists in pain due to sciatica, you might want to consider a little jab—not in the back alley, but with some tiny needles! A brand new study published in the illustrious journal JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that acupuncture *might* just put the “ahhh” in your sciatica relief. Yes, you heard me right! Researchers have found that acupuncture stops pain and spruces up daily life for those suffering from this pesky condition. Who knew that poking yourself might lead to less poking from pain?
In this rigorous study, 220 victims of sciatica—those poor souls enduring agonizing pain, weakness, and numbness like they just sat on a party balloon for too long—were examined. This condition is not just an excuse for a dramatic exit from a party; it’s caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in our bodies! Think of it as Mother Nature’s way of telling you, “Maybe don’t lift that sofa today.”
Now, when it comes to tackling sciatica, the usual suspects like pain relievers, epidural injections, and stretching are rolled out like the mediocre opening act in a comedy show. And in the worst cases, they might suggest surgery, which sounds about as fun as a root canal. But let’s be honest; no one wants to bust out the big guns unless absolutely necessary. So, when this study dropped the acupuncture bombshell, the crowd went wild—probably more wild than those doing downward dog in yoga class, I must say!
The brilliance of the study lies in its methodological might, a phrase that sounds like a yoga pose itself! Dr. Jerard Kneifati-Hayek and Dr. Mitchell Katz of Columbia University pointed out that this study had all the right ingredients: experienced acupuncturists, control groups, and a solid follow-up period. That’s right; this wasn’t just some backyard experiment involving a questionable comic and a blindfold!
Conducted in six hospitals across China, the researchers ensured all participants had ‘moderate to severe’ sciatica pain—talk about setting the bar high! Participants received 10 sessions of standardized acupuncture over four weeks, while their less lucky counterparts endured “sham” treatments where needles were aimed at places devoid of therapeutic goodness. Kind of like a bad comedy set—lots of pokes but no punchlines! The results? Well, they were as clear as day!
The eye-popping difference between the groups began to emerge from week two. Yes, folks, just two weeks, which is quicker than a bad TV show gets canceled! At week 52, acupuncture was still outperforming its placebo counterpart, leaving everyone astonished—that’s right, the needles have better recall than your last Tinder date.
The findings might have you considering acupuncture as your new secret weapon against chronic sciatica from herniated discs. It’s enough to make you question your life choices about pain management! Dr. Kneifati-Hayek even believes that studies like this could promote acupuncture’s status in health systems and insurance circles. And if that happens, just think: you might be able to trade in those addictive painkillers for a soothing session of needle therapy. Talk about a win-win!
As we wrap up this rollercoaster of research, remember—whether you’re an acupuncture skeptic or a firm believer in its needle-y goodness, informed choices about managing sciatica are crucial. So, let’s keep this conversation sharp—pun intended. You might just find that the next time you have a knife-like pain shooting through your leg, some strategically placed needles could do more than just make you flinch—they could actually lead to relief!
So, what’s it going to be? A dull life filled with pain relievers, or a vibrant one with some acupuncture pizzazz? One thing’s for sure, it beats suffering in silence!
