I have believed for many years that there are as many beneficial as well as bogus treatments in both modern medicine and alternative medicine. One of those alternative treatments, namely Acupuncture, I felt was bogus but never having experienced the treatment I reserved judgement.
Well, earlier this week I started having severe pain in my lower back and hip. The next day I felt shooting pain down through the back of my thigh and the next day it continued into my shin and ankle but the hip was the worst. It got to the point that I couldn't find a position to sleep in where I was comfortable and yesterday it even began to be painful to stand in one position without pain. I did some research on-line and it was obvious that it was Sciatica.
Ivone has been going to her doctor for acupuncture treatments for several weeks and I was in doubt as to their effectiveness but I was in such distress that I scheduled an appointment for this afternoon. The doctor agreed that it was Sciatica.
It was difficult to get onto the treatment table but I was ready. The doctor put four or five needles near my spine on my lower back, one in the back of my knee and one in my ankle. He put a light, warm cover on my lower back and turned on some soothing music. After about half an hour the pins were removed and he said I could get up when I was ready. I laid still for a few minutes and slowly began to get off the table. No pain. I twisted gently left and right. No pain. I bent forward. No pain. When I got home I laid down in bed on my back, turned to my left side, turned to my stomach and then to my right side. Still, no pain.
I have an appointment for tomorrow but at this moment I don't feel like I need it. We'll see how well I sleep tonight and what tomorrow brings.
UPDATE Monday, Feb 9 2015:
What I've learned about Sciatica and Acupuncture
First of all I want to say that Acupuncture is very good for temporary relief from the pain of Sciatica. It can give the body a much needed break during the healing process.
Second of all Sciatica can be dealt with by just keeping the back and stomach muscles in good tone. Strength and stretching exercises can prevent many of the common back problems and also eliminate the pain of Sciatica.
I am continuing the Acupuncture treatments while I am doing the physical therapy and already I can feel a lessening of the pain.
UPDATE FRIDA Feb 13 2015:
The pain relief from the 4 Acupuncture treatments has allowed me to continue the stretching/strengthening exercises and although I still have some pain it is manageable. I will continue with the program and hopefully the problem will be a thing of the past for ever.
