Sciatica

That sharp, shooting pain running from your lower back down your leg isn’t just a pulled muscle; it’s likely sciatica, which can make simple activities like sitting or walking excruciating. Dr. Shangyou Zhong at Sunyo Acupuncture Center in San Juan Capistrano and Santa Monica, California, treats sciatic nerve compression using targeted acupuncture techniques that reduce inflammation and release pressure on the nerve. This specialized approach combines motion acupuncture, cupping, and massage to address nerve irritation at its source. If you suspect you have sciatica, call Sunyo Acupuncture Center or request an appointment online today.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica happens when your sciatic nerve — the longest one in your body — gets compressed or becomes irritated along its path from your lower spine to your foot. This nerve is actually a bundle of smaller nerves that exit your spine and travel through your hip, down your buttocks, and down to your toes.

The compression usually occurs in your lower back, but it can also happen when tight muscles in your hip squeeze the nerve. When pressure builds on this nerve, it sends pain signals that can range from a dull ache to electric shock-like sensations.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms typically affect one side of your body and can vary. Common warning signs of sciatica include:

• Sharp, shooting pain from your lower back to your leg
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Numbness in your leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens when sitting or coughing
• Difficulty moving your leg or foot

Some people experience constant pain, while others have symptoms that come and go.

What causes sciatica?

Several spinal and muscle problems can compress your sciatic nerve:

• Herniated discs that bulge into the nerve space
• Spinal stenosis narrows the nerve pathways
• Piriformis muscle spasms in your hip
• Bone spurs from arthritis
• Spondylolisthesis occurs when the vertebrae slip
• Pregnancy weight puts pressure on nerves

Most cases develop gradually from wear-and-tear, though sudden movements or injuries can trigger acute episodes. Age, prolonged sitting, and weak core muscles increase your risk.

How does sciatica treatment work?

Sunyo Acupuncture Center targets nerve compression using multiple approaches:

Acupuncture 

The center utilizes modern acupuncture that combines traditional Chinese medicine points with Western knowledge of nerve pathways. Motion acupuncture places needles while you move to target exact compression points, while internal acupuncture addresses underlying imbalances. This approach reduces inflammation, blocks pain signals, and encourages natural healing of the compressed nerve.

Cupping therapy 

Suction improves blood flow to tight muscles that may be squeezing the nerve, especially helpful for piriformis-related sciatica.

Massage therapy 

Massage therapy releases muscle tension in your lower back and hips that contributes to nerve compression.

Treatment may also include herbal remedies, dietary guidance, and lifestyle recommendations for lasting relief.

Call Sunyo Acupuncture Center or request an appointment online today to schedule your sciatica consultation and get targeted relief from nerve pain.