What is acupuncture treatment for back pain and sciatica like?

For new patients, the first step is diagnosis and assessment. We go through a series of questions relating to things like sleep patterns, lifestyle and talk through how the pain shows up. Next we take a look at the tongue and check the patient's pulses. These three steps lead us to the Traditional Medicine diagnosis of any existing underlying imbalance. We then confirm the exact locations and paths of pain to make sure everything matches up.

The treatments themselves are aimed at soothing and retraining the nervous system, rebalancing the body and reducing muscle and fascia tensions - all of which allows the body to begin healing itself. We achieve this by using very thin, fine needles at specific points on the body. There can sometimes be a slight pinch when the needles are inserted, but I make sure to remind all my patients that the treatment is not supposed to hurt and to let me know if anything is uncomfortable so I can tweak anything needed.

Depending on which points we use, the patient will either lie down on a large massage table or sit in a reclining armchair. It’s a great idea for patients to wear a loose vest top and bring loose trousers or shorts so that they can remain fully clothed for the treatment. Of course, we have plenty of blankets if needed.

With everything in place, the patient is allowed to relax for between 20 and 45 minutes - depending on the diagnosis. 

With some patients, we will use cupping or moxibustion (heat treatment) to help move or promote energy at specific points. 

Patients usually feel very relaxed during the treatment, floating away or even having a little snooze. Quite often during the treatment, the patient may feel different parts of the body tingle, ripple or release.

Before the session finishes, we put in place a treatment plan. Our aim is to get pain resolved as quickly and effectively as possible, and prevent it reoccurring. The majority of the time this means two appointments a week for the first two weeks, stretching to one appointment a week for 2 to 10 weeks and then out to once a month. As well as the acupuncture treatments, we ask that the patient uses acupressure, self massage and qigong exercises at home (all of which are demonstrated with videos on a self care app or explained in clinic) 

Once we are at monthly intervals, we are in a tune-up/maintenance mode where we are no longer putting out fires but rather maintaining a healthy, balanced body. How long it takes to get to this stage varies depending on lifestyle, how long the condition existed and the individual.

The vast majority of my patients feel much better by the end of the first two weeks, and all but a handful of patients have dramatic improvement as the treatment continues. It’s actually the biggest reward for me seeing the transformation within a patient over the course of a month or two as they realise that there is an alternative to living with pain and discomfort.

If this article raises any questions, or to book arrange a consultation, I can be contacted directly on 086 4059898 or by email via rory@roryryanacupuncture.ie

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