Better than Conventional Medical Treatment, with Fewer Risks 
Meta-analyses of studies show that acupuncture is frequently effective for relieving sciatica, an often severe pain running down the leg that is usually from a nerve being pinched in the low back or buttocks.
Sciatic nerve pain is one of the most common problems that any doctor or acupuncturist sees, and may respond to rest, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants and stretching. if not, however, acupuncture is effective in most cases, with 3-6 treatments if the situation is acute (short-lived), and a longer course (10-12) if it has been going on for a long time.
As an acupuncturist I often see people who have been dealing with this for months to years, and who have had chiropractic, physical therapy, epidural injections and even surgery, without relief. It’s amazing that acupuncture could help in this population, but it often does, and it has no adverse effects when properly used.
