Non-Drug Sciatica Relief: Acupuncture, Chiropractic & More

Evidence-Based Adjunctive Therapies

• Acupuncture: Meta-analyses show moderate short-term pain reduction vs. sham/usual care.
• Spinal manipulation (chiropractic/osteopathic): Benefit for acute/subacute radiculopathy; less clear for chronic.
• Therapeutic exercise/PT: Core stabilization, nerve glides, directional preference (McKenzie).
• Massage/myofascial release: Reduces paraspinal spasm, improves mobility.
• Mind-body: CBT, mindfulness, biofeedback lower pain catastrophizing.
• Anti-inflammatory diet & supplements: Omega-3, curcumin, Boswellia—limited but promising data.
• Yoga/Pilates: Improves flexibility, posture, core strength.

Always coordinate with your treating physician; red flags (progressive weakness, bowel/bladder changes, saddle anesthesia) require urgent surgical evaluation.