When should I seek emergency care for sciatica?

Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms include loss of bowel or bladder control, significant leg weakness, or sudden severe neurological changes.

Sciatica Support | Kihyon Sohn Acupuncture

Q: How long does sciatica last?

The duration of sciatica varies depending on the underlying cause. Some cases improve within several weeks, while others may persist if nerve irritation continues.

Q: Is sciatica permanent?

Many cases of sciatica improve with conservative management. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be medically evaluated.

Sciatica Treatment in Beaverton, OR

Sciatica can cause sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg. Some individuals experience tingling, numbness, or weakness that interferes with walking, sitting, or daily activity. At Kihyon Sohn Acupuncture, we provide individualized, gentle acupuncture for patients seeking sciatica treatment in Beaverton. Care is tailored carefully to support recovery without aggressive stimulation.

If you are experiencing persistent leg pain or nerve-related discomfort, scheduling a consultation can help determine whether conservative treatment may be appropriate for your situation.

Understanding Sciatic Nerve Pain

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, extending from the lower spine through the hips and down each leg. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, symptoms often radiate below the knee rather than staying localized in the lower back.

Common contributing factors may include:

Disc irritation in the lumbar spine
Muscular tension in the hip or piriformis region
Degenerative changes affecting the spinal joints
Prolonged sitting or repetitive strain

If you would like a more detailed explanation of underlying triggers, you may find our article on what causes sciatica helpful.

Understanding the source of irritation helps guide appropriate care.

Sciatica vs. General Lower Back Pain

Not all lower back discomfort involves the sciatic nerve. Muscular strain typically remains localized in the lumbar region and may feel achy or stiff. Sciatica, by contrast, often produces radiating pain that extends into the leg and may include tingling or numbness.

Recognizing the distinction can influence treatment decisions. Our guide on the difference between sciatica and lower back pain explains how to identify key symptom patterns.

If pain travels below the knee or is accompanied by nerve sensations, sciatic involvement may be more likely.

Why Patients Seek Acupuncture for Sciatica

Many individuals explore acupuncture when:

Pain persists despite rest or stretching
Sitting or driving aggravates symptoms
They prefer conservative care before considering invasive procedures
They wish to reduce reliance on medication

Acupuncture is used to support circulation and help regulate muscular tension along the nerve pathway. Treatment is adjusted carefully depending on sensitivity, duration of symptoms, and overall health history.

You can learn more about how this approach works in our article on how acupuncture may help relieve sciatic nerve pain.

At our Beaverton clinic, care is delivered using a gentle technique designed to avoid overstimulation, particularly in acute cases.

What to Expect During Care

An assessment is performed before beginning treatment. Attention is given to symptom distribution, aggravating factors, and functional limitations. Treatment points are selected thoughtfully to address both local tension and broader musculoskeletal patterns.

Many patients also ask about recovery timelines. Our guide on how long sciatica lasts explains typical patterns and what may influence improvement.

Sciatic discomfort may also interfere with sleep. Adjusting posture at night can sometimes help. Our article on best sleeping positions for sciatica pain outlines practical positioning strategies.

In some cases, herbal support may be discussed when appropriate. You can learn more about our approach to herbal medicine in Beaverton on our dedicated page.

Each care plan is individualized rather than standardized.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation

While many cases of sciatica improve with conservative care, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. Seek immediate evaluation if you experience:

Loss of bowel or bladder control
Progressive leg weakness
Sudden, severe neurological changes

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

Serving Patients in Beaverton and Surrounding Areas

Our clinic is located in Beaverton, Oregon, serving patients from Tigard, Hillsboro, and the greater Portland metro area. If you are searching for acupuncture for sciatica in Beaverton, we welcome you to schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and explore appropriate next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica

How long does sciatica last?

Duration varies depending on the underlying cause. Some cases improve within several weeks, while others may persist if nerve irritation continues.

Can acupuncture help sciatic nerve pain?

Acupuncture may support circulation and help regulate muscular tension surrounding the affected nerve pathway. Individual responses vary.

Is sciatica permanent?

Many cases improve with conservative management. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be medically evaluated.

When should I seek emergency care?

Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms include loss of bowel or bladder control or significant leg weakness.

If you are experiencing radiating leg pain and are seeking sciatica treatment in Beaverton, scheduling a consultation allows for a personalized discussion of your symptoms and goals.