Sciatica

Sciatica is typically characterized by pain radiating from the lower back to the back of the thigh, knee, ankle, and down to the toes along the sciatic nerve. Sometimes the pain is localized in the buttocks, knee, or the back of the leg. The pain can range from sharp and stabbing to dull and aching, and it may worsen with cold, changes in posture, or touch.In traditional Korean medicine, the treatment focuses on IntraMuscular Electro Acupuncture Stimulation Treatment (IMEAST), which targets the major muscles along the path of the sciatic nerve.The key muscles along the path of the sciatic nerve are as follows:Quadratus Lumborum: Located between the spine and the pelvis, this muscle is related to the upper portion of the sciatic nerve.Gluteus Maximus: The largest muscle in the buttock, through which the sciatic nerve passes underneath.Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus: The sciatic nerve passes below these muscles.Piriformis: A deep muscle in the buttock; the sciatic nerve runs beneath or through it. When the piriformis compresses the nerve, it can lead to piriformis syndrome.Hamstring Muscles: Comprised of the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, these muscles run along the back of the thigh, following the path of the sciatic nerve.Adductor Muscles: The muscles on the inner thigh; some branches of the sciatic nerve may pass near these muscles.Treatment Case 1: 60-Year-Old White Female CanadianThe patient experienced intense pain in the right leg for about two weeks, severe enough to disrupt sleep and walking. Sitting or standing worsened the pain, and painkillers had little effect. Treatment with IMEAST was initiated twice a week. After just one treatment, the pain began to subside, and after three treatments, the patient was able to sleep at night. By the fifth treatment, the pain had nearly disappeared, and treatment was concluded. This case is documented in the Greenleaf Google Reviews.Treatment Case 2: 55-Year-Old White Female RMTThe patient reported sharp, stabbing pain down her left leg, radiating from her lower back for a week. She was scheduled for a European trip in a week and was desperate for relief. The pain was so severe she couldn't work or manage daily tasks. Based on the pain location and pattern, a diagnosis of sciatica was made, and treatment with IMEAST was started. After the first treatment, the patient felt about a 30-40% reduction in pain. Following the second treatment two days later, the patient reported that she could sleep, with pain reduced by 50-60%. After the third treatment, the pain was nearly gone. She left for her European trip after the third session and later sent a thank-you letter, expressing gratitude for completing her trip pain-free.(The letter is available as a record.)