Here is a case study that illustrates how acupuncture, in combination with other therapies, can produce interesting results.
A young woman of 35 is referred to me by her osteopath. For 3 years, her sciatic nerve has been hurting her. It is a sciatica pain that radiates on the external side of the right leg and goes to the foot. Despite his best efforts, my colleague can only temporarily relieve the pain.
After the examination, we find that two of the four trochanteric muscles (small muscles that are found under the large muscle of the buttock) are in spasm. A portion of the sciatic nerve undulates between its four muscles. When one or more of its muscles are hypertensive with spasm, that portion is pinched. Depending on the portion of the leg that is stuck, the woman will feel pain either in the front, back or sides of the leg.
These muscle spasms can be found throughout the body and can be present for many years, preventing the body from returning to its natural posture. When these muscle knots are successfully punctured, the spasm will release allowing the body to regain its muscular balance.
It may take four to ten treatments to get all the muscles fully relaxed. Thus, his osteopath will be able to correct the posture and completely eliminate the pain. For this client, it took us five treatments alternating with osteopathy for her to be completely relieved.
