What sciatica is
Sciatica is pain along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the low back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes into the foot. It is most often caused by a herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root, and less often by spinal stenosis or a tight piriformis muscle. It can feel like a sharp, electric shock, a deep ache, burning, tingling or numbness, and is often worse after sitting.
Does acupuncture help sciatica?
Yes, for many people. A 2024 randomized trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine followed 220 adults with chronic sciatica from a herniated disc. Those who received 10 acupuncture sessions over four weeks had less leg pain and better function than those who received sham acupuncture, and the benefit lasted through one year of follow-up. Earlier systematic reviews reached similar conclusions.
Acupuncture is thought to help by calming the irritated nerve root, relaxing the muscles that guard and compress it, and changing how the spinal cord and brain process pain signals.
How we treat sciatica
- Points along the spine at the level of the affected disc, often with electroacupuncture.
- Points along the leg following the path of the pain.
- Release of the piriformis and glutes, which often tighten around an irritated nerve.
- Cupping and heat for the low back when muscles are guarding.
- Sitting and movement advice for long workdays and commutes.
What to expect, visit by visit
Your first visit includes a full history and an exam of your back, hips and leg. Bring any MRI or X-ray reports. Treatment usually follows the research protocol: two to three sessions a week for the first two weeks, then weekly, about 10 sessions in total. Many people notice the leg pain easing within the first three to five visits. You rate your pain and how far you can sit or walk at each visit, so progress is easy to see.
Acupuncture alongside other sciatica treatment
Acupuncture works well with physical therapy, chiropractic care and medical treatment, including epidural injections. Let us know about all your care so treatments are timed sensibly.
Cost and insurance
Treatment starts at $185 (first visit, about 90 minutes). Follow-up acupuncture is $140 for about 60 minutes, with cupping or electroacupuncture included when needed, and packages lower the per-visit cost. We are an out-of-network provider: you pay at each visit and receive a superbill to submit to your insurer, and many PPO plans reimburse part of the fee. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See every fee on pricing & insurance.
When to see a doctor first
Go to an emergency room for numbness in the groin or inner thighs, new loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent surgery.
Getting to our Midtown office
Sitting makes sciatica worse, so a short trip matters. We are one block from Bryant Park and a six-minute walk from Grand Central, with elevator access to Suite 507.
Fifth Element Acupuncture, 25 W 45th St, Suite 507, New York, NY 10036 · (347) 596-0931 · Directions
B, D, F, M to 42 St–Bryant Park · 7 to 5 Av · 4, 5, 6, S and Metro-North at Grand Central (6-min walk) · Times Sq–42 St (8-min walk)
How to book
Answer a few short questions online and we will call within one business day to confirm a time, or call (347) 596-0931. New patients start with a 90-minute first visit. Evening and Saturday appointments are available, and care is offered in English and Russian.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine complement, and do not replace, care from your physician. Results vary from person to person. Please continue any treatment your doctor has prescribed and tell us about medications you take. Photos are illustrative.
