Relief from Sciatic Pain: How Dry Needling Can Help
Sciatica is one of the most common complaints we see in our office. That deep, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and leg can interfere with everything from walking to sleeping. While chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and exercise are important tools in managing sciatica, another increasingly popular and effective option is dry needling.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique that uses thin, sterile, solid filiform needles (the same type used in acupuncture) to target myofascial trigger points—tight, sensitive areas in the muscles that can refer pain and limit mobility.
The goal of dry needling is to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and restore proper function to the affected tissues.
How Does Sciatica Develop?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, becomes compressed or irritated. Common causes include:
A herniated disc
Piriformis syndrome (when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve)
Spinal stenosis
Muscle imbalances or tightness, especially in the glutes, hips, and lower back
In many cases, muscular dysfunction can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation, especially when muscles like the piriformis or gluteus medius are excessively tight or inflamed.
How Dry Needling Helps with Sciatica
Dry needling can be a powerful addition to your sciatica treatment plan by:
Releasing Trigger Points
Tight muscles—especially in the hips and lower back—can refer pain down the leg, mimicking or contributing to sciatica. Dry needling helps "reset" these muscles by causing a twitch response that relaxes the muscle and reduces tension.Reducing Inflammation and Pressure
By releasing tight muscle fibers and improving circulation, dry needling can reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve, easing both localized and radiating pain.Restoring Range of Motion
Loosening tight muscle groups in the hips, glutes, and back helps restore flexibility and mobility, which is crucial for long-term recovery and prevention of future flare-ups.Speeding Up Healing
The microtrauma caused by the needle stimulates the body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow and promoting tissue repair.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
A typical dry needling session is quick and minimally uncomfortable. You may feel a quick twitch or cramp in the muscle when the needle hits a trigger point. This is a good sign—it means the muscle is responding. After treatment, it’s common to feel a little sore, similar to how you might feel after a deep tissue massage, but many people notice immediate improvements in pain and mobility.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
Dry needling is safe and effective for most people. It's often combined with chiropractic care, stretching, and strengthening exercises to create a comprehensive approach to healing sciatic pain.
If you’ve been struggling with sciatica pain and haven’t found lasting relief, dry needling might be worth a shot!
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Take care,
Dr. Gina