Acupuncture for Sciatica in Naperville IL: What the Research Shows and How We Treat It

You’ve been dealing with that shooting pain down your leg for weeks — maybe months. It started in your lower back or deep in your buttock, and now it radiates down the back of your thigh, sometimes all the way to your foot. You’ve tried the ibuprofen. The stretches from YouTube. Maybe you’ve been to a physical therapist or gotten a cortisone injection that wore off after a few weeks. And you’re still in pain.

If you’re searching for acupuncture for sciatica in Naperville, you’re probably wondering: does it actually work? Here’s what I want you to know — the research says yes. A 2024 randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicinefound that acupuncture provided significant pain relief and improved function in sciatica patients, with results lasting up to a year.

I’m Dr. Jennifer Wise. I’ve treated sciatica at Synergy Institute in Naperville for over 26 years — as both a Doctor of Chiropractic and an acupuncturist. That dual training matters, and I’ll explain why. In this article, you’ll learn what actually causes your sciatica, how acupuncture treats it at the neurological level, what the latest research shows, and why acupuncture alone may not be enough for certain types of sciatic nerve pain.

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Quick Facts: Acupuncture for Sciatica

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What Is Sciatica — And Why It’s Not Actually a Diagnosis

Here’s something most clinics won’t tell you: sciatica isn’t a diagnosis. It’s a symptom.

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in your body. It forms from nerve roots in your lower lumbar spine (L4 through S3), runs through your pelvis and deep gluteal muscles, then travels down the back of each leg all the way to your feet. When something compresses or irritates this nerve — or the nerve roots that form it — you feel pain along its pathway. That’s sciatica.

But the critical question isn’t whether you have sciatica. It’s why you have sciatica.

A herniated disc pressing on your L5 nerve root requires a fundamentally different treatment approach than a tight piriformis muscle squeezing the nerve in your buttock. A patient with spinal stenosis narrowing the space around the nerve roots needs something different still. This distinction is where most single-treatment clinics fall short — and it’s where my training as both a chiropractor and acupuncturist gives us an advantage.

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What Causes Sciatica — And Why It Matters for Your Treatment in Naperville

Understanding the cause of your sciatica isn’t just academic. It determines which treatment combination will actually work for you.

Disc herniation or bulging disc — This is the most common cause. When disc material pushes out and presses on a nerve root, you get that classic radiating pain down the leg. The L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels are the most frequently affected.

Piriformis syndrome — The piriformis is a small muscle deep in your buttock. When it spasms or tightens, it can compress the sciatic nerve where it passes underneath (or in some people, directly through) the muscle. This is sometimes called “pseudo-sciatica” because it mimics disc-related sciatica but has a completely different origin.

Spinal stenosis — Narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings where nerves exit can put pressure on nerve roots, especially as we age. Stenosis-related sciatica often worsens with standing and walking, and improves with sitting.

Degenerative changes — Years of wear can lead to bone spurs, thickened ligaments, and degenerative disc disease that collectively narrow the space available for your nerves.

Spondylolisthesis — When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, this can compress nerve roots and trigger sciatica symptoms.

Why This Matters for Treatment

This is the crucial point. If you have disc-related sciatica, acupuncture can reduce inflammation and pain — but you may also need spinal decompression for sciatica to address the disc itself. If your sciatica is from piriformis syndrome, acupuncture combined with soft tissue work can be extremely effective — but decompression won’t help because the disc isn’t the problem.

Most clinics offer one treatment and apply it to every sciatica patient. At Synergy Institute in Naperville, we figure out why your nerve is irritated first, then match the right combination of treatments to your specific cause.

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Sciatica Symptoms: What You’re Feeling and What It Means

Sciatica can show up differently depending on where the nerve is being compressed and how severely. Common symptoms include:

• Radiating pain from low back through buttock and down the leg — The classic pattern follows the nerve path. Pain can stop at the buttock, the thigh, the calf, or extend all the way to the foot.
• Sharp, shooting, or electric-shock sensations — This is nerve pain, and it’s distinct from muscle soreness. Patients describe it as “lightning” or “fire” down the leg.
• Numbness or tingling — Often felt in the calf, foot, or toes. This indicates the nerve signals aren’t transmitting properly.
• Burning pain — Common along the nerve pathway, especially in the buttock and thigh.
• Weakness in the leg or foot — You might notice difficulty lifting your foot (foot drop) or feel like your leg “gives out.”
• Pain that worsens with sitting — Prolonged sitting compresses the lumbar discs and often aggravates disc-related sciatica.
• Pain on one side only — Sciatica typically affects one leg, not both. If both legs are affected, that’s a different clinical picture.

🚨 Seek Immediate Medical Care If You Experience:

• Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in the groin or inner thigh area (saddle anesthesia)
• Rapidly progressing weakness in your leg or foot
• Severe pain that started after a trauma or fall

These symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome — compression of the nerve bundle at the base of your spinal cord. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation.

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How Acupuncture Treats Sciatica — The Science Behind the Needles

Let me be straight with you: acupuncture for sciatica isn’t mystical or mysterious. It’s neurological. When I place thin, sterile needles at specific points on your body, here’s what’s actually happening at the physiological level:

Endorphin and enkephalin release. Acupuncture triggers your nervous system to release your body’s natural painkillers. These endogenous opioids bind to the same receptors as medications like morphine — but they’re produced by your own body, with none of the addiction risk.

Anti-inflammatory cascade. Research shows acupuncture reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory mediators. For sciatica, this matters because much of your pain comes from inflammation around the compressed nerve — not just the compression itself.

Nerve signal modulation. Acupuncture activates A-delta and C nerve fibers, which send signals to your spinal cord and brain that essentially “turn down the volume” on pain signals. This is called gate control — the same principle behind why rubbing a bumped elbow reduces the pain.

Increased blood flow. The micro-trauma from needle insertion causes local vasodilation — increased blood flow to the area. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients for healing, and faster removal of inflammatory waste products.

Muscle relaxation. For piriformis-related sciatica especially, acupuncture can release deep muscle tension that’s compressing the nerve. Some of my most dramatic results come from treating piriformis syndrome with targeted needling.

Here’s what makes my approach different from an acupuncture-only clinic: because I can diagnose the underlying cause of your sciatica, I choose acupuncture points based on your specific pathology — not just your symptoms. A patient with an L5-S1 disc herniation gets different point selection than a patient with piriformis syndrome, even though both walk in with “leg pain.”

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Electroacupuncture: Why It Matters for Sciatica Nerve Pain

For sciatica specifically, I often use electroacupuncture — a technique that sends gentle electrical pulses between pairs of acupuncture needles. This isn’t the same as a TENS unit you’d buy at the drugstore.

Electroacupuncture provides more consistent, sustained stimulation than manual acupuncture alone. The electrical current:

• Enhances endorphin release beyond what needle insertion alone achieves
• Directly stimulates nerve repair and regeneration
• Reduces nerve inflammation more effectively for persistent pain
• Reaches deeper structures like the piriformis muscle that manual needling may not fully address

Research consistently shows electroacupuncture produces stronger analgesic effects for sciatica than traditional acupuncture alone. When nerve pain is involved — and sciatica is by definition nerve pain — electroacupuncture is often the better choice.

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What the Research Says: Acupuncture for Sciatica in 2025

The evidence supporting acupuncture for sciatica has strengthened significantly in recent years. Here are the key findings:

The 2024 JAMA Internal Medicine Trial. This randomized controlled trial assigned 216 patients with sciatica caused by herniated discs to receive either real acupuncture or a sham procedure over 10 sessions in four weeks. The acupuncture group reported significantly less leg pain and better physical function — and the improvements lasted up to one year. This is one of the most rigorous studies to date, published in one of the most respected medical journals.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PMC). A comprehensive review of 11 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective than medication for sciatica patients, with a relative risk of improvement 21% higher in the acupuncture group compared to medication alone.

NSAIDs Comparison. Multiple studies have shown that a course of acupuncture can relieve sciatica symptoms more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In one study, 90% of acupuncture patients reported improvement or complete resolution, compared to 73% of those taking NSAIDs.

Harvard Health’s Assessment. Harvard Health Publishing reviewed the evidence and concluded that acupuncture is worth considering for sciatica, particularly when conventional treatments aren’t providing enough relief.

The research is clear: this works. The question isn’t whether acupuncture helps sciatica — it’s whether acupuncture alone is sufficient for your particular case, or whether you need a combination approach.

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Sciatica Treatment Options: How They Compare

Each of these has a role. The key is knowing which combination matches your specific situation — not defaulting to whatever a single-specialty clinic happens to offer.

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Synergy’s Integrative Approach: Why Acupuncture Alone May Not Be Enough

Here’s what most clinics won’t tell you: acupuncture alone isn’t always enough for sciatica. And chiropractic care alone isn’t always enough either. The patients who get the best results are the ones whose treatment matches all the factors driving their pain — not just one.

At Synergy Institute, we combine multiple approaches based on what’s actually causing your sciatica:

For disc-related sciatica: We typically start with spinal decompression to address the disc itself — creating negative intradiscal pressure that retracts herniated material away from the nerve. We combine this with acupuncture for pain and inflammation control, and chiropractic adjustments to restore proper spinal mechanics. This multi-angle approach addresses the structural cause, the nerve inflammation, and the joint dysfunction simultaneously.

For piriformis-related sciatica: Decompression won’t help because the problem isn’t the disc. Instead, acupuncture and electroacupuncture targeting the piriformis muscle become the primary treatment, often combined with SoftWave therapyto break up adhesions and reduce inflammation in the deep gluteal tissues.

For stenosis-related sciatica: The approach shifts again. We use decompression to open up space in the spinal canal, combined with acupuncture for nerve inflammation and MLS laser therapy at the cellular level to reduce pain and promote healing.

This is what I mean when I talk about matching the right treatment combination to each patient. We call it finding your “secret formula” — and it’s only possible because we have the full toolkit under one roof.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Acupuncture for Sciatica in Naperville?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have sciatica from any cause — disc, piriformis, stenosis, or degenerative changes
• You’re looking for drug-free pain relief
• NSAIDs, stretching, or physical therapy haven’t resolved your symptoms
• You want to avoid or delay surgery
• You’re pregnant and experiencing pregnancy-related sciatica (acupuncture is safe and effective during pregnancy)
• You have chronic sciatica that flares up periodically
• You’re already receiving chiropractic or decompression treatment and want to enhance your results

Who Should NOT Rely on Acupuncture Alone

Let me be honest about what acupuncture can and can’t do:

• If you have a large disc herniation with progressive weakness, you likely need spinal decompression as your primary treatment, with acupuncture as a support. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and pain, but it can’t retract a herniated disc.
• If you have cauda equina symptoms (bowel/bladder changes, saddle numbness), you need immediate medical evaluation — not acupuncture.
• If your sciatica hasn’t improved after 6-8 acupuncture sessions, we need to reassess. There may be a structural component that requires decompression or other intervention.

“If I don’t think acupuncture alone will resolve your sciatica, I’ll tell you directly. I’d rather build you the right treatment plan — even if it includes modalities beyond acupuncture — than waste your time on an approach that only addresses part of the problem.”

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What to Expect at Your First Sciatica Visit in Naperville

When you come to Synergy Institute for sciatica, we don’t start with needles. We start with finding out why you’re in pain.

Your evaluation includes:

• Comprehensive history and examination — I’ll ask about when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried. Specific orthopedic and neurological tests help us determine whether the nerve compression is coming from a disc, a muscle, or something else.
• Imaging review — If you have an MRI, I’ll review it personally. If you don’t have one and your presentation warrants it, I’ll refer you for imaging so we’re not guessing.
• Honest assessment — You’ll know exactly what I think is causing your sciatica and which treatments I recommend. If I don’t think we can help, I’ll refer you to someone who can.
• Same-day treatment if appropriate — If your evaluation confirms you’re a good candidate, we can often start acupuncture treatment during your first visit.

During your acupuncture session:

You’ll lie comfortably while I insert thin, sterile, single-use needles at carefully selected points. Most patients feel a mild sensation — a dull ache, warmth, or tingling — that quickly fades. Many of my patients tell me they find the sessions deeply relaxing. Treatment sessions typically last 25-40 minutes.

Timeline and frequency:

Most sciatica patients see noticeable improvement within 4-6 sessions. I typically recommend twice-weekly sessions for the first 2-3 weeks, then taper based on your progress. If we’re combining acupuncture with decompression or other treatments, I’ll coordinate the schedule so everything works together.

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Why Choose Synergy Institute for Sciatica Treatment in Naperville

1. Dual expertise you won’t find at most clinics. I’m both a Doctor of Chiropractic and an acupuncturist with 26+ years of clinical experience. That means I can diagnose the spinal cause of your sciatica AND treat it with acupuncture — without referring you to two different providers.

2. First in Illinois for spinal decompression (2002). We’ve been treating disc-related sciatica with decompression therapy for over two decades. When acupuncture alone isn’t enough, we have the technology and experience to address the disc directly.

3. First in Naperville for SoftWave therapy (2021). For piriformis syndrome and soft tissue components of sciatica, we were the first in the area to offer this tissue regeneration technology.

4. We don’t guess — we diagnose. Every sciatica patient gets a thorough evaluation to determine the cause before we recommend treatment. This is why our patients get better when other treatments have failed — we match the solution to the actual problem.

5. Honest assessment, always. If acupuncture isn’t the right fit for your sciatica, or if you need surgery, I’ll tell you. No pressure, no sales pitch.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Acupuncture for Sciatica in Naperville

Does acupuncture really work for sciatica?

Yes — and the evidence is strong. A 2024 randomized controlled trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduced leg pain and improved physical function in sciatica patients caused by herniated discs, with results lasting up to 12 months. Multiple systematic reviews confirm acupuncture is more effective than NSAIDs for sciatica pain relief. In my 26 years of clinical experience treating sciatica in Naperville, acupuncture has been one of our most consistently effective tools — especially when combined with treatments that address the underlying cause.

How many acupuncture sessions do I need for sciatica?

Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 sessions. I typically start with twice-weekly visits for 2-3 weeks, then reassess. Some patients with mild piriformis-related sciatica feel significant relief after just 2-3 sessions. More severe disc-related cases may need 8-12 sessions, especially when combined with spinal decompression. The timeline depends on the cause and severity of your specific case.

Is acupuncture for sciatica painful?

Not in the way you might expect. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin — about the width of a human hair. Most patients feel a brief, mild sensation when the needle is inserted — a dull ache, warmth, or slight tingle that subsides quickly. Many of my Naperville patients tell me the sessions are surprisingly relaxing. Some even fall asleep.

Can acupuncture cure sciatica permanently?

It depends on the cause. If your sciatica is from piriformis syndrome or muscle-related nerve compression, acupuncture can provide lasting relief — especially combined with exercises and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence. For disc-related sciatica, acupuncture effectively manages pain and inflammation, but addressing the disc itself (often through decompression) is important for long-term resolution. I’m honest with patients about what acupuncture can and can’t do for their specific situation.

What acupuncture points are used for sciatica?

Point selection depends on where and why your nerve is compressed. Common points for sciatica include local points along the lower back and sacrum (where the nerve roots exit), points along the bladder meridian that follows the sciatic nerve pathway, and points in the gluteal region near the piriformis. I also use distal points — areas away from the pain site, like specific points on the ankle and foot — that research shows can activate pain-modulating pathways. Every treatment plan is individualized based on your exam findings.

Is acupuncture or chiropractic better for sciatica?

This is actually the wrong question. For many sciatica patients, the answer is both. Chiropractic care addresses spinal alignment and joint restriction, while acupuncture reduces nerve inflammation and pain through neurological mechanisms. They complement each other. That’s one reason I’m trained in both — so I can offer whichever approach (or combination) your sciatica actually needs.

Can I get acupuncture for sciatica during pregnancy?

Yes. Acupuncture is considered safe during pregnancy and can be very effective for pregnancy-related sciatica. Hormonal changes, weight shifts, and the baby’s position can all contribute to sciatic nerve irritation during pregnancy, and many conventional treatments are limited during this time. Acupuncture offers drug-free pain relief with an excellent safety profile. I modify point selection and positioning to ensure comfort and safety throughout pregnancy.

How quickly does acupuncture relieve sciatica pain?

Some patients feel improvement during or immediately after their first session. Others notice gradual improvement over the first 3-4 sessions. Research from the JAMA trial showed significant pain reduction after 10 sessions over four weeks. In my experience, most patients report meaningful improvement by sessions 4-6. If you’re not seeing any change after 6 sessions, we reassess — because that usually means we need to address a structural component your sciatica that acupuncture alone can’t fix.

Does insurance cover acupuncture for sciatica in Naperville?

Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans — including certain Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare plans — do cover acupuncture. We recommend calling your insurance provider directly to check your benefits. Our office can also help you verify coverage before your first visit. Many patients who don’t have acupuncture coverage find that their plan covers chiropractic care, which can be part of an integrative sciatica treatment plan.

What’s the difference between acupuncture and dry needling for sciatica?

Both involve inserting thin needles, but they’re based on different frameworks. Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles and targets specific acupuncture points along meridians, using well-established protocols that have been refined over centuries and validated by modern research. Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points — tight knots in muscles — and is primarily a Western physical therapy technique. For sciatica, acupuncture offers a more comprehensive approach because it addresses not just muscle tension but also nerve inflammation, pain signaling, and circulation through systemic point selection.

Should I try acupuncture before considering surgery for sciatica?

In most cases, absolutely. Surgery for sciatica (typically a microdiscectomy) is usually reserved for patients with severe or progressive neurological deficits, or those who haven’t improved with conservative care. Research supports trying conservative treatments — including acupuncture, chiropractic, and decompression therapy — before resorting to surgery. Many of my patients in Naperville come to us after being told they need surgery, and a significant number avoid back surgery entirely through our integrative approach.

What if acupuncture alone doesn’t help my sciatica?

That’s exactly why Synergy Institute exists. If acupuncture alone isn’t resolving your sciatica, it usually means there’s a structural component — like a herniated disc or stenosis — that needs to be addressed directly. We can add spinal decompression, SoftWave therapy, MLS laser, or other targeted treatments to your plan. Because we have all these modalities under one roof, adjusting your treatment plan is simple. You don’t have to start over with a new provider.

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Take the First Step Toward Sciatica Relief in Naperville

Sciatica doesn’t have to control your life. Whether your pain is coming from a disc, a muscle, or degenerative changes, there’s a path forward — and it starts with understanding exactly what’s causing your symptoms.

At Synergy Institute in Naperville, Dr. Jennifer Wise and our team have helped thousands of patients find lasting sciatica relief through our integrative approach. If I don’t think we can help you, I’ll tell you directly — and help you find someone who can.

Call or text (630) 454-1300 to schedule your consultation.

What to expect at your first visit:

• Complete evaluation of your sciatica — including orthopedic and neurological testing
• Review of your MRI or imaging
• Honest assessment of your treatment options
• Same-day treatment if appropriate

Synergy Institute Acupuncture & Chiropractic 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121 Naperville, IL 60564

Serving Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, and surrounding communities.

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References

1. Mu J, et al. Acupuncture for chronic sciatica from herniated disk: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2024;184(12):1420-1429. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2826621
2. Ji M, Wang X, Chen M, Shen Y, Zhang X, Yang J. The efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:192808. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4575738/
3. Harvard Health Publishing. Can acupuncture ease your sciatica? Harvard Medical School. 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/can-acupuncture-ease-your-sciatica
4. Ropper AH, Zafonte RD. Sciatica. New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;372(13):1240-1248. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1410151
5. Valat JP, Genevay S, Marty M, Rozenberg S, Koes B. Sciatica. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2010;24(2):241-252. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20227645/
6. Lewis RA, Williams NH, Sutton AJ, et al. Comparative clinical effectiveness of management strategies for sciatica: systematic review and network meta-analyses. Spine Journal. 2015;15(6):1461-1477. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25732849/
7. Mayo Clinic. Sciatica — Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435
8. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Low back pain fact sheet. NINDS/NIH. 2023. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/low-back-pain
9. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198932/
10. American College of Physicians. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: A clinical practice guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017;166(7):514-530. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M16-2367
11. Zhang X, et al. Electroacupuncture for sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2023. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience
12. Cleveland Clinic. Sciatica: Causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention & pain relief. Cleveland Clinic. 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions. Individual results may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Last reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Wise, DC — February 2026