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Acupuncture for sciatica and a comparison with Western Medicine (PEDro synthesis)

BACKGROUND Known as a syndrome rather than a disease, sciatica is often accompanied by low back pain, characterised by radiating leg pain down to the foot and toes and may also be accompanied by sensory or motor changes. Previous systematic reviews have evaluated different treatment modalities for sciatica, including surgical and non-surgical approaches, epidural steroids, analgesic drugs, and advice and exercise. However, no previous systematic review has been published regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture for sciatica. Acupuncture, an analgesic modality based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, is defined as a technique of unblocking and balancing the flow of energy, known as ‘qi’ or ‘chi’, which circulates between body organs along channels known as meridians.