Nerve Pain

Sciatica or Sciatic pain refers to a painful condition characterized by pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in the lower back and extends down through the buttocks and into each leg. 

Sciatica commonly results from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve either at the spine or the hip.  

Common causes of sciatica are:

• Herniated Disc: When the soft, gel-like material within a spinal disc bulges out, it can press on the sciatic nerve..

• Degenerative Changes: As the spine ages, structures like discs and joints can deteriorate, potentially leading to sciatic nerve compression.

• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

• Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone can occur due to arthritis or other conditions, leading to nerve compression.

• Muscles Spam: Overly tight in muscles in the lower back or the hip (Piriformis) can compress the sciatic nerve. 

Symptoms of sciatica:

• Typically one sided pain that can travel from the buttocks down the back or side of the thigh and lower leg. Sometimes traveling as far as the foot and toes. 

• Sensations of sharp pain, burning, tingling or numbness down the path of the nerve. 

Sciatica is one of the most common conditions we treat at Poke Acupuncture.

Over the years we have helped hundreds of patients suffering from this painful condition.  

Our treatment approach for sciatica aims to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve mobility and address the underlying cause. 

Enquire now for more information or to make an appointment. (02) 5590 0232

Migraines are a type of neurological disorder characterized by recurring, intense headaches often accompanied by a wide ray of symptoms. These headaches typically involve throbbing pain on one side of the head, but they can affect both sides. Migraines can last for hours to days and can be debilitating.

Common symptoms of migraines include:

• Intense throbbing headaches 

• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells,

• Nausea and vomiting. 

• Visual disturbances known as "auras" before the onset of a migraine

The triggers of migraines can vary widely and may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, lack of sleep, and certain sensory stimuli.

At Poke Acupuncture we are very experienced at working with migraines. A typical treatment plan begins with a thorough assessment and can involve acupuncture, trigger point release, massage and herbal medicine as therapies to help resolve the headaches. 

Enquire now for more information or to make an appointment. (02) 5590 0232

Cervical Radiculopathy is a condition that stems from compression or irritation of nerve roots in the cervical (neck) region of the spine. These nerve roots extend from the neck and travel the length of the arm into the hands and fingers. When these nerve roots are compressed or pinched, it can lead to a range of symptoms that typically radiate down the arm and into the shoulder, neck, and even the hand.

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can include:

• Pain: Radiating pain from the neck down the arm, often following a specific nerve pathway.

• Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of pins and needles in the affected arm, hand, or fingers.

• Muscle Weakness: Weakness or difficulty controlling muscles in the affected arm.

• Reduced Reflexes: Reflexes in the affected arm may be diminished.

• Neck Pain: Pain at the site of nerve compression in the neck.

Common causes of cervical radiculopathy include:

• Herniated Disc: When the soft, gel-like material within a spinal disc bulges out, it can press on nearby nerve roots.

• Degenerative Changes: As the spine ages, structures like discs and joints can deteriorate, potentially leading to nerve compression.

• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on nerve roots.

• Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone can occur due to arthritis or other conditions, leading to nerve compression.

• Injury: Trauma to the neck or spine can cause nerve compression.

At Poke Acupuncture our treatment approach for cervical radiculopathy aims to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and address the underlying cause. 

Enquire now for more information or to make an appointment. (02) 5590 0232

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a long term and often debilitating pain condition that occurs as a complication of herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which initially causes chickenpox. After the initial chickenpox infection, the virus can remain dormant in nerve cells, and later in life, it may reactivate, causing shingles.

PHN typically develops as a complication of shingles and is characterized by persistent and severe pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred. While the shingles rash itself usually clears up within a few weeks, the pain associated with PHN can last for months or even years after the rash has healed.

Symptoms of post herpetic neuraglia:

The primary symptom of postherpetic neuralgia is chronic pain, which can vary in intensity from mild to excruciating. The pain is often described as burning, stabbing, or shooting in nature. It is usually localized to the area where the shingles rash was present but can sometimes extend beyond that area. Other common symptoms include:

• Hypersensitivity to touch or temperature changes.

• Itching or numbness.

• Muscle weakness.

• Difficulty sleeping due to pain.

At Poke Acupuncture the treatment of post herpetic neuraglia is focused on pain relief and regaining quality of life.

Enquire now for more information or to make an appointment. (02) 5590 0232

Bell's Palsy is a concerning condition characterized by the sudden onset of facial muscle weakness or paralysis, typically on one side of the face. It is caused by inflammation or damage to the facial nerve, which controls the facial muscles. The exact cause of Bell's Palsy is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to viral infections, particularly the herpes simplex virus.

Symptoms of Bell's Palsy can include:

• Drooping of the mouth and/or eyelid

• Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side

• The severity of symptoms can vary, and they usually peak within a few days after onset.

At Poke Acupuncture our treatment approach to Bell’s Palsy is acupuncture. As we have found very helpful in modulating the facial nerve and addressing the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy. 

Enquire now for more information or to make an appointment. (02) 5590 0232