Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
I have a pain in my back and legs that bothers me when I sit; sometimes the pain goes down my leg, skips the knee and ends up in the lower leg area. It does not have to do with the sciatic nerve. Exercises have not helped. Will acupuncture help?
A: It appears that you may have lumbar vertebral problems with discs or nerve impingement. I would suggest that you have proper tests to rule that out – an MRI would be most helpful.
Acupuncture works very effectively in addressing your symptoms. I would recommend acupuncture with electro stimulation and cupping therapies. An internal herbal remedy may also be appropriate. Consult with a licensed acupuncturist/herbalist to obtain a proper diagnosis and the proper protocol.
You may also find the “Pain” herbal formula helpful for soothing pain and relaxing muscles. Of course, discuss with your physician before beginning any new health regime.