Case Study: dry needling relieves sciatic pain

A 38-year-old male veteran from Portland complained of pain radiating down the back of his left leg after a sports injury. The patient reported intermittent shooting pain down his leg and perceived weakness until one week ago when the pain became consistent. 

Prior to the dry needling appointment, the patient was referred for imaging by his primary care provider. Imaging and therapeutic tests ruled out disk herniation, bone spur, or neurological weakness. True sciatic pain was ruled out so the patient was referred to dry needling to help release trigger points.

Physical examination by Sarah Hammer Stevens, L.Ac of the lumbosacral region produced multiple active and latent trigger points located along the piriformis, tensor fasciae latae, and gluteal fibers. 

After the initial dry needling procedure the patient noted a slight decrease in pain and shooting sensation (about 15%). Upon completion of second dry needling session, the patient achieved a 30% reduction of pain. After five dry needling sessions, the patient reported that the pain and shooting sensation subsided and his athletic performance was enhanced.

After the completion of the treatment plan, the patient amended his initial complaint. He now reports that the weakness was a result avoiding using his muscles because any contraction of the muscles created more pain.