Sciatica Treatment in Vienna, VA | Medical Doctor + Licensed Acupuncturist

If sciatica pain is keeping you from work, sleep, or sitting comfortably, you've come to the right place. At Mira Integrative Clinic, you'll receive treatment from Dr. Mira, a licensed medical doctor AND board-certified acupuncturist, a rare combination that ensures both medical precision and holistic healing.

We combine proven acupuncture techniques with hijama (wet cupping) and electroacupuncture for stubborn cases. Research shows 90% of patients experience significant pain relief with acupuncture, and unlike medication, the benefits last for 52 weeks.

Why Patients Choose Mira Integrative Clinic

Medical Doctor + Acupuncturist: Dr. Mira's dual credentials mean we can review your MRI, understand the exact cause of nerve compression, and integrate Western diagnosis with Eastern healing. Most clinics don't have a licensed physician on staff.

Hijama Specialty: We're one of the few clinics offering hijama (wet cupping) specifically for sciatic nerve pain caused by herniated discs. This technique removes stagnant blood, reduces inflammation, and accelerates nerve healing, especially effective when standard acupuncture alone isn't enough.

Specialized Practitioners: Different sciatica causes need different approaches. Dr. Sanaa specializes in electroacupuncture for nerve pain, Yining focuses on mobility restoration, and Dr. Mira handles complex cases with herniated discs.

Real Results from Vienna Patients

"Bedridden for 2 Months → Walking After 3 Hijama Sessions"

S.M., who had an L5-S1 herniated disc with sciatic nerve tear, was completely immobilized for two months. After 3 hijama sessions with Dr. Mira: "I had opted for Hijama after trying all other medical treatments out there, while I was bedridden for two months with excruciating pain. Today, after 3 hijama sessions I am back on my feet, continuing my life as usual."

"Shooting Pain Down to Knee → Completely Gone"

M.L. came for sciatic nerve pain with sharp, shooting pain radiating to the knee: "She also worked on my shooting pain on my left side down to my knee and that pain has now disappeared. I have also been feeling extremely relaxed since coming here."

"Severe Back Pain to Walking Normally in 3 Sessions"

T.R., whose severe back pain made walking difficult: "One appointment made a huge difference in my agility, and now I'm almost back to baseline agility after 3 sessions."

How We Treat Sciatica

Acupuncture for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Acupuncture stimulates specific points (GB30, GB34, BL40) to release your body's natural pain relievers, reduce inflammation around the nerve, relax tight muscles, and improve blood flow. Most patients experience deep relaxation during treatment, many fall asleep. The needles are hair-thin (50 times thinner than injection needles) and far less painful than the sciatica itself.

Hijama (Wet Cupping)

Particularly effective for herniated discs, hijama uses controlled suction and superficial micro-incisions to remove stagnant blood, stimulate immune response, and reduce severe nerve inflammation. We recommend it for severe disc herniations or cases where standard acupuncture provides partial but incomplete relief after 8-10 sessions.

Electroacupuncture

For chronic sciatica (3+ months) or significant nerve damage, mild electrical current through the needles provides 30% greater pain reduction than manual acupuncture and promotes nerve regeneration. Patients describe it as gentle tingling or rhythmic tapping—deeply therapeutic.

What Your Treatment Looks Like

Initial Consultation (60-75 minutes): Medical history, physical exam, MRI review if available, Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, customized treatment plan, and your first acupuncture treatment.

Typical Sessions (45-60 minutes): Comfortable positioning, hair-thin sterile needles at key acupoints, electroacupuncture if recommended, 20-30 minutes of rest, and personalized home stretching advice.

Most patients see meaningful improvement by session 5-7. Research shows 75% of sciatica patients improve within 4 weeks with acupuncture, with benefits persisting for a full year.

Is Acupuncture Right for Your Sciatica?

Emergency Symptoms (Go to ER Immediately)

Seek emergency care if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around genitals or groin, progressive weakness in both legs, severe pain following trauma, or fever with back pain. These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires surgery within 24-48 hours.

Ideal Cases for Acupuncture

Acupuncture works best when you have sciatica from a herniated or bulging disc, pain lasting more than 1-2 weeks, radiating pain from lower back through buttock and down the leg, recurring episodes, or desire to avoid surgery and long-term medication.

Call Us Urgently If

You experience sudden severe pain that's new or significantly worse, progressive weakness or numbness spreading up the leg, pain not controlled by over-the-counter medication, inability to bear weight or walk normally, or symptoms significantly interfering with sleep or daily function.

Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back (L5-S1 nerve roots) through your buttocks and down each leg. True sciatica causes pain to radiate past the knee to the foot or toes—distinguishing it from general back pain or piriformis syndrome (muscle compression that usually stops at mid-thigh).

Most common causes: Herniated or bulging disc (60% of cases), lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, pregnancy, or tight piriformis muscle.

Risk factors: Age 20-50, obesity, heavy lifting or repetitive twisting, prolonged sitting in poor posture, diabetes, and smoking.

Why early intervention matters: About 50% improve within 10 days, 75% within 4 weeks with conservative care, but waiting longer than 6 months makes full recovery significantly less likely. The longer nerve compression persists, the more inflammation accumulates and the longer healing takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients describe acupuncture as far less painful than their sciatica. Insertion feels like a brief pinch or mosquito bite, and many fall asleep during treatment. If you have needle anxiety, we can start with minimal needles and build comfort gradually. We also offer needle-free alternatives like cupping.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients need 15-30 sessions for full resolution, scheduled 2-3 times weekly initially, tapering to once weekly. Severe cases may need additional hijama sessions. During your consultation, Dr. Mira will estimate your specific timeline.

How quickly will I feel better?

Many patients notice improvement after the first session (better sleep, reduced tension). Significant pain reduction typically occurs by sessions 5-7.

Can acupuncture cure my herniated disc?

Acupuncture doesn't physically repair the disc, but significantly reduces inflammation and muscle spasm around the compressed nerve, allowing natural healing. Many patients with herniated discs avoid surgery through acupuncture treatment.

What's the difference between acupuncture and hijama?

Acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate nerve pathways and release natural pain relievers. Hijama uses controlled suction and micro-incisions to remove stagnant blood and boost immune response. Hijama is particularly effective for severe disc herniations or nerve inflammation that hasn't fully responded to standard acupuncture.

Will my sciatica come back?

Research shows acupuncture reduces recurrence by 73% compared to medication-only treatment. We teach prevention strategies (posture, stretching, ergonomics) and offer maintenance sessions to keep your sciatic nerve healthy long-term. Many patients experience no recurrence years after treatment.

Is electroacupuncture better?

Research shows electroacupuncture reduces pain 30% more than manual acupuncture for nerve conditions. We use it for chronic sciatica or significant nerve damage. Dr. Mira will recommend the best approach for your specific case.

Should I still see my regular doctor?

Absolutely. Bring your MRI or imaging results to your consultation so we understand the exact cause of your sciatica. If you're taking medication, we coordinate with your physician. For severe cases requiring surgery, we can provide pre- and post-surgical support.

Contact Mira Integrative Clinic

Mira Integrative Clinic
2557 Chain Bridge Road
Vienna, VA 22181

Serving: Vienna, Tysons, McLean, Fairfax, Oakton, and surrounding Northern Virginia areas

Most extended health insurance plans cover acupuncture for sciatica. We offer direct billing to many providers, so you may not pay out-of-pocket. Our office manager can verify your benefits before your first appointment.

Don't wait for sciatica to resolve on its own. Research shows waiting longer than 6 months makes full recovery significantly less likely. Early intervention with acupuncture prevents chronic sciatica from developing into a long-term quality-of-life issue.

Ready to stop living with sciatica pain? Contact us to book your consultation.