RADICULOPATHY & SCIATICA ACUPUNCTURE IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Adjunct Care for Nerve Root Irritation After Imaging and Conservative Care

Radiculopathy & Sciatica Treatment Options in Scottsdale

Radiculopathy refers to nerve root irritation in the cervical or lumbar spine that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the arm or leg. Sciatica is a common lumbar presentation. Patients are often evaluated with imaging and complete physical therapy, injections, or medication trials.

When findings do not fully explain symptoms or improvement plateaus, patients frequently search for additional treatment options for radiculopathy or sciatica to use alongside medical care.

At Scottsdale Family Acupuncture, we provide adjunctive acupuncture care for radiculopathy and sciatica in coordination with ongoing medical management.

When Patients Seek Adjunctive Care

Patients commonly arrive after:

• MRI or imaging shows degenerative or non-surgical findings

• Physical therapy or injections provide partial relief

• Symptoms persist or fluctuate despite conservative care

• Pain or sensory changes limit function

Common presentations include:

• Cervical radiculopathy (neck pain radiating to arm/hand)

• Lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica (back pain radiating to leg/foot)

• Persistent numbness, tingling, or nerve pain without clear next steps

How Acupuncture Is Used as Adjunct Care for Radiculopathy

Acupuncture is used in addition to medical care, not as a replacement. Adjunctive care may support:

• Peripheral nerve signaling and sensory regulation

• Neuromuscular coordination around affected segments

• Local circulation and inflammatory modulation

• Functional support during plateaued recovery

Patients continue all prescribed medications and follow physician guidance. Care is conservative and aligned with appropriate clinical boundaries.

Timing of Care

Patients may pursue adjunctive care:

• After imaging and conservative treatment are complete

• When symptoms persist or plateau

• When surgery is not indicated or deferred

Care is individualized based on symptom distribution and clinical context.

Safety and Scope

• Acupuncture is provided adjunctively

• Medical management is not altered

• Patients are screened prior to care

• Patients are referred back if weakness progresses, new neurological signs appear, or response is atypical

This page is informational only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

Radiculopathy & Sciatica Acupuncture in Scottsdale and Phoenix

Scottsdale Family Acupuncture focuses on neurological and inflammatory conditions, including radiculopathy and sciatica after evaluation.

We regularly work with patients in Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area seeking adjunctive care for persistent nerve root symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture replace physical therapy or injections?

No. Acupuncture is used alongside medical care and does not replace PT, injections, or physician management.

Is acupuncture appropriate if imaging shows degeneration?

Some patients pursue adjunctive care when imaging findings do not fully explain symptoms or improvement has plateaued.

Can acupuncture help if surgery is not recommended?

Some patients seek adjunctive care when surgery is not indicated or while monitoring symptoms conservatively.