Acupuncture for Sciatica · Middlesbrough · TeessideAcupuncture for Sciatica in Middlesbrough
When sciatic pain shoots down your leg and nothing seems to settle it, it can feel like your body is working against you. It isn't. Gentle, evidence-informed acupuncture may help calm an irritated nerve and ease how pain feels, as part of a wider plan for your recovery.
No pressure. Your first visit is a full conversation and assessment, so we can understand your pain before any needles are used. Initial consultation from £90 · Mon to Sat · The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough NICE RecognisedChronic primary pain guideline, 2021 MBAcC RegisteredCNHC accredited · PSA register 800+ Five-Star ReviewsGoogle & Fresha verified Acklam Road, MiddlesbroughServing all of Teesside 
★★★★★Rated 5 stars across 800+ Google & Fresha reviews · Three Best Rated 2026
You're Not Imagining It Sciatica Is Exhausting. Your Pain Makes Sense.
Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg.
It can be sharp, burning, or electric. It can come with numbness, tingling, or pins and needles. And it has a way of touching everything: how you sleep, how you sit, how you get through a working day.
If you have already tried painkillers, stretches, and waiting it out, and the pain keeps returning, that does not mean you are doing something wrong. A nerve that has become irritated and sensitised often needs more than rest to settle. Acupuncture is one option recognised within chronic pain care, and where it fits, it can be a calm, drug-free part of helping you move more freely again.
What Acupuncture for Sciatica May Offer You
A drug-free option
A way to work on your pain that does not rely on increasing medication, used alongside any care you already have.
Calming for the nervous system
Many people find treatment deeply relaxing. Calming a sensitised nervous system is part of how acupuncture may ease how pain feels.
Care built around you
No generic protocol. Your plan is built from a full assessment of your pain pattern, your history, and your goals.
Works alongside other care
Acupuncture sits comfortably beside physiotherapy, your GP, and medical management. We complement other care, we never replace it.
Space to slow down
Unhurried, 75-minute first appointments. Time to be heard, not rushed through a ten-minute slot.
An honest assessment
If acupuncture is not the right fit for your presentation, we will tell you, and help point you toward what is.
Sciatica and Nerve Pain We Support at Our Middlesbrough Clinic
Sciatica & radiating leg pain
Pain travelling from the lower back or buttock down the leg, the classic sciatic pattern.
Trapped or pinched nerve
The everyday term many people use for sciatica, where a nerve feels compressed or irritated.
Slipped (herniated) disc pain
Where a disc is contributing to nerve pain. We work supportively alongside your medical care, not instead of it.
Piriformis-related pain
Sciatic-type pain linked to tightness deep in the buttock rather than the spine itself.
Lower back pain with leg symptoms
Lower back pain that refers or spreads into the hip, buttock, or leg.
Numbness, tingling & pins and needles
The altered sensations that often travel with sciatic nerve irritation.
New or severe leg weakness, numbness around the saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control are medical red flags. Please contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently rather than booking acupuncture.
How It Works How Acupuncture May Help With Sciatica
On a physiological level, fine needles encourage the release of the body's own pain-modulating compounds, ease local muscular tension, and help settle a nervous system that has become sensitised. With sciatica, that sensitisation matters: when a nerve has been irritated for a while, the body can keep amplifying pain signals beyond what the original trigger would warrant. Helping to calm that response is part of how acupuncture may ease how pain feels.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sciatic pain often follows the Bladder and Gallbladder channels, which run down the back and side of the leg, exactly where sciatica is felt. We look at patterns such as Qi and Blood stagnation, cold or damp settling in the channels, and Kidney support for the lower back. Where appropriate, treatment may be supported by warming moxibustion or cupping to release tension and encourage flow.
Fine needles, placed with care
At points chosen for your individual pattern, not a fixed protocol.
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The nervous system settles
Treatment supports the body's own calming and pain-modulating responses.
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Pain signalling may ease
Over a course of care, many people find the intensity of pain becomes more manageable.
Responses vary from person to person and cannot be promised. We review how you respond at every visit.
The EvidenceWhat the Research and NICE Say
Acupuncture is recognised within chronic pain care in the UK. In its 2021 guideline on chronic primary pain, NICE includes acupuncture among the options that can be considered, where it is delivered within recognised standards.
For sciatica specifically, a large network meta-analysis funded by the National Institute for Health Research compared 21 treatment strategies and found acupuncture among the approaches showing a statistically significant improvement in overall recovery compared with inactive control or conventional care. The wider evidence base for acupuncture and chronic pain is among the strongest in the field, while honest reviews also show the picture is mixed in places. We think you deserve the real version, not a sales pitch.
"Spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and experimental treatments may be considered."
Lewis et al., network meta-analysis of sciatica treatments, 2015 A systematic review and network meta-analysis of treatment strategies for sciatica, drawing on 122 studies including 90 randomised or quasi-randomised trials, compared 21 approaches at once. For overall recovery, acupuncture was among the strategies showing a statistically significant improvement compared with inactive control or conventional care, alongside disc surgery, epidural injections, non-opioid analgesia, and spinal manipulation. The authors note the quality of the included studies was low, so findings guide shared decisions rather than settle them.
According to PubMed. Lewis et al., 2015, The Spine Journal. doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.08.049 · PubMed
An individual patient data meta-analysis pooled data from 20,827 patients across 39 randomised trials of acupuncture for chronic pain. Acupuncture was more effective than both sham and no acupuncture for chronic musculoskeletal pain, headache, and osteoarthritis, and the benefit largely persisted at one year with only around a 15 percent decrease. The authors concluded that the effect cannot be explained by placebo alone, and that referral for a course of acupuncture is a reasonable option for someone with chronic pain.
According to PubMed. Vickers et al., 2018, The Journal of Pain. doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005 · PubMed
A Cochrane systematic review of acupuncture for chronic nonspecific low back pain, covering 33 studies and 8,270 participants, found moderate-certainty evidence that acupuncture gave clinically meaningful pain relief and improved back function compared with no treatment. Compared with sham acupuncture, the difference was less clear cut. The reviewers concluded that whether to use acupuncture may come down to availability, cost, and personal preference, which is a fair and honest summary.
According to PubMed. Mu et al., 2020, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013814 · PubMed
NICEIn its 2021 guideline on chronic primary pain, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) includes acupuncture among the options that can be considered. Chronic primary pain is a broad category assessed individually, so this is general context rather than a recommendation for any one person or for sciatica specifically. Recognition is not the same as a promise of a result, and we will always be clear with you about what is realistic for your situation.
An honest pictureAcupuncture is not a cure-all, and it will not suit every sciatica presentation. For some people other care is the better path, and we will say so. Your body responds in its own timing, and healing is collaborative: we create the conditions and support the process, and your part matters too.
At your first appointment we take a full history, assess whether acupuncture is appropriate for your specific pattern, and tell you plainly what to expect. We work within an integrative approach and will always support you in accessing other care where that serves you best.
If you would like to talk through whether acupuncture could help your sciatica, you are welcome to book in.
Initial consultation with Deanna from £90.
Book an Initial ConsultationNo pressure, no commitment beyond the first visit. The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough.
Why People Across Teesside Come to Us
We are a family-run clinic at The House on Acklam Road, and we work differently from a ten-minute drop-in. Your first appointment is unhurried, your plan is built around your pattern, and we treat you as a whole person rather than a single symptom. We are proud of the trust people place in us: more than 800 five-star reviews across Google and Fresha, recognition as Three Best Rated 2026, and a Fresha Highly Recommended rating. We also believe in working with your wider care rather than around it. Healing is a rhythm, not a race.
Which First Appointment Fits You?
| | Recent flare | Recurring sciatica | Long-standing nerve pain |
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| Typical course | A shorter course, reviewed as you go | A course plus occasional maintenance | Around eight to ten weekly sessions |
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| What we focus on | Settling the current episode | Working on the underlying pattern | Building steady change over time |
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| Best first step | Initial consultation | Initial consultation | Initial consultation |
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A guide, not a promise. We agree what is realistic for you together at your first visit.
Your PractitionerDeanna Thomas, MBAcC
Deanna is a registered acupuncturist and founder of Deanna Thomas – Acupuncture & Wellbeing at The House in Middlesbrough. She has a particular interest in chronic pain and women's health, and brings a thorough Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment to every person she sees.
Sciatica and nerve pain are among the most common reasons people come to her from across Teesside, Stockton, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, and the wider North East. She works within an integrative framework and is glad to liaise with your other healthcare providers where helpful.
- MBAcC registered member of the British Acupuncture Council
- CNHC registered · Professional Standards Authority accredited register
- Particular interest in chronic pain and women's health
- Integrative approach, working alongside medical care
- Fully insured
Your Patient Journey, Step by Step
1
Initial consultation
Up to 75 minutes. Full history, pulse and tongue assessment, and a calm conversation about your pain.
2
Your first treatment
Fine, sterile needles at points chosen for you. You rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
3
Supportive therapies
Where helpful, warming moxibustion or cupping to ease tension around the lower back and hip.
4
Reviewing together
We assess how you respond and adjust the plan with you at each visit.
How Many Sessions Might You Need?
Recent flare
Sciatica that has come on recently. Often a shorter course of weekly sessions, reviewed as you go.
Recurring sciatica
Pain that keeps returning. A course that works on the underlying pattern, with occasional maintenance.
Long-standing nerve pain
Present for more than three months. In line with NHS pain guidance, often around eight to ten weekly sessions.
We invite you to commit to a course rather than a single session. Consistency, not intensity, is how lasting change tends to build.
Common Worries, Answered What People Often Want to Ask First
"I'm nervous about needles."
Most people are, at first. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, far thinner than the ones used for injections, and many people find treatment surprisingly calming. We go at your pace and stop the moment you want to.
"I've tried other things and the pain keeps coming back."
That is one of the most common stories we hear, and it does not mean nothing will help. A sensitised nerve often needs a steady, repeated approach rather than a one-off. We will be honest about whether acupuncture is a sensible next step for you.
"Isn't physiotherapy available on the NHS?"
Yes, and it is valuable. Acupuncture is not a replacement for it. Many people use the two together, and we are happy to work alongside your physiotherapist or GP.
"How do I know if it's right for me?"
That is exactly what the first consultation is for. You are not committing to a course by booking it. It is a conversation and an assessment, and you leave knowing whether this is a path worth taking.
InvestmentSession Pricing
Every session includes a full assessment and a treatment built around you. No hidden fees.£90 Initial Consultation & Treatment Up to 75 minutes. Full case history, Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, your first treatment, and a plan for your care. Sciatica and nerve pain welcome. Book Initial Consultation £75 Follow-up Treatment Ongoing treatment within your agreed course of care. Your progress is reviewed with you at each session. Book a Follow-up Your first session is a full consultation, not just needles. You are welcome to ask anything before deciding whether to continue. In Their Words What People Say About Their Care
★★★★★I'd had back pain for three years and tried everything. I can't recommend Deanna highly enough.
Google Review · Middlesbrough✓ Verified review ★★★★★Deanna is incredibly knowledgeable, and her treatment is tailored completely to you.
Fresha Review · Teesside✓ Verified review ★★★★★I received treatment from Deanna two years ago. When I developed another problem I had no hesitation in booking another course of treatment. I have no hesitation in recommending her.
Eddie Hodgson · Fresha Review✓ Verified review Questions Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help sciatica?
It may. Acupuncture is recognised by NICE among the options that can be considered for chronic primary pain, and a large network meta-analysis of sciatica treatments found acupuncture among the approaches showing improvement in overall recovery compared with inactive control. It will not suit every presentation, so we assess your specific pattern at your first visit and give you an honest view.
Can acupuncture help a trapped nerve or a slipped disc?
Trapped nerve is the everyday term many people use for sciatica, and it is one of the things we see most. Where a slipped or herniated disc is involved, we work supportively alongside your medical care rather than in place of it. We will always tell you when something needs a doctor's input first.
Does acupuncture for sciatica hurt?
Most people find it comfortable, and often deeply relaxing. The needles are very fine, much thinner than an injection needle. You may feel a brief pressure, warmth, or a spreading sensation as a point activates, which is normal. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell us and we adjust straight away.
How many sessions will I need for sciatica?
It depends on how long the pain has been there. A recent flare may settle in a shorter course of weekly sessions. Long-standing nerve pain, in line with NHS pain guidance, often means around eight to ten weekly sessions to build steady change. We agree a realistic plan with you at your first appointment.
How soon might I feel a difference?
Everyone responds in their own timing. Many people notice some change within the first few sessions, though this varies from person to person and cannot be promised. We review your response together at each visit.
Is acupuncture safe, and are there side effects?
When carried out by a registered practitioner using single-use sterile needles, acupuncture has a strong safety record. The most common effects are minor and short-lived, such as slight tenderness or a small bruise at a needle point. We talk through your health and any medication at your consultation.
Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is needed to book. That said, we work well alongside your GP and other clinicians, and we are happy to liaise with them where it helps your care.
Can I have acupuncture alongside physiotherapy or medication?
Yes. Acupuncture sits comfortably alongside physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, and medical management. Please keep up anything that is helping, and mention any medication at your consultation.
Can I have acupuncture for sciatica during pregnancy?
Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain is something we support, with care taken to keep treatment appropriate for each stage. Let us know you are pregnant when you book so we can plan accordingly. You can read more on our pregnancy acupuncture page.
Where are you, and do you see people near me?
We are at The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP, and we see people from across Teesside, including Stockton-on-Tees, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Thornaby, Marton, and Darlington. Call 0800 593 2023 or book online.
Visiting the Clinic
You will find us at The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP, an easy reach for people across Teesside.
- Monday to Wednesday 9:30am to 4:30pm
- Thursday 9:30am to 7:00pm
- Friday 9:30am to 2:00pm
- Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm
Serving Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Thornaby, Marton, Darlington, and the wider North East.
Related Pages
"Wellness grows where energy flows."
Ready to Take a Gentle First Step?
If you feel ready, you are welcome to book an initial consultation at The House in Middlesbrough. Deanna will take a full history and give you an honest view of whether acupuncture can help your sciatica. There is no pressure, and you can take it in your own time.
Book an Initial Consultation Your first visit is a full consultation and assessment. You are not just buying needles, and you decide whether to continue. Or call us: 0800 593 2023