I am 20 weeks and have been struggling with sciatica for a few weeks (and did do previously, so this is likely something exacerbated by pregnancy rather than caused by it). It's really excruciating and means that I only get an hour or two of sleep a night, can't walk more than a few paces, can't sit or stand. So basically life is feeling hard and I am really hoping for improvement!
I am doing physio exercises, pilates and seeing an osteopath out of desperation. I also had an acupuncture session a few days ago, which has left me feeling confused. She said that she was limited in what she could do due to pregnancy, so she put a needle on my head, another on my forehead, one needle in one hand and two in the other. She then left me for about 30 mins before coming in and taking them off. She said it would take about 3-4 sessions to see any effect.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this! My research does suggest that they have to avoid the lower back, but the pain is all the way down my leg so I was surprised she didn't do anything there..
Does anyone have superior knowledge of acupuncture? Or has anyone had acupuncture for this kind of ailment during pregnancy and had a similar or different treatment? I'm feeling very skeptical, which doesn't feel like a helpful starting point and I'm reluctant to spend £50 a session for something unless there's a good chance it will help.
Thank you :)