A systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the clinical effectiveness of different treatment strategies for sciatica supports the effectiveness of acupuncture for this condition. A network meta-analysis can provide estimates of relative efficacy between many interventions, even though some have never been compared head-to-head. UK authors identified 122 relevant studies covering 21 treatment strategies for sciatica.
For overall recovery as the outcome there was a statistically significant improvement following disc surgery, epidural injections, non-opioid analgesia, manipulation and acupuncture, compared with inactive control or conventional care.
Comparative clinical effectiveness of management strategies for sciatica: systematic review and network meta-analyses. Spine J. 2013 Oct 4. pii: S1529-9430(13)01497-6.