The urine-based pregnancy tests done in a provider's office is similar to the one that's done at home and is based on the same principle, hCG levels, Helgeson said. She explained that a blood test for pregnancy, known as the beta hCG test, trumps a urine test because it is a more sensitive indicator of hCG.
Our members are trained well enough in Western medicine to be aware of the special issues which arise from treating diabetic patients. As to the effectiveness of treatment, acupuncture treatment, as you may know, is now recommended by NICE for low back pain itself. The evidence for the treatment of sciatica with acupuncture is not quite so good. We were recently asked this question, and we replied:
This condition affects the sciatic nerve that runs across the buttock and down the back of the legs (the entire length of the hamstrings to the toes). When sciatic nerve pain acts up, the nerve itself becomes inflamed due to an injuryâfor instance, a slipped disc, pinched nerve, pressure due to pregnancy, or poor posture. Sciatica can be very debilitating, however, there are a few tricks that can help soothe sciatic nerve pain and decrease inflammation. Here are ten tips for relieving sciaticaâ¦ 1. Massage. Massaging the muscles of the buttocks and backs of the legs (where the sciatic nerve runs) can loosen muscle tension and decrease painful nerve inflammation. How? Massage promotes blood circulation which will ease sciatic nerve tenderness and built up tension.