Sciatica Pain
Targeted treatment to take pressure off an irritated sciatic nerve and ease that shooting, burning pain down the leg.
Sciatica describes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock and down the back of the leg, sometimes all the way to the foot. It's a symptom rather than a diagnosis in itself, caused by irritation or compression of the nerve somewhere along its route.
The most common cause is a disc bulge in the lower back pressing on a nerve root, but tight muscles (such as the piriformis), joint stiffness and narrowing of the spinal canal can all be responsible. The pain can range from a deep ache to sharp, electric, burning sensations, and is often accompanied by pins and needles or numbness.
The encouraging news is that the large majority of sciatica settles with conservative physiotherapy — without injections or surgery. Our job is to reduce the irritation on the nerve, restore normal movement, and strengthen the surrounding structures so the problem doesn't return.
Common causes
- Disc bulge or herniation pressing on a lumbar nerve root
- Tight or overactive gluteal and piriformis muscles
- Stiffness or arthritis in the lower spinal joints
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) with age
- Prolonged sitting and sustained flexed postures
Signs & symptoms
- Shooting, burning or electric pain down one leg
- Pins and needles, tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain made worse by sitting, coughing or sneezing
- A deep ache in the buttock or back of the thigh
- Weakness in the leg or a feeling the leg may give way
How we treat sciatica pain
A clear, step-by-step path from settling your symptoms to lasting recovery — tailored to you at every stage.
Pinpoint the source
We assess your spine, nerves and movement to identify exactly where and why the sciatic nerve is being irritated, and screen for the rare signs that need urgent attention.
Calm the nerve
Specific positions, gentle nerve-mobilisation techniques and manual therapy reduce pressure and sensitivity so the leg pain begins to settle and centralise back toward the spine.
Restore & strengthen
As symptoms ease we rebuild core, glute and hip strength and restore flexibility, taking lasting load off the nerve.
Stay sciatica-free
We give you the movement habits, sitting strategies and exercises to keep the nerve happy and prevent recurrence.
What to expect
Sciatica often improves over a period of weeks rather than days, and a key early sign of recovery is the pain 'centralising' — retreating up the leg and back toward the spine. We track this closely as a marker that treatment is working.
Most people avoid the need for injections or surgery entirely. We'll be honest about your progress and, in the small number of cases that aren't responding, coordinate appropriate onward referral.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about sciatica pain and how we treat it.
Is sciatica serious?
Most sciatica is not dangerous and settles with conservative care. We do screen for the rare red-flag signs — such as significant or progressive weakness or bladder changes — that need prompt medical review.
How long until it improves?
Many people notice their leg pain easing within a few weeks. More stubborn cases take longer, but a steady reduction and centralisation of symptoms is the goal.
Will I need surgery?
Rarely. The vast majority of sciatica resolves without surgery. Surgery is generally reserved for cases with persistent severe symptoms or significant nerve compromise.
Related conditions
View all
Your recovery starts with one appointment
Book online in under two minutes, or call us and we'll find a time that works. Most extended health plans accepted with direct billing.