Sciatica

Understanding Sciatica

 

Sciatica refers to pain, tingling, numbness or discomfort that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, often into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot.

 

Symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually and can be influenced by posture, movement habits, workload or previous injury.

 

Common contributing factors include:

 

• Reduced movement or control in the lower back

• Hip or pelvic restriction

• Poor load management

• Prolonged sitting

• Muscle tension or guarding

• Previous lower back injury

• Increased nervous system sensitivity

 

Sciatic symptoms often reflect how the body and nervous system are coping rather than a single structural issue.

 

 

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

 

Sciatica can present in different ways, including:

 

• Pain in the lower back, buttock or hip

• Pain that travels down the leg

• Tingling, pins and needles or numbness

• Symptoms that worsen with sitting

• Pain during bending or certain movements

• Stiffness or restriction through the lower back or hips

• Fluctuating symptoms that change with activity

 

Not all sciatic pain is constant. Many people experience symptoms that vary throughout the day.

 

 

Sciatica Is Often a Movement and Load Issue

 

A common misconception is that sciatica always means nerve damage or that movement should be avoided.

 

In many cases, appropriate movement helps reduce nerve irritation by improving mobility, reducing tension and normalising load.

 

Assessment at our clinic includes:

 

• Lower back and hip movement

• Pelvic control

• Neural mobility and sensitivity

• Functional movement patterns

• Postural and daily habits

• Load tolerance and activity history

 

The goal is to reduce irritation to the nerve by improving how the surrounding structures move and support it.

 

 

How We Help You at Our Clinic

 

At our clinic, we help you:

 

• Identify contributing factors to sciatic symptoms

• Reduce pain and nerve irritation

• Restore normal movement patterns

• Improve control and stability through the lower back and hips

• Introduce rehabilitation exercises safely and progressively

• Build confidence in movement

• Reduce the likelihood of recurring episodes

 

Treatment may include hands-on care, movement assessment, education and a structured rehabilitation plan introduced at the appropriate time.

 

I believe strongly that movement, when guided correctly, is a key part of recovery from sciatica.

 

 

Who Commonly Benefits From Sciatica Care

 

Sciatica-focused care is particularly helpful for:

 

• People with recurrent lower back or leg pain

• Desk-based workers

• Manual workers

• Runners and active individuals

• People returning to activity after back injury

• Those unsure how to move safely with sciatic symptoms

 

 

When Should You Seek Help

 

An assessment may be helpful if you:

 

• Experience pain that travels down the leg

• Feel tingling, numbness or burning sensations

• Notice symptoms that worsen with sitting or certain movements

• Have recurring episodes of sciatic pain

• Feel uncertain about how much activity is safe

• Want guidance to prevent long-term issues

 

Early assessment often leads to better outcomes and improved confidence in movement.

 

 

A Considered, Long-Term Approach

 

Sciatica often responds best to a thoughtful, movement-based approach rather than rest alone or quick fixes.

 

At our clinic, the focus is on helping you move with greater comfort, confidence and control so you can return to daily life and activity with fewer symptoms.

 

 

Book an Appointment

 

If sciatic pain is affecting your movement or quality of life, we are here to help you understand the cause and guide you toward long-term improvement.