Things We Treat
Sciatica
Pain, numbness or tingling that travels from the lower back into the leg.
Sciatica is a description of symptoms rather than a diagnosis in itself. It refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg.
It usually reflects irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lumbar spine, and the pattern of symptoms helps identify which level is involved.
Common symptoms
- Sharp, burning or electric pain down one leg
- Numbness, pins and needles or tingling in the leg or foot
- Symptoms worsened by sitting, coughing or sneezing
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Lower back pain that may or may not accompany the leg symptoms
Common causes
- Lumbar disc bulge or herniation
- Degenerative narrowing around the nerve root
- Facet joint irritation
- Deep gluteal muscle tension irritating the nerve
- Sustained postures and prolonged sitting
How we can help
- Assessment includes neurological testing to establish how the nerve is behaving and to identify anything that requires medical referral.
- Care may involve chiropractic, soft tissue therapy, nerve mobility work and a staged exercise plan, along with advice on positions and activities to modify while symptoms settle.
Treatments we may use
- chiropractic
- remedial-massage
- chinese-medicine
Frequently asked questions
- How long does sciatica take to settle?
- This varies considerably between individuals depending on the cause and severity. Your practitioner will discuss a realistic timeframe after assessing you.
- When is sciatica an emergency?
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle region, or rapidly progressing leg weakness.
- Do I need a referral to book?
- No referral is needed to see our chiropractors, massage therapists or Chinese medicine practitioners. You can book online at Richmond or Bundoora, or call our team if you're unsure who to see.
Treatments we use for this
Chiropractic
Gentle, evidence-informed chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, headaches and postural concerns.
Chiropractic detailsRemedial Massage
Hands-on massage and remedial massage therapy to release tight muscles, improve mobility and support recovery.
Remedial Massage detailsChinese Medicine
Acupuncture, cupping and traditional Chinese medicine for pain, stress, sleep and general wellbeing.
Chinese Medicine detailsReady to Feel and Move Better?
Book an appointment with the Uprise Health team in Richmond or Bundoora.