Sciatica involves pain or altered sensation travelling down the thigh, calf, or foot. The sciatic nerve runs from the base of your spine down your legs to your feet — compression or inflammation anywhere along that pathway can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. It can arise from injury, or even from minor actions like prolonged sitting.
Sciatica describes symptoms — not a root cause. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the base of the spine down through the buttock, thigh, calf, and into the foot. Irritation typically stems from a spinal issue — disc, joint, nerve, muscle, or ligament injuries along the spine can all compress or inflame the sciatic nerve. Spinal health and core stability are key to both recovery and prevention.
While a disc bulge pressing on a nerve root is the most well-known cause, sciatica can also arise from piriformis syndrome (a deep gluteal muscle compressing the nerve), spinal stenosis or degeneration, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or even prolonged sitting in a poor position. Identifying the actual cause — not just the symptom — determines the most effective treatment.
Our chiropractors begin with an accurate diagnosis to identify the true source of the nerve irritation. Treatment then involves gentle spinal adjustment, targeted stretching, soft tissue release of tight muscles, and rehabilitation exercises to stabilise the area and prevent recurrence. Lifestyle advice is also provided, including guidance on posture, sitting habits, and activity modification. Where symptoms suggest a cause that requires further investigation — such as imaging or specialist referral — we arrange this promptly.
Same-week appointments available. New patients always welcome. No referral needed.
*Health Funds also Accepted.
