Sciatica
Sciatica describes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve. People often describe it as sharp, burning or electric, and it can come with pins and needles, numbness or a heavy feeling in the leg.
Sciatica is a description of symptoms rather than a diagnosis in itself. Working out what is irritating the nerve is what determines the treatment.
Common causes
- A disc bulge pressing on or irritating a nerve root
- Narrowing of the space the nerve passes through, more common with age
- Irritation of the nerve as it passes through the buttock muscles
- Joint irritation in the lower back referring pain into the leg
What an assessment involves
We test nerve sensitivity, reflexes, sensation and strength to establish which nerve is involved and how it is being affected. We also check your lower back and hip movement and look at what positions and activities settle or provoke the symptoms — that last part often shapes the plan more than anything else.
How it is treated
Most sciatica improves over time, and the goal of treatment is to support that and keep you functioning while it does. That usually means finding positions and movements that reduce nerve irritation, graded exercise as symptoms allow, hands-on treatment where it helps, and clear guidance on managing work and sleep.
Recovery is often measured in weeks to months, and it is not unusual for it to fluctuate along the way rather than improve in a straight line.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Seek immediate medical assessment if you have numbness around the groin, inner thighs or buttocks, any change in bladder or bowel control, weakness in both legs, or leg weakness that is clearly getting worse. These are uncommon but need same-day attention.
Funding options
We work with NDIS participants who are plan-managed or self-managed, DVA cardholders, WorkCover Queensland claims, and Medicare Chronic Condition Management plan referrals. HICAPS is available on site for private health fund claiming.
Book an appointment
You do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist privately. Book online any time, or call the clinic on (07) 4962 1255. We are at Shop 11, Palms Shopping Fair, 172 Goondoon Street, Gladstone, open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.