Conditions we treat

Sciatica

That sharp, burning pain shooting down your leg is not something you just have to live with. Sciatica responds well to the right treatment — and we have helped hundreds of patients get on top of it.

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Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, sometimes as far as the foot. It is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve or its contributing nerve roots, most commonly in the lumbar spine. Despite being extremely common, sciatica is often misunderstood and mismanaged. At Sera Spine & Rehab, we identify the exact source of nerve compression and build a treatment plan that addresses it directly.

Root causes

What causes sciatica?

Disc Herniation

A herniated lumbar disc is the most common cause of sciatica. The disc material presses on the nerve root, causing radiating pain, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the leg.

Disc Bulge

A bulging disc that has not fully herniated can still compress nearby nerve roots, particularly with certain postures or movements.

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle in the buttock can tighten and compress the sciatic nerve as it passes beneath (or through) it, causing buttock and leg pain that mimics disc-related sciatica.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal — more common in people over 50 — can compress the nerve roots, causing bilateral leg symptoms that worsen with walking and improve with sitting.

Facet Joint Irritation

Inflamed or degenerated facet joints can irritate nearby nerve roots, contributing to radiating leg symptoms.

Spondylolisthesis

A forward slippage of one vertebra over another can narrow the space available for the nerve roots, causing sciatica-like symptoms.

Signs & symptoms

How does it present?

Sharp, burning, or shooting pain from the lower back into the buttock and leg
Pain that follows a specific path down one leg — often to the calf or foot
Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
Weakness in the affected leg or foot
Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Pain that improves with walking or lying down
Difficulty standing from a seated position

Our approach

How Sera Spine & Rehab treats sciatica

Chiropractic

Specific lumbar adjustments reduce the compression on the affected nerve root, restore joint mobility, and relieve the muscle spasm that accompanies sciatica. The Gonstead technique allows precise targeting of the affected spinal level.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for sciatica includes neural mobilisation techniques, targeted stretching, and a progressive exercise program to build the core stability needed to protect the lumbar spine long-term.

Myotherapy

When piriformis syndrome is contributing to sciatic symptoms, myotherapy — including deep tissue massage and dry needling of the piriformis and surrounding muscles — can provide significant relief.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Targeted rehabilitation builds the core, gluteal, and hip strength that reduces load on the lumbar discs and nerve roots, preventing future episodes of sciatica.

Your first visit

What to expect at your appointment

1
A thorough history covering the onset, distribution, and behaviour of your leg pain, plus any associated weakness or bladder/bowel changes.
2
Neurological testing to identify which nerve root is affected and assess the degree of involvement.
3
Orthopaedic testing including straight leg raise and slump tests to confirm the diagnosis.
4
A clear explanation of what is causing your sciatica and what the treatment plan involves.
5
Conservative hands-on treatment in your first appointment, with a clear plan for follow-up care.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Will I need surgery for sciatica?

The vast majority of sciatica cases resolve with conservative care — chiropractic, physiotherapy, and exercise rehabilitation. Surgery is rarely required and is typically only considered when conservative treatment has failed or there is significant neurological compromise.

How long does sciatica take to resolve?

Acute sciatica often improves significantly within 4–8 weeks with appropriate treatment. Chronic or severe cases may take longer. Early intervention consistently leads to better outcomes.

Should I rest with sciatica?

Complete bed rest is not recommended. Gentle movement, within pain limits, is generally better for recovery. Your practitioner will advise on appropriate activity levels for your specific presentation.

When is sciatica a medical emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, significant weakness in both legs, or saddle anaesthesia (numbness in the inner thighs and groin). These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate intervention.