Sciatica physio Ponsonby, Auckland

A sharp, shooting or burning pain that runs from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg, sometimes past the knee. You might also feel numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot. Sciatica is a symptom of an irritated nerve, not a diagnosis on its own, so the first job is working out what is pressing on the nerve.

Most often a disc bulge or tightness pressing on a nerve root in the lower back, sometimes the piriformis muscle in the buttock, and often a mix of posture, prolonged sitting and load. It frequently overlaps with lower back pain.

We assess to find the source, then use hands-on treatment, gentle nerve mobilisation, and a graded exercise plan to settle the nerve and rebuild strength. We also coach you to stay active in the right way, which recovers faster than rest. No two cases are the same, so the plan is built around your assessment.

Many people improve noticeably within four to six weeks, and around half of disc-related cases are much better by the four-week mark. Some take longer, and pain that lasts beyond three months needs a more structured plan, which we will guide you through.

If your sciatica started with an injury, ACC can cover your treatment and you do not need a referral. We lodge the claim at your first visit. See how ACC physio works and what it costs.