Sciatica Physio Adelaide | Feel Good Physio Co.

What's actually going on

It's rarely just the sore bit.

Sciatica describes pain or other symptoms travelling along the sciatic nerve, usually from the lower back or buttock into the leg.

You might notice:

Sharp or shooting pain
Burning or electric sensations
Pins and needles
Numbness
Pain travelling into the thigh, calf or foot

But sciatica is a symptom pattern rather than a complete diagnosis. The nerve may be affected by a disc-related problem, narrowing around the nerve, increased sensitivity of the nervous system or a combination of factors. Two people can have very similar leg pain for completely different reasons. That is why proper assessment matters.

If your symptoms are mainly centred on the back, or you are also dealing with repeated back flare-ups, read more about Lower Back & Recurring Pain.

How I treat it

Find it. Calm it. Rebuild it.

When you see me for sciatica physio in Adelaide, the goal is not simply to settle the pain down your leg. It is to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, reduce irritation and sensitivity where possible, and then rebuild enough strength and capacity for work, training and everyday life.

01

Understand what's contributing

Work out what may be irritating the nerve and why certain movements, positions or loads keep setting your symptoms off.

02

Calm the system

Reduce aggravating factors and help you move with less pain and more confidence.

03

Rebuild your capacity

Build strength in your back and hips so you are better prepared for the demands of normal life, work and training.

All conditions

Why Sciatica Can Keep Coming Back

A common pattern looks like this:

The pain flares
You rest or reduce activity
The symptoms settle
You return to normal activity
The pain comes back

Rest can help settle an irritated nerve, but it does not necessarily rebuild your tolerance for sitting, lifting, walking, running or training. That can contribute to a cycle of recurring symptoms.

The same principle applies to recurring back problems: symptoms can improve before your physical capacity has fully returned. That is why rehabilitation focuses not only on reducing symptoms, but also on progressively preparing your body for the things you actually need it to do.

For a deeper explanation, see Sciatica: Why It Keeps Coming Back.

What Can Be Driving Sciatica?

The presentation is different for everyone, but common contributing factors include:

A disc bulge or herniation can irritate a nerve root in the lower back. Symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness or an electric sensation travelling down the leg.

A disc finding does not automatically mean that you have permanent damage or that you will need surgery. If you have been concerned by scan results, A Disc Bulge Isn’t a Death Sentence explains what those findings can actually mean.

Narrowing around the nerve

Changes around the spine can reduce the available space around a nerve. Some people notice symptoms more when standing or walking, and less when sitting or leaning forward.

This can present differently from some forms of disc-related sciatica, which is one reason the same exercise programme may not suit everyone.

Nerve sensitivity

An irritated or sensitive nerve can sometimes feel like a tight muscle. You may notice:

Burning
Pulling
Tingling
Pins and needles
Discomfort when stretching the leg

This is one reason aggressive stretching through sciatic symptoms can sometimes make things worse. The right approach depends on what is contributing to your symptoms.

The Goal Is to Get You Moving Again

The aim is not to make you afraid of bending, lifting, sitting or training. It is to work out what your body can tolerate now and progressively build from there.

Depending on your presentation, that may mean adjusting:

Exercise selection
Training load
Sitting time
Lifting volume
Range of movement
Work demands

As symptoms settle, those activities can be gradually rebuilt rather than avoided indefinitely.

If repeated pain is stopping you from training consistently, the broader principles in Back Pain Exercises That Actually Fix the Problem may also be useful.

Going deeper.

Sciatica: Why It Keeps Coming Back Understanding the factors contributing to recurring symptoms can help guide a more effective rehabilitation plan. A Disc Bulge Isn't a Death Sentence Bulging discs are common in people without pain. Here's what your scan may actually mean. Back Pain Exercises That Actually Fix the Problem The right exercises can help build the strength and capacity needed for everyday activities and training. Stuck in the Stop-Start Injury Cycle? Here's Why Why symptoms can keep returning, and what may need to change to help break the cycle.

Common questions

Before you book.

Can physio help with sciatica? +

Yes. The first step is understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms, then building treatment around your specific presentation.

Do I need a scan first? +

Usually not. Many cases can begin with a clinical assessment. Imaging is not routinely needed unless there is a specific reason for it or the results are likely to change how your condition is managed.

Should I stretch sciatica? +

Not always. Aggressive stretching can aggravate a sensitive nerve, so the right approach depends on your symptoms and assessment.

Can I exercise with sciatica? +

Often, yes. You may need to temporarily modify certain movements or loads while your symptoms settle, before gradually building your activity back up.

How long does sciatica take to improve? +

It varies depending on the cause, how long it has been present, your symptoms and your activity demands. An assessment will give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

Do I need a referral? +

No. You can book directly for a private appointment.

When should I seek urgent medical attention? +

If you develop new problems controlling your bladder or bowel, numbness around your genitals or anus, or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine physiotherapy appointment.