Understanding Your Pain

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It typically affects one side and can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning, or debilitating sensation.

Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The real problem is pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve — usually originating in the lower spine. Finding and treating that underlying cause is exactly what we do.

Recognise the Signs

Common Symptoms We Treat

Sharp Shooting Leg Pain

Pain radiating from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg or foot.

Burning Sensation

A hot, burning, or electric-shock feeling along the course of the nerve.

Numbness or Tingling

Pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in the leg, calf, or foot.

Pain Worse When Sitting

Symptoms that flare up after prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements.

Low Back Ache

Persistent dull aching in the lower back, with or without leg symptoms.

Difficulty Standing Up

Pain or muscle weakness making it hard to stand from a seated position.

Root Causes

What's Actually Causing Your Pain?

Sciatica always has an underlying cause. Identifying it is the most important first step — and exactly what your initial examination is designed to do.

Disc Bulge or Herniation

A bulging or herniated disc pressing on the nerve root — the most common cause of true sciatica.

Spinal Joint Irritation

Inflamed or misaligned facet joints in the lower back irritating nearby nerve roots.

Piriformis Syndrome

Tightness in the piriformis muscle (deep in the buttock) compressing the sciatic nerve directly.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal putting pressure on the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve.

Our Treatment Approach

How We Treat Sciatica & Back Pain

Your treatment is based on the specific cause of your pain, identified in your initial examination. A typical care plan combines:

Targeted Chiropractic Adjustments

Precise spinal manipulation to restore normal joint movement, reduce nerve irritation, and take pressure off the sciatic nerve.

Spinal Decompression Traction

Our state-of-the-art traction units gently separate the vertebrae to reduce disc bulge and nerve pressure — particularly effective for disc-related sciatica.

Remedial Massage

Every treatment includes hands-on massage from our qualified therapist, targeting the muscles contributing to your pain.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Specific exercises to strengthen your core and supporting muscles, reducing strain on your lower spine and preventing recurrence.

Lifestyle & Posture Guidance

Practical advice on positions, activities, and daily habits that aggravate your condition — and how to modify them for faster recovery.

⚠ When to Seek Urgent Care

If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden severe weakness in both legs, please go to your nearest emergency department immediately. For all other sciatica symptoms, book with us as soon as possible.

Why Spine Chiropractic?

Equipped to Treat What Others Can't

Many clinics offer adjustments alone. At Spine Chiropractic, we have advanced equipment and additional training for complex spinal conditions like sciatica.

On-Site Digital X-Ray — We assess your spine structurally right here in the clinic.

Spinal Traction Units — The most effective tool for disc-related sciatica. Few Perth clinics have these.

Chiropractor + Massage in One Visit — You see both practitioners every single session.

CBP®-Certified Chiropractor — Dr Josh's advanced postural training means better outcomes for complex structural cases.

FAQ

Sciatica Questions Answered

Can chiropractic cure sciatica?

Many cases of sciatica respond very well to chiropractic care, particularly when caused by disc issues or joint irritation. We'll give you an honest assessment after your initial examination.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies with severity and duration of your condition. Acute sciatica often responds within a handful of visits. Chronic or structural cases may need a longer plan — we'll outline this in your report of findings.

Is it safe to have my spine adjusted with a disc problem?

Yes, when done correctly. For disc-related issues, we use gentle, low-force methods and traction rather than high-velocity thrusts. Your safety is always the priority.

Should I get an MRI before coming in?

Not necessarily. We can assess your spine clinically and with on-site X-ray. If an MRI is indicated, we'll let you know and can refer you for one.

Can sciatica come back after treatment?

It can, especially if underlying lifestyle factors aren't addressed. Part of our approach is teaching you how to prevent recurrence with exercises and postural habits.

Disc Bulge or Herniation

Spinal Joint Irritation

Piriformis Syndrome

Spinal Stenosis

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Sciatica & Back Pain Treatment

What Is Sciatica?

Common Symptoms We Treat

Sharp Shooting Leg Pain

Burning Sensation

Numbness or Tingling

Pain Worse When Sitting

Low Back Ache

Difficulty Standing Up

What's Actually Causing Your Pain?

Disc Bulge or Herniation

Spinal Joint Irritation

Piriformis Syndrome

Spinal Stenosis

How We Treat Sciatica & Back Pain

Targeted Chiropractic Adjustments

Spinal Decompression Traction

Remedial Massage

Rehabilitation Exercises

Lifestyle & Posture Guidance

⚠ When to Seek Urgent Care

Equipped to Treat What Others Can't

Initial Consultation

Sciatica Questions Answered

Can chiropractic cure sciatica?

How many treatments will I need?

Is it safe to have my spine adjusted with a disc problem?

Should I get an MRI before coming in?

Can sciatica come back after treatment?

Stop Living With Sciatic Pain

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