What it can feel like
- Sharp, burning or electric pain down one leg, sometimes below the knee
- Numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the leg or foot
- Pain that is worse when sitting, bending forward or coughing
- Neck pain with symptoms down the arm into the hand (a pinched nerve in the neck)
Common causes
Common causes include a bulging or herniated disc, narrowing around the nerve with age (stenosis), and tight muscles in the buttock such as the piriformis. Each needs a slightly different approach.
How we help
We test nerve function, reflexes, strength and movement to find where the nerve is being irritated. Care may include gentle adjustments, soft-tissue release, nerve-gliding and core exercises, and spinal decompression for disc-related sciatica.
We also look at how you sit, sleep and lift so the nerve has the best chance to settle.
How long recovery takes
Leg pain often eases first, moving back towards the spine as things improve. Many people improve over a few weeks; longer-standing cases can take more time.
Your first visit
Your first consultation takes about 25 to 30 minutes and costs $180 before GST. We listen to your history, examine you, explain what we find and what we recommend, and you decide whether to start care. No referral is needed, and insurance claims are supported.
When to see a doctor urgently
Please see a medical doctor or go to A&E (or call 995 in an emergency) if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin
- Weakness in the leg or foot that is getting worse
- Sciatica in both legs at the same time
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sciatica and a slipped disc?
Sciatica describes the symptom: pain along the sciatic nerve. A slipped disc is one possible cause. Others include stenosis and tight buttock muscles.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
It often improves over time, but the right care can help it settle sooner and lower the chance of it returning.
Should I stretch if I have sciatica?
Some stretches help and some make it worse, depending on the cause. We will show you which ones suit your type of sciatica.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Everyone is different, so please speak to one of our doctors about your situation.