Sciatica
Why It Happens and How Myotherapy Can Help

That deep ache or electric twinge that starts in your lower back or glute and runs down the back of your leg? That's the pain most people call sciatica, and it's one of the most common problems we treat at Diverse Myotherapy in Pascoe Vale South. Here's what's actually going on, and what can be done about it.

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Sciatica isn't a diagnosis in itself, it's a symptom. It means the sciatic nerve, the long nerve running from your lower back through your glutes and down each leg, is being irritated or compressed somewhere along its path. That irritation is what creates the pain, tingling, numbness or pins and needles you feel down the leg, sometimes all the way to the foot.

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The irritation usually comes from one of a few places. Sometimes it's the structures of the lower back itself, like a bulging disc pressing near the nerve root. Very often, though, it's muscular, tight, overworked glute muscles (especially the piriformis, which sits right over the sciatic nerve), a stiff lower back from long hours of sitting, or a body compensating after injury or heavy lifting. Desk workers, tradies and drivers are regulars in this category, long sitting and repetitive load are the classic ingredients.

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Because so much sciatic irritation is muscular, hands-on treatment has a lot to offer. We start by assessing where your irritation is actually coming from, then work to release the tight structures involved, typically the glutes, piriformis, lower back and hips, using massage, trigger point therapy and dry needling where appropriate. From there you'll get simple movement strategies to keep the area settling between sessions. Many clients notice the leg symptoms easing as the muscle tension releases, sometimes within the first couple of sessions.
 

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Most sciatica responds well to conservative care, but some signs need medical attention first: loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle region, rapidly worsening leg weakness, or pain following a serious accident. If any of those apply, see your GP or emergency care before booking anything. We'll always assess honestly and refer you on if your situation needs more than hands-on treatment.

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Keep gently moving, short, regular walks beat bed rest. Break up long sitting every 30 to 45 minutes. Heat on the glutes and lower back can take the edge off. And avoid aggressive stretching of the painful leg, forcing it usually stirs the nerve up more.

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Yes, for the vast majority of cases, and it's often exactly what the tight muscles around the nerve need. Your therapist will assess first and adapt pressure and technique to how irritable your symptoms are.

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It depends how long it's been building and what's driving it. Recent, muscular sciatica often improves noticeably within a few sessions, while long-standing cases usually need a short series plus the self-care strategies we give you.

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It can, especially if the underlying habits stay, long sitting, weak glutes, heavy repetitive lifting. That's why we pair treatment with simple strategies, and for recurring cases our rehab and strength sessions build the resilience that stops the cycle.
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Ready to find out what's actually driving your leg pain? Sessions from $85, private health rebates available with all major funds.
Or call us on 0431 223 417.

What sciatica actually is