Sciatica & Nerve Pain

Written By Martin Spitzeck

Effective Relief for Leg Pain, Disc-Related Nerve Compression & Lower Back Dysfunction

Sciatica and nerve pain often occur when a disc bulge or irritated spinal segment compresses or sensitises the nerve roots. This can create sharp, shooting or burning pain into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. Our physiotherapists specialise in identifying whether your symptoms are disc-related and provide targeted treatment to address both the irritated nerve AND the underlying disc issue for long-term improvement and prevention.

Understanding Sciatica & Nerve Pain

Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation, compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve or lumbar nerve roots. Symptoms can include:

  • Sharp, burning or shooting leg pain

  • Tingling, pins and needles or numbness

  • Pain aggravated by sitting, bending, or lifting

  • Leg heaviness, weakness or fatigue

  • Lower back stiffness or restricted movement

A major cause of sciatica is a disc bulge, which presses on or inflames the nerve.

Areas We Treat for Sciatica & Nerve Pain

1. Treating the Disc Bulge – Addressing the Root Cause of Nerve Compression

  • Disc bulges often respond very well to specific physiotherapy techniques. We focus on:

  • Directional preference exercises (often extension-based) to reduce disc pressure

  • Restoring normal disc mechanics and load tolerance

  • Spinal decompression strategies through movement

  • Postural correction to minimise disc stress

  • Education on avoiding movements that worsen disc irritation

  • Restoring segmental stability so the disc does not repeatedly overload

By improving disc function, we reduce nerve irritation at its source and prevent future flare- ups.

2. Reducing Nerve Irritation & Calming Sensitivity

  • Techniques to soothe irritated nerves

  • Soft tissue release around lumbar and gluteal muscles

  • Gentle movement to improve blood flow to the nerve

  • Positioning advice for sleep, sitting and daily tasks

3. Restoring Spinal Mobility & Joint Function

Improving movement reduces pressure on the disc and nerve. Treatment includes:

  • Lumbar joint mobilisation

  • Thoracic mobility work

  • Hip flexibility programs

  • Tailored extension or flexion exercises

4. Nerve Mobility (Neurodynamics) & Sciatic Glides

To restore normal nerve movement:

  • Sciatic nerve gliding

  • Slump mobility progressions

  • Techniques based on irritability and symptoms

5. Core & Hip Strengthening for Long-Term Disc Support

Strengthening reduces load on the injured disc. Programs include:

  • Deep core activation

  • Glute strengthening

  • Hip stabiliser conditioning

  • Progressive load-based exercise

6. Posture & Movement Retraining

  • Correct mechanics prevent disc and nerve irritation:

  • Hip hinge technique for bending and lifting

  • Posture optimisation for sitting and standing

  • Ergonomic advice for work and home

7. Gait, Function & Return-to-Activity Programs

  • We ensure a safe, confident return to movement:

  • Walking and stride retraining

  • Work conditioning

  • Sport-specific progressions

  • Gradual load exposure to prevent re-injury

8. Chronic or Recurrent Sciatica Management

  • For long-standing issues:

  • Detailed biomechanical analysis

  • Long-term disc health strategies

  • Flare-up prevention coaching

  • Strength and mobility maintenance programs

Our Physiotherapy Approach

Your treatment is tailored to the underlying cause of your nerve pain, with a focus on:

  • Treating the disc bulge or segment causing compression

  • Restoring mobility and flexibility

  • Strengthening core and hip muscles

  • Reducing nerve sensitivity

  • Improving posture and movement patterns

  • Gradual return-to-activity planning

  • Flare-up management and long-term prevention

Our goal is not only to reduce nerve pain but to correct the source of the problem and prevent future flare-ups.

Martin Spitzeck
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