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Sciatica & Pinched Nerve Physio in Cammeray

Sciatica can stop you in your tracks. A sharp, burning pain that runs from your lower back into your buttock and down your leg makes sitting at a desk, driving or sleeping through the night feel impossible. At Physioform Cammeray, our physiotherapy treatment starts with treating what is irritating the nerve, then we build a plan to settle your pain, rebuild any strength lost and get you back to normal life.

Most people with sciatica get better with the right conservative care. Our job is to help you get there faster, with less guesswork, less time in pain, and more confidence.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is not a diagnosis on its own. It describes pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the buttock and down the back of the leg. When one of the nerve roots in the lower back becomes compressed or inflamed, it can cause sciatic pain along the pathway of the nerve.
Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the buttock that travels down the back of the thigh, sometimes into the calf or foot
  • Burning, shooting or electric-shock sensations
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
  • Weakness in the leg, or a feeling that the leg might give way
  • Pain that is worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
Pinched nerves, trapped nerves and slipped discs
People describe the same problem in different ways: a pinched nerve in the lower back, a pinched sciatic nerve, a trapped nerve in the back or a slipped disc. Here is what those terms usually mean.
Disc bulges and herniations
The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers. A disc does not actually slip out of place, but the outer layer can bulge, or the inner material can push through (a herniation). If this presses on or irritates a nearby nerve root, it can cause lower back disc pain and sciatica. The good news is that many disc herniations shrink naturally over time and research shows most people improve without surgery.
Other causes
Sciatica-type pain can also come from narrowing of the spaces where the nerves exit the spine (stenosis, more common as we age), joint irritation, or tight and sensitive muscles in the buttock. A thorough assessment helps tell these apart, because the right treatment depends on the cause.
How our physiotherapy for sciatica works
  1. A thorough assessment
    We take the time to understand your story: when it started, what makes it better or worse and how it is affecting your work, sleep and exercise. We then test your movement, strength, reflexes and nerve sensitivity to work out where your symptoms are coming from. If imaging or a referral to your GP or a specialist is needed, we will tell you.
  2. Settling the pain
    Early on, the goal is to calm things down. This may include hands-on treatment, gentle nerve mobility exercises, positions that ease your leg pain and practical advice on sitting, sleeping and staying active without aggravating the nerve.
  3. Building strength and resilience
    As your pain settles, we progress to a tailored exercise program to restore movement and build strength through your back, hips and legs. This is the part that helps reduce the chance of flare-ups.
  4. Getting back to what you love
    Whether that is a full day at your desk, picking up your kids, walking the streets of Cammeray or getting back to the gym, we work towards your goals, not just pain relief.
Herniated disc lower back treatment: do I need surgery?
Most people with a herniated disc in the lower back do not need surgery. Guidelines recommend a period of active, conservative care first, including education, exercise and staying as active as you can. Surgery may be considered if symptoms are severe, not improving after a reasonable period, or if there are signs of significant nerve compression. We work closely with local GPs and spinal specialists if a referral is needed.
When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent medical attention (go to your nearest emergency department or call 000) if you have back pain or sciatica with any of the following:

  • Numbness around your groin, genitals or inner thighs (saddle area)
  • New difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel
  • Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs
  • Fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
Frequently asked questions

How long does sciatica take to get better?

It varies. Many people notice a meaningful improvement within six to twelve weeks, though some cases settle faster and others take longer. Getting the right advice early can help you recover more quickly and avoid habits that keep the nerve irritated.

Should I rest or keep moving with sciatica?

In most cases, staying gently active is better than bed rest. The key is finding movements and positions your nerve tolerates. Your physio will show you what to do and what to avoid for now.

Do I need a referral to see a physio for sciatica?

No. You can book directly with our Cammeray physiotherapists without a GP referral. If you have a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

Do I need a scan?

Not usually. Scans are only helpful in certain situations and many people without any pain have disc bulges on an MRI. We will let you know if imaging is likely to change your management.

Book an Appointment

Struggling with sciatica or a pinched nerve? Book an appointment with our Cammeray physiotherapists today. Book online or call (02) 9072 1384.