Understand what causes sciatica and how to manage it safely with assessment, treatment, and rehab from Summit Osteo & Performance Ringwood.
Bayley Forbes is an osteopath and strength & conditioning coach based in Ringwood, Victoria. He founded Summit Osteo & Performance to help people bridge the gap between treatment and performance — combining hands-on care with tailored movement and strength programs to support long-term recovery and better performance.
If you’ve felt sharp, shooting pain travelling from your lower back down the back of your leg, you may be dealing with sciatica.
It’s a common condition that can range from mild irritation to severe pain affecting movement, sleep, and work.
At Summit Osteo & Performance in Ringwood, we help patients manage sciatica through assessment, hands-on treatment, and targeted rehabilitation.
The sciatic nerve runs from your lower spine down through the hips, glutes, and into each leg.
Pain occurs when this nerve becomes irritated or compressed.
Common causes include:
Disc irritation or bulging in the lower back
Tight gluteal or deep hip muscles (piriformis syndrome)
Joint stiffness in the spine or pelvis
Prolonged sitting or poor posture
Heavy lifting with poor mechanics
Identifying the exact cause is crucial, as not all sciatic pain stems from the same source.
Sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock or leg
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Muscle weakness or difficulty standing from sitting
Pain that worsens when coughing, sneezing, or sitting for long periods
Symptoms can vary in severity and location depending on where the nerve is affected.
Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and relieving pressure around the affected nerve.
Treatment may include:
Gentle spinal and pelvic mobilisation
Soft-tissue release for gluteal and hip tension
Postural and movement correction
Exercise prescription to improve stability and reduce recurrence
Each plan is tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.
Between sessions, you can support recovery by:
Staying mobile — gentle walking encourages blood flow and reduces stiffness
Avoiding prolonged sitting or slumping
Performing light stretching for hips and hamstrings
Applying heat to relax tight muscles
Avoid high-impact activities or aggressive stretching that increases pain.
If pain persists longer than a week, worsens, or affects leg strength or bladder control, seek professional assessment immediately.
Your osteopath can identify the root cause and coordinate care with your GP if needed.
Book an Appointment
or learn more on the Sciatica Treatment in Ringwood page.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, please consult your healthcare professional or osteopath for assessment.
