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RISE
RISE
Sports & Spinal
0409 794 007
Osteopathy · Sciatica Berwick

Sciatica
Berwick.

Leg pain, nerve pain, or that burning down the back of the thigh — sciatica has a cause we can find and treat.

Last reviewed: May 2025

Sciatica is one of the most misunderstood and mismanaged pain presentations. The term describes pain travelling along the sciatic nerve — typically from the low back through the buttock and into the leg — but the cause matters enormously for how it's treated. At RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick, we assess exactly where the nerve is being compressed or irritated, whether that's a disc, a joint, or a tight piriformis, and build a targeted plan to relieve it.

Common causes
Lumbar disc herniation
A disc bulge or herniation in the lower lumbar spine can press directly on the nerve root, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness down the leg. The most common structural cause of true sciatica.
Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis muscle runs directly over or around the sciatic nerve in the buttock. When it's tight or in spasm, it can compress the nerve and mimic disc-related sciatica — but with a completely different treatment approach.
Lumbar joint compression
Facet joint inflammation or foraminal stenosis can narrow the space through which nerve roots exit the spine, creating nerve irritation and referred leg pain similar to disc-related sciatica.
Referred pain
The SIJ, hip joint, and lumbar muscles can all refer pain into the buttock and leg without any true nerve compression. Differentiating referred from radicular pain changes the management plan entirely.
How we treat it

Careful neurological and orthopaedic assessment — straight leg raise, slump test, dermatome and myotome testing — to localise the source. Treatment depends on the driver: disc cases respond to gentle neural mobilisation, traction-based positioning, and controlled loading. Piriformis-driven cases respond quickly to targeted soft tissue release and hip mobility work. We monitor neurological signs throughout and refer for imaging or specialist review if indicated.

Ready to get started?

Same-week appointments available. Initial consult 60 min · $149 · HICAPS on-site.

Common questions

FAQ: sciatica berwick

How do I know if it's sciatica or just back pain?
True sciatica travels below the knee, often with tingling, numbness, or weakness. Pain confined to the buttock or thigh is more likely referred — still treatable, but a different approach.
Should I get an MRI first?
Usually not necessary before starting treatment. Most sciatica responds to conservative care regardless of what's on a scan. We'll advise if imaging would change the management plan.
How many sessions will I need?
Mild-to-moderate sciatica often improves within 4–6 sessions. Severe or long-standing cases take longer, but most people see meaningful improvement within the first few appointments.
Can sciatica get worse with treatment?
A temporary increase in symptoms after the first session is common and settles quickly. We monitor signs carefully and adjust if anything progresses.
Do you treat sciatica in Berwick or do I need to travel?
We're at 5/6-8 Langmore Lane, Berwick — same-week appointments, easy parking, no referral needed.
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5/6–8 Langmore Lane
Berwick VIC 3806
Australia
Mon–Fri   7am–7pm
Sat   8am–1pm
Sun   Closed
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© 2026 RISE Sports & SpinalAHPRA registered · Private health rebatesBerwick · VIC · AU
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0409 794 007 · Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat–Sun 9am–2pm