Common reasons
Pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg is often called sciatica, and it’s a common reason people book in at the clinic on Martin Street, Brighton.
Osteopaths can assess leg pain that may be coming from the lower back, and hands-on care, advice and exercise may help some people manage their symptoms. Care is tailored to you — we look at how you move, work and rest, then agree a clear plan.
This is general information only. It is not a diagnosis or a promise of results. If I think another health professional would suit you better, I’ll say so.
Common symptoms and how they affect daily life
Sciatica describes symptoms that follow the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back and buttock down the back of the leg. It usually affects one side, and it can feel quite different from person to person. People commonly describe:
Pain that spreads from the buttock down the back of the thigh, sometimes into the calf or foot
Burning, shooting or electric-type pain in the leg
Pins and needles or numbness in part of the leg or foot
Discomfort that changes with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
Back pain alongside the leg symptoms, though some people have little or none
For many people the biggest issue is what it gets in the way of — sitting through a workday or a drive, sleeping comfortably, or a walk along the Brighton foreshore without needing to stop.
Possible contributing factors
Sciatica-type pain is often linked to irritation of a nerve in the lower back, but there are several possible reasons, and it isn’t possible to work out what’s going on from a web page. Factors that are commonly involved include:
A disc bulge or disc-related irritation in the lower back
Age-related changes in the spine, such as narrowing around a nerve, which are common and are often seen in people with no pain
Tightness in the muscles around the hip and buttock, which can sometimes cause similar symptoms
A sudden change in load, such as heavy lifting, gardening or a new training program
Long periods of sitting, desk work or driving
Not all leg pain is sciatica. Part of your first appointment is working out whether your symptoms are more likely to be coming from the back, the hip or somewhere else, and whether you need to see someone else.
Your first visit: assessment and referral
Your initial consultation starts with a conversation about your history — when the pain started, where you feel it, what makes it better or worse, your work and activity, and your general health. I’ll then assess how your lower back, hips and legs move, and check strength, reflexes and sensation in your legs.
By the end, I’ll explain what I’ve found in plain language, and we’ll agree on whether osteopathy is a sensible option and what a plan could look like.
Sometimes the right next step is someone else. If your symptoms or history suggest you need imaging, a medication review, or input from your GP or another health professional, I’ll refer you and explain why.
What a visit may include
Assessment of your lower back, hips and legs, including a check of nerve function
Hands-on techniques that may help with stiffness and muscle tension around the back and hips
Exercise and movement advice you can use between visits
How osteopaths commonly approach sciatica
Management is tailored to the person in front of me, so not every option suits everyone. Approaches osteopaths commonly use include:
Education — understanding what may be contributing, how symptoms often change over time, and which activities are and aren’t likely to be harmful
Activity modification — adjusting how you sit, lift, sleep or train for a while, rather than stopping everything
Exercise — gentle movement and strengthening you can do at home and build up over time
Hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and stretching around the lower back and hips, where suitable
Dry needling or cupping — sometimes used alongside other care where appropriate, and always discussed with you first
Clinical guidelines for sciatica generally encourage staying active where possible, so hands-on care is usually combined with advice and exercise rather than used on its own. Some people also need input from their GP or a specialist, and I’ll tell you if I think that’s the case.
How progress is reviewed
Everyone responds differently, so I don’t set a fixed number of sessions. At each follow-up we’ll check in on what’s changed — pain, sleep, movement and the activities that matter to you — and adjust the plan from there.
The aim is for you to manage confidently on your own. If things aren’t changing as expected, we’ll talk about why, and whether a referral or a different approach makes more sense.
Things you can try day to day
Keep moving gently within comfort — short walks are often a good place to start
Break up long periods of sitting or driving with short, regular breaks
Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees if sleep is uncomfortable
Heat may help some people feel more comfortable when muscles feel tight
Build activity back up gradually rather than going from nothing to everything
If something consistently makes your symptoms worse, ease off and mention it at your next appointment.
When to seek urgent medical care
Some symptoms need prompt medical assessment rather than an osteopathy appointment. Contact your GP urgently, go to your nearest emergency department or call 000 if you have back or leg pain with:
New difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin, buttocks or inner thighs (saddle area)
Weakness in the leg or foot that is getting worse, such as tripping or a foot that slaps when you walk
Symptoms in both legs
Pain after a significant fall, car accident or other trauma
Fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer with new back or leg pain
Severe, constant pain that isn’t eased by rest or changing position
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a scan before I book?
No. Most people with sciatica-type pain don’t need imaging before seeing an osteopath. If your symptoms or assessment suggest a scan would help, I’ll explain why and refer you through your GP.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed to book. Some funding schemes, such as a Medicare chronic condition management plan, do require a GP referral — see the Funding and claims page for details.
Is it sciatica or something else?
Leg pain can come from the lower back, the hip, the muscles around the buttock or other causes. An assessment helps narrow down what’s likely, and I’ll refer you on if your symptoms suggest something that needs medical review.
Should I rest or keep moving?
For most people, staying gently active within comfort is encouraged over bed rest. I’ll help you work out which activities to keep doing and which to ease back on for a while.
How many appointments will I need?
It depends on you, your symptoms and your goals. We’ll discuss a plan at your first visit and review it as we go, without locking you into a set number of sessions.
General information only. Osteopathy isn’t right for everyone — I’ll be straight with you if another option is better.
Ready to book?
By appointment only at 123 Martin Street, Brighton.