Sciatica: When Pain Down Your Leg Interrupts Your Day
The drive to work feels longer when you can’t get comfortable. Sitting through dinner becomes difficult. A shooting pain down your leg makes you hesitate before bending to put your shoes on.
Perhaps your back barely hurts, but your buttock, calf or foot is another story. You may be wondering whether it’s sciatica, what you should avoid and whether exercise will help or make things worse.
An assessment can help you understand your symptoms and decide what to do next.
I’m Sarah Boughtwood, a Master’s-qualified osteopath in Milford, Auckland, with over 10 years’ clinical experience. I assess back and leg pain, check for signs of nerve involvement and discuss suitable care—including referral when needed.
Book an appointment for back and leg pain
ACC registered · No referral required · Free onsite parking
Is This Sciatica?
Sciatica involves irritation or compression affecting the sciatic nerve pathway, often at a nerve root in the lower back. Symptoms typically travel through the buttock and down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot or toes.
You may experience sharp or burning pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness. Leg pain can be more noticeable than back pain. However, not every pain in the buttock or leg is sciatica, which is why assessment matters.
You don’t need to arrive with a diagnosis. Describe what you’re feeling and where it travels, and we’ll work through the next steps.
What Are You Finding Difficult?
People often describe their sciatica through the activities it interrupts:
“I keep shifting around when I’m sitting.”
“Getting out of the car sends pain down my leg.”
“I can’t find a comfortable position in bed.”
“Bending to get dressed brings on a shooting pain.”
“I’m nervous about going back to the gym.”
“I can manage work, but I’m sore afterwards.”
These details are useful. Understanding what brings on your symptoms—and what settles them—helps guide your assessment and a plan that fits your life.
What Happens at a Sciatica Appointment?
We start with your story
I’ll ask how your symptoms began, where they travel and whether they are changing. We’ll discuss your medical history, daily activities and any previous injuries or investigations.
Please mention numbness, weakness or changes in walking, even if pain is your main concern.
We assess movement and nerve function
Where appropriate, I’ll check your lower back and leg movement, strength, sensation and reflexes. These checks help determine whether osteopathic care is suitable or whether you need medical assessment.
We agree on suitable next steps
I’ll explain the findings, discuss any uncertainty and talk through your options. If treatment is appropriate, we’ll choose an approach that considers your symptoms, comfort and goals.
Book a sciatica assessment with Sarah
How May Osteopathic Care Help?
My approach combines assessment, practical advice and rehabilitation, with hands-on treatment where appropriate.
Your plan may include:
Ways to adapt sitting, driving or lifting while symptoms are sensitive.
Exercises selected for your current ability and response.
Hands-on techniques for associated muscle and joint discomfort.
A gradual return to your usual activities.
Referral or further investigation when indicated.
There isn’t one stretch or treatment that suits everyone. We’ll review how you respond and adjust the plan rather than repeatedly doing something that isn’t helping.
Should I Rest or Keep Moving?
For many people, continuing manageable activities and introducing gentle exercise is preferable to spending long periods sitting or lying down. Short periods of movement may be easier to tolerate than one long session.
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen, fail to improve or prevent normal activities.
You don’t need to push through an exercise that increases shooting pain, tingling or numbness. Tell your clinician about that response so the advice can be adapted.
Symptoms That Need Urgent Medical Attention
Go to an emergency department immediately if you develop:
New difficulty starting urination, inability to pass urine or loss of bladder control.
Loss of bowel control or awareness of needing to open your bowels.
Numbness around your genitals or bottom.
Severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs.
Sciatica symptoms affecting both sides.
These can indicate a serious problem requiring urgent hospital assessment. Do not wait for a routine osteopathy appointment.
New or increasing weakness in one leg, such as difficulty lifting your foot, also warrants prompt medical assessment.
Your Appointment in Milford, Auckland
I’m based at Milford Health Clinic, 50 East Coast Road, Milford, with free onsite parking.
My clinic welcomes general patients alongside those seeking pregnancy and postpartum care. Babies, children and support people are welcome to accompany you.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. If your symptoms suggest medical care is needed first, I’ll explain that.
Is sciatica covered by ACC?
ACC appointments are available for eligible injuries. Whether cover applies depends on your circumstances; having sciatica does not automatically mean you qualify. Contact me if you’re unsure which appointment to select.
Will I need a scan?
Not everyone does. Your symptoms, examination and medical history help guide whether further investigation is appropriate.
How many appointments will I need?
We’ll discuss this after assessment and review your progress. There is no fixed number of appointments that suits every person.
Take the Next Step Towards Understanding Your Pain
You may want to sit through work more comfortably, sleep with fewer interruptions or feel confident moving again.
We’ll start by understanding what’s happening, checking whether treatment is suitable and making a plan around the activities that matter to you.
