Can Osteopathy Help With Sciatica?

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, shooting pain down your leg or a nagging ache in your lower back, you might be dealing with sciatica. It’s more common than you’d think, and at Better Health Osteopathy, we’ve helped thousands of patients find sciatica relief in Christchurch. But can osteopathy really help with sciatica? Let’s dive into what sciatica is, how osteopathy works, and why it might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t a condition on its own – it’s a symptom of an underlying issue. It happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your legs, gets irritated or compressed. This can lead to:

Common culprits include a herniated disc, tight muscles like the piriformis, or even spinal misalignment. The good news? About 95% of sciatica cases improve without surgery, and osteopathy can play a big role in that recovery.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach to health. Instead of just masking the pain, we get to the root of what’s irritating your sciatic nerve. Here’s how we do it at Better Health Osteopathy:

• Hands-On Techniques: Using gentle manual therapy, we ease tension in tight muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pressure on the nerve. Think spinal adjustments, soft tissue massage, and stretching – all tailored to you.
• Personalised Assessment: No two cases of sciatica are the same. We’ll assess your posture, movement, and lifestyle to pinpoint what’s causing your discomfort.
• Holistic Relief: By improving blood flow, calming inflammation, and supporting your body’s natural healing, we help you feel better faster.
• Tailored Exercises: After your session, we’ll give you simple at-home exercises to keep your recovery on track and prevent flare-ups.

Many of our patients notice improvement after just 1-2 sessions. Whether your sciatica stems from a disc issue, muscle tension, or something else, we’re here to help you move without pain.

What Our Patients Say

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our Christchurch locals have experienced:

• “I’d been hobbling around with sciatic pain for months, but after a few sessions with Lorraine, I could finally walk comfortably again. I wish I’d booked sooner!” – Sarah, Christchurch.
• “The team made me feel so at ease, and their tailored plan got me back to my daily runs. Highly recommend!” – Mark, Christchurch

We’ve seen firsthand how osteopathy transforms lives, and we’d love to help you too.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Sciatic Pain?

Don’t let pain hold you back any longer. Our experienced osteopaths in Christchurch are here to help you feel your best again. Book your appointment today – it’s quick, easy, and the first step to pain relief.

• Call 027 755 5700 or Book Online Now

Nestled in the heart of Fendalton, we offer flexible appointment times (7 am-8 pm weekdays and Saturday appointments), ample onsite parking, and no referral needed. Plus, we’re ACC-approved, so your treatment might be covered!

New to Osteopathy? Here’s What to Expect

If you’re unsure about trying osteopathy, we’ve got you covered:

• Will it hurt? Our treatments are gentle and adjusted to your comfort level.
• How soon will I feel better? Many patients feel relief within weeks, often after just a couple of visits.
• What happens on my first visit? Expect a friendly chat about your symptoms, a thorough assessment, and a personalised plan to get you moving again.
• Do I need a referral? Nope – you can book directly with us!

We’re with you every step of the way, from your first appointment to lasting long-term relief.

Meet Your Sciatica Relief Team

Led by Lorraine Herity, the Clinic Director our team of osteopaths in Christchurch brings years of experience and a passion for helping you recover. We don’t just treat symptoms – we listen, care, and craft a plan that works for you. At Better Health Osteopathy, you’re in expert hands.

How is Sciatica Diagnosed?

Your Osteopath can diagnose Sciatica after taking a detailed medical history and physical examination. MRI and other imaging are not normally required unless your symptoms are severe, and we suspect that a corticosteroid injection or surgery may be required. If this is the case, your Osteopath will make a referral to an Orthopaedic specialist and request an MRI. 

Complications of Sciatica

Although most people recover fully from Sciatica, Sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any bowel or bladder function loss.

Why Wait? We Make It Simple.