Sciatica Treatment in Hamilton
At TLC Osteopaths Hamilton, we help people recover from sciatica, nerve pain, and lower-back related leg pain every day. Our goal is simple: figure out what’s causing your sciatic pain, help calm the irritation, and get you confidently moving again.
Whether your symptoms came on suddenly, have been building for years, or flare up with sitting, bending or lifting — our Hamilton osteopaths use an evidence-based, personalised approach to reduce pain and speed recovery
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What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your glutes and down your legs.
It can come from several different causes including:
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A disc injury or bulge
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Joint compression
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Muscle, tendon, or ligament irritation
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Gluteal tension or spasm (piriformis syndrome)
Most cases of sciatica improve significantly with the right combination of movement, hands-on therapy, and nerve-calming strategies.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Common sciatica symptoms include:
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Sharp or shooting pain in the leg
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Pain into the glutes, hamstring or calf
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Tingling, numbness or “pins and needles”
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Worse with sitting, bending, coughing, or driving
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Feeling of weakness or heaviness in the leg
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Relief when walking or changing position
If you’re unsure whether it’s sciatica or something else, we’ll assess the exact source on your first visit.
How Our Hamilton Osteopaths Treat Sciatica
We use a combination of hands-on therapy, movement-based rehabilitation, and nerve-calming strategies based on the latest research on lumbar disc, radicular pain, and nerve sensitivity.
Hands-On Treatments May Include
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Soft tissue release for tight or protective muscles
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Joint mobilisation
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Spinal manipulation (gentle or HVLA depending on comfort)
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Dry needling / trigger point therapy
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Gluteal and hip mobility work
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Taping or support when needed
Nerve & Mobility Rehabilitation
We tailor guided rehab to help calm nerve irritation and restore confidence:
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Gentle nerve-gliding exercises
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Hip and glute strength work
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Movement pattern retraining
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Education to help reduce flare-ups
Our goal isn’t just short-term pain relief — we aim to build long-term resilience so you can return to work, lifting, sport, or daily life without fear of re-injury.
Do I Need a Scan for Sciatica?
In most cases, no scan is required.
Guidelines from NICE and NZ ACC recommend imaging only when:
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There is severe weakness
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Loss of bladder/bowel control
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Progressive neurological loss
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No improvement after 6–12 weeks
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Suspicion of other underlying conditions
If a scan is appropriate, we’ll organise a referral and help you understand the results clearly
How Long Does Sciatica Take to Heal?
Recovery varies depending on the cause and severity, but we generally see:
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Mild sciatica: 1–3 weeks
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Moderate disc-related pain: 4–8 weeks
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More complex cases: 8–12+ weeks
We’ll outline what to expect and how to speed recovery at your first appointment.
When to See an Osteopath for Sciatica
Book an appointment if you have:
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Pain into the leg lasting longer than a few days
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Pain worse with sitting, bending or driving
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Numbness, tingling or burning sensations
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Pain impacting sleep or daily tasks
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Recurrent flare-ups
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Difficulty lifting, walking or exercising
Early management prevents symptoms from turning chronic.
Why Choose TLC Osteopaths Hamilton?
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Long, 40-minute appointments
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Evidence-based treatment for nerve pain
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Special interest in sciatica, lower back pain, and nerve irritation
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A collaborative team approach — every new case is reviewed by more than one osteopath
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Clear diagnosis, timeframes, and easy-to-follow rehab plans
We treat hundreds of lower-back and nerve pain cases every year and tailor everything to your specific presentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does sciatica qualify for ACC?
Often yes — especially if the pain started after a specific incident. We can help determine ACC eligibility during your first visit.
Can sciatica be caused by a disc bulge?
Yes. Disc irritation is one of the most common causes, but many cases improve without surgery.
Is it okay to exercise with sciatica?
Generally yes — movement helps. We’ll guide you on what’s safe and what to avoid.
When should I worry about sciatica?
Seek urgent help if you experience bowel/bladder issues, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening symptoms
Ready to get relief from sciatica?
Book an appointment with one of our Hamilton osteopaths today and start your recovery with a clear, calm, and evidence-based plan.
