TIPS, ADVICE AND TREATMENT FOR YOUR sciatica PAINS

Sciatica Treatment in Central London

Pain shooting from your lower back into your buttock, thigh, calf or foot can be frightening and incredibly disruptive.

Sciatica often makes simple activities such as walking, sitting, driving, sleeping or exercising uncomfortable. Some people experience a sharp, burning or electric-like pain, while others notice tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg.

At Central London Osteopathy & Sports Injury Clinic, we help people with sciatica every day. Our experienced team will take the time to understand your symptoms, explain what may be causing them and discuss the treatment options most appropriate for your situation.

✅ Same-Day Appointments Available
✅ Open 7 Days a Week
✅ Osteopathy, Physiotherapy & Soft Tissue Therapies
✅ Hundreds of Five-Star Google Reviews

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Book Your Appointment Call: 020 7739 5666

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For more than 30 years we’ve helped office workers, runners, gym-goers, busy parents and retirees across Central London find relief from pain and return to normal activities.

What Our Patients Say

400+ Five-Star Reviews on Google

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“I’d been to three different physios before finding this place. Fabio figured out what was wrong in the first session – a problem with my SI joint that nobody else had spotted. After six weeks I was back running. Worth every penny.”

— Mark T., City Worker

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“Brought my colicky baby to see Diluka on a friend’s recommendation. The difference after cranial osteopathy was remarkable – he’s sleeping through now and the crying has stopped. I was sceptical at first but I’m completely converted.”

— Sarah L., New Mum

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“Years of desk work had left me with constant neck pain and headaches. David’s combination of osteopathy and Pilates exercises has genuinely changed my life. I actually enjoy sitting at my desk now – never thought I’d say that!”

— Rachel K., Software Developer

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a condition itself. It is a collection of symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It travels from the lower back through the buttocks and down into the legs.

When this nerve becomes irritated, symptoms may include:

Pain in the lower back
Pain travelling into the buttock
Pain down the back of the leg
Tingling or pins and needles
Numbness
Burning or electric shock-like sensations
Weakness in the leg or foot

Sciatica can range from mild irritation to severe symptoms that significantly affect daily life.

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What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed somewhere along its path from the lower back into the leg.

There are several possible causes, including:

Disc Bulges and Disc Herniations

One of the most common causes of sciatica occurs when a disc in the lower back places pressure on a nearby nerve root.

Age-Related Changes

As we get older, natural changes in the spine can sometimes reduce the space available for nerves.

Joint Stiffness and Mechanical Strain

Reduced movement in the lower back, pelvis and hips may contribute to irritation and increased sensitivity around the sciatic nerve.

Pregnancy

Changes in posture, weight distribution and pelvic mechanics can sometimes contribute to sciatic symptoms during pregnancy.

Prolonged Sitting

Long periods at a desk, driving or sedentary work may aggravate symptoms in some people.

In many cases several factors contribute to symptoms rather than one single cause.

How Can Sciatica Affect Daily Life?

Sciatica affects much more than your back or leg.

Many people find themselves avoiding activities they normally enjoy because they fear aggravating symptoms.

Common challenges include:

Sitting at a desk
Long journeys
Walking comfortably
Exercising normally
Lifting children
Getting a good night’s sleep
Climbing stairs
Maintaining concentration at work

Our aim is not only to help reduce pain but to help you regain confidence in movement and return to normal activities as quickly as possible.

HOW TO FIX SCIATICA PAINS

How We Treat Sciatica

Treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and what appears to be irritating the sciatic nerve.
We’ll explain our findings in straightforward language and discuss the treatments most appropriate for you.

Osteopathy

Hands-on treatment may help improve movement, reduce mechanical strain and encourage more comfortable function throughout the lower back, pelvis and hips.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy focuses on rehabilitation, movement and strengthening exercises designed to support recovery and help prevent recurrence.

Sports Massage

Sports massage may help reduce muscular tension that can contribute to discomfort and movement restrictions.

Clinical Pilates

Pilates can help improve core strength, posture, movement awareness and confidence during recovery.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu offers a holistic approach that many people find relaxing and supportive when dealing with persistent pain and tension.

Tui Na

Tui Na combines traditional Chinese manual therapy techniques that may help improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

Helping People Regain Confidence After Sciatica

REDUCE PAIN LEVELS

IMPROVE MOBILITY

REDUCE MEDICATION

Many people seek treatment after weeks or months of trying to cope with sciatica on their own.

They may have reduced their exercise, limited social activities or become anxious about making symptoms worse.

Through a combination of treatment, movement advice, rehabilitation and education, many people are able to gradually return to normal activities with greater comfort and confidence.

See more patient success stories →

When Should You Seek Professional Help For Sciatica?

Although many cases of sciatica improve with time and appropriate management, it can be difficult to know whether your symptoms are likely to settle or require further assessment.

You may benefit from professional advice if:

Pain has persisted for several weeks
Symptoms keep returning
Walking has become difficult
Sitting is becoming increasingly uncomfortable
Numbness or tingling is worsening
Symptoms are preventing exercise
Pain is affecting sleep
Everyday activities are becoming difficult

Early assessment may help identify contributing factors and provide reassurance about the most appropriate next steps.

SCIATICA SYMPTOMS We Treat

Common Sciatica Symptoms We Help With

Our practitioners regularly see people experiencing:

Pain travelling into the buttock
Pain down the back of the thigh
Pain extending into the calf
Tingling and pins and needles
Numbness in the leg or foot
Burning sensations
Sciatica when sitting
Sciatica during walking
Recurrent sciatica
Lower back pain associated with sciatica
Pregnancy-related sciatic symptoms
Persistent nerve-related discomfort

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Our Expert Team

Trusted by Sciatica Sufferers Across London

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All our osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council and most major health insurers.

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Many people first come to us after recommendations from friends, family members, colleagues or healthcare professionals.

Read the experiences of patients who have trusted us with their care.

Finding the Right Osteopath

Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right For You?

Many patients aren’t sure whether osteopathy, physiotherapy, sports massage or another treatment is most appropriate for their symptoms.

That’s completely understandable.

We’ll listen carefully to your concerns, explain our findings clearly and help guide you towards the treatment plan best suited to your goals and circumstances.

Why Choose Us?

Established 1991 – over 30 years serving London

400+ five-star Google reviews

Trusted by Olympic Champions

Open 6 days a week

Emergency appointments available

Registered with most major health insurers

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica

Does sciatica always start in the back?

Not necessarily. Some people mainly notice pain in the buttock, thigh, calf or foot.

Is walking good for sciatica?

For many people, gentle walking helps maintain mobility and can be beneficial during recovery.

Can osteopathy help sciatica?

Many people choose osteopathy as part of their approach to managing sciatica, particularly when movement restrictions and mechanical factors may be contributing.

How long does sciatica last?

The duration varies considerably depending on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.

When should I seek professional advice?

The duration varies considerably depending on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.

Can lower back pain cause leg pain?

Many people choose osteopathy as part of their approach to managing sciatica, particularly when movement restrictions and mechanical factors may be contributing.

Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath?

If symptoms are persistent, severe or affecting everyday activities, professional assessment may be beneficial.

Can sciatica go away on its own?

Many cases of sciatica improve over time, particularly when symptoms are mild and appropriate activity levels are maintained. However, recurring or persistent symptoms may benefit from professional assessment.

Is sitting bad for sciatica?

Many people notice that prolonged sitting aggravates symptoms. Taking regular movement breaks and changing positions frequently may help.

Can I exercise with sciatica?

In many cases, yes. Staying as active as possible within your comfort levels is often encouraged. Walking and carefully selected rehabilitation exercises can be particularly helpful.

What exercises should I avoid with sciatica?

The answer depends on the individual. Exercises that significantly increase leg pain, numbness or symptoms should generally be avoided until appropriate guidance has been obtained.

Can sports massage help sciatica?

Where muscle tension and soft tissue restrictions are contributing to symptoms, sports massage may form part of an overall treatment plan.

Is walking the best exercise for sciatica?

Walking is often one of the easiest and most tolerable forms of exercise for people with sciatica because it promotes movement without excessive spinal loading.

Can physiotherapy help sciatica?

Physiotherapy commonly focuses on rehabilitation exercises, strengthening and movement strategies designed to support recovery and reduce recurrence.

Self-Help Tips for Sciatica

Keep Moving

Gentle movement is often more beneficial than complete rest. Short, comfortable walks are frequently well tolerated.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting

Many people notice symptoms worsen after sitting for long periods. Stand up regularly and change position often.

Pace Your Activities

Rather than trying to do everything in one day, spread activities throughout the week and build up gradually.

Stay Calm

Sciatica can be painful, but most cases improve over time. Understanding what’s happening can help reduce fear and build confidence.

Sleep Comfortably

Some people find sleeping with a pillow between the knees or beneath the knees helps reduce strain and improve comfort.

Gentle Exercises for Sciatica

Introduction

These exercises are commonly recommended for some people with sciatica. They may not be suitable for everyone, so stop if symptoms worsen and seek professional guidance if unsure.

Knee-to-Chest Stretch

Lie on your back.
Gently pull one knee towards your chest.
Hold for 20-30 seconds.
Repeat on both sides.

Sciatic Nerve Glide

Sit upright in a chair.
Slowly straighten the affected leg while lifting your toes.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat gently 10 times.

Pelvic Tilts

Lie on your back with knees bent.
Flatten your lower back into the floor.
Relax and repeat.
Perform 10-15 repetitions.

Walking

Walking is often one of the safest and most beneficial activities for people experiencing sciatica symptoms.

Start with short distances and build up gradually.

BACK PAIN STOPS HERE

Looking For Sciatica Treatment In Central London?

If you’re searching for help with sciatica in London, you’re not alone.

Many people seek treatment after experiencing pain travelling from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. Others are concerned about tingling, numbness or weakness that is affecting daily activities.

Our team regularly works with people experiencing both recent and long-standing sciatic symptoms. Treatment may include a combination of:

Osteopathy
Physiotherapy
Sports Massage
Clinical Pilates
Shiatsu
Tui Na

Our goal is to help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and support you in returning to comfortable movement and everyday activities.

The Good News About Sciatica

Sciatica can be extremely painful and understandably worrying.

However, most people experiencing sciat symptoms do not require surgery and are able to make meaningful improvements with the right combination of treatment, movement, rehabilitation and time.

Understanding what is contributing to your symptoms is often the first step towards building confidence and returning to the activities you enjoy.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t have to keep struggling with sciatica on your own.

Whether your symptoms started recently or have been affecting you for months, our experienced practitioners can help you understand what’s happening and discuss the treatment options available.

Appointments are available seven days a week, including same-day appointments whenever possible.