Back Pain and Sciatica

Yes. Physiotherapy can help many people with back pain by assessing likely contributing factors, identifying signs that may require medical review, improving movement and developing a tailored rehabilitation plan. Treatment may include education, hands-on therapy where appropriate, exercise rehabilitation, strength progression and advice to help you return to work, sport and everyday activity.

Back pain is very common. A systematic review found that up to 84% of people experience low back pain at some point in their lives (1).

Yes. Physiotherapy can help many people with sciatica by identifying the likely source of nerve irritation, reducing aggravating movements, improving mobility, and building strength and confidence to return to normal activity. Treatment may include education, tailored exercises, movement strategies, and a graded return to work, sport, or daily tasks. At Wallan Physiotherapy Centre, we assess whether symptoms are consistent with sciatica, identify any signs that require further medical review, and develop an individual treatment plan based on your presentation. Physical Therapy Referral From Primary Care for Acute Back Pain With Sciatica: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed ↗

Back pain refers to pain felt in the lower, middle, or upper back. It may stay localised or spread slightly into the buttock or thigh. Sciatica describes pain or other symptoms caused by irritation of a nerve in the lower back, often producing pain that travels down the leg. It may also cause pins and needles, numbness, burning pain, or weakness in the leg or foot. A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether symptoms are likely to be simple back pain, nerve-related leg pain, or another condition requiring further investigation. Sciatica - treatment, symptoms and causes | healthdirect ↗

Usually, no. Most episodes of lower back pain do not require an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Australian guidance recommends imaging only when clinical assessment suggests a serious underlying cause, significant nerve involvement, or when symptoms are not progressing as expected. At Wallan Physiotherapy Centre, we screen for warning signs, assess your movement and symptoms, and advise whether further medical review or imaging may be appropriate. Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard - Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care ↗

In most cases, yes. Staying gently active and gradually returning to normal movement is recommended for uncomplicated back pain. Prolonged bed rest can slow recovery and increase stiffness and loss of confidence. The right amount and type of movement will vary. Physiotherapy can help you identify what to continue, what to temporarily modify, and how to safely build back toward normal activity. Introducing Australia's Clinical Care Standard for Low Back Pain - MJA ↗

Sciatica requires urgent medical assessment if it is associated with: New difficulty controlling the bladder or bowel Numbness around the genitals, inner thighs, or back passage Severe or rapidly worsening leg weakness Symptoms affecting both legs, particularly if worsening These symptoms may indicate serious nerve compression and should be assessed urgently through emergency medical care. Sciatica - treatment, symptoms and causes | healthdirect ↗

Yes. Physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors to recurring back pain, such as reduced strength, movement habits, load intolerance, work or sport demands, and confidence with activity. Management often focuses on education, exercise, self-management strategies, and a plan to reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Evidence supports exercise-based strategies after recovery from an episode of back pain to help reduce recurrence. At Wallan Physiotherapy Centre, we aim not only to settle the current flare-up, but also to improve long-term resilience and function. Low Back Pain: What Works and What Doesn't - Australian Physiotherapy Association ↗