Sciatica symptoms
Sciatica can cause pain travelling from the back or buttock into the leg, often below the knee, with numbness, tingling or altered sensation. Some people also notice weakness or pain made worse by sitting, coughing or bending.
Back pain & sciatica · Botley, Oxford
Back pain & sciatica physiotherapy
in Oxford.
Low back pain, sciatica and stiffness respond best to an accurate diagnosis followed by the right loading. At our Botley clinic a chartered, HCPC-registered physiotherapist spends 45 minutes examining how your spine, hips and nerves actually move — then treats the cause, not just the sore spot.
HCPC registered5.0 Google ratingNo GP referral neededFree parkingEvening appointments
Back problems we treat in Oxford
Low back pain
Acute episodes, recurrent flare-ups and long-standing mechanical back pain in office workers, drivers and manual workers.
Sciatica & nerve pain
Leg pain, pins and needles and disc-related symptoms, assessed with neurological testing and treated with graded nerve and loading work.
Postural & work-related pain
Desk-based neck and back strain, with workstation advice and a home programme that fits around your day.
Understanding your condition
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica means irritation or sensitivity of a nerve supplying the leg. A disc change is one possible cause, but narrowing around the nerve, inflammation and reduced nerve mobility can produce a similar pattern. Your symptoms and examination determine the likely source.
How sciatica assessment differs
General back pain assessment focuses on movement, strength and load tolerance. For sciatica we also test reflexes, sensation, muscle power and nerve sensitivity, screen for warning signs and arrange direct MRI referral when imaging is clinically appropriate.
Treating sciatica
Treatment is matched to nerve irritability rather than simply working on the painful area. It may combine comfortable spinal movement, graded nerve mobility, symptom-guided manual therapy and progressive strength work. Urgent medical referral is made if the examination identifies a serious concern.
How your back pain appointment works
- 01
Assess
45 minutes: history, movement screening, neurological and strength testing, and a clear explanation of what is driving your pain.
- 02
Treat
Hands-on manual therapy, soft tissue work and, where indicated, focused shockwave or electrotherapy — started in the same visit.
- 03
Restore
A progressive exercise plan so the spine tolerates work, lifting and sport again, reviewed at each follow-up.
Initial assessment £75 (45 min) · Follow-up treatment £60 (30 min) · MRI referral arranged directly when clinically appropriate. See full physiotherapy prices and our treatments in Oxford.
Relevant services
Common questions
- Do I need a GP referral for back pain physio in Oxford?
- No. You can book directly as a self-paying patient. If we think you need imaging or a medical opinion, we will tell you and write to your GP.
- How many sessions will I need?
- Most uncomplicated low back pain settles within three to six sessions. You will get an honest estimate at the end of your first assessment.
- Can you treat sciatica and disc-related pain?
- Yes. We assess nerve involvement, grade your symptoms and combine hands-on treatment with a graded loading programme.
- Where is the clinic?
- 14 Elms Parade, Botley, Oxford OX2 9LG — a few minutes from the Oxford ring road with free parking outside.
Book back pain & sciatica physiotherapy in Oxford
Same-week and evening appointments are usually available at our Botley clinic, with free parking outside and easy access from Cumnor, North Hinksey, Headington and central Oxford.
14 Elms Parade, Botley, Oxford OX2 9LG