Sciatica: symptoms, treatment and when to see a GP
Sciatica treatment in New Ross starts with working out where your leg pain is coming from. Pain, tingling or numbness running from your back or buttock down one leg is the usual pattern. Our team sees it often at Just One Body in Raheen, and we plan care around what the assessment finds: hands-on treatment, plain advice and exercises that keep you moving.
Written and reviewed by Kieran Lowe, OCI-registered osteopath. Last reviewed: 21 October 2026.
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Is your leg pain sciatica, and can we help?
Sciatica means pain along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, sometimes as far as the foot. It is usually an irritated or squeezed nerve, most often from a disc in the lower back. These are the patterns we see most often.
Leg pain stronger than back pain
Burning or shooting pain down one leg, sometimes with pins and needles. It can be worse when you move, sneeze or cough.
A dull ache in the buttock or thigh
Leg pain is not always a nerve problem. A dull, spread-out ache that rarely goes below the knee can be referred from the back. We check the pattern and test the nerves.
A foot or toes that feel numb or weak
This needs a proper assessment. Read the safety box below first.
Back and leg pain that keeps coming back
Sciatica can flare up again, often after heavy lifting, a long drive or a busy spell. We look at what sets yours off and build up your strength and confidence, so flare-ups are easier to manage. More about our back pain clinic in New Ross.
Not sure if it is sciatica? You do not need a diagnosis to book. Talk it through with us first.
When to get help straight away
Most sciatica is not an emergency, but a few signs are.
Call 999 or 112, or go to an emergency department
If you have back or leg pain with any of these (do not drive yourself):
- Pain, numbness or weakness in both legs, especially if it is severe or getting worse
- Numbness around or under your genitals, or around your back passage
- Difficulty passing urine, being unable to pass it, or not being able to control it, when this is not normal for you
- Not noticing when you need to open your bowels, or not being able to control them, when this is not normal for you
Go to your GP or an emergency department today
If you have leg pain with any of these:
- Weakness in a leg that is getting steadily worse
- Fever, feeling very unwell, or unexplained weight loss
- Pain after a serious fall or road accident
- New back or leg pain, and you have had cancer
None of these? Book in as normal.
Not sure whether yours counts? Call us on 051 432 006 and we will tell you honestly whether it needs urgent care.
What is often behind sciatica
Sciatica is the name for the symptoms, not a diagnosis on its own. The nerve can be irritated in a few ways.
A disc pressing on a nerve
The most common source. A disc in the lower back can bulge out and irritate a nerve root. Discs don’t slip, because they are fused to the bone above and below, and a bulge cannot be pushed back in.
Narrowing around the nerves
Less common, and more likely as we get older. The space the nerves run through can narrow (spinal stenosis). It often brings aching, heaviness or tingling in the legs when walking or standing, which eases when you sit down or bend forward.
Pain referred to the buttock
Muscles, joints (such as the sacroiliac and facet joints) and small nerves just under the skin can send pain into the buttock and around the sacrum, the flat bone at the base of the spine, with no sciatic nerve involved.
What makes it more likely
Smoking, a heavy physical job, long hours of whole-body vibration, excess weight and getting older.
Scan changes are common, even without pain. Disc changes show up on scans in plenty of people with no pain at all, so we match what we find to what you feel, not to a picture.
How long does sciatica last?
It varies, and we will be honest with you about it. Many people notice improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. For some it takes a few months, and it can come back.
Pain that is not improving after a few weeks, is getting worse or is stopping you doing normal things is a reason to get checked. Our job is to help that along, keep you moving and give you a clear plan. If progress stalls, we say so and talk about next steps, which may include your GP.
Sciatica treatment in New Ross: what we do
- We listen. How it started, where the pain travels and what makes it worse.
- We assess. We watch you move, test your back and hip, and check the nerves to your legs.
- We explain. Plain words, no jargon. You may not need a scan. If anything needs a doctor, we tell you and talk you through the next step.
- Hands-on treatment. Soft tissue work, gentle joint movement and stretching can help ease pain and keep you moving, alongside your exercises. Read more about osteopathy in New Ross.
- Exercises you can follow. You leave with something to do, sent by email or WhatsApp as a short video. See exercise rehabilitation.
- A plan. Only as many appointments as you need. Nobody is signed up for a course.
Exercises for sciatica
Seven gentle exercises for sciatica. Go slowly and stay in a comfortable range. Stop if the pain, tingling or numbness in your leg gets worse or spreads further down.
Standing cobraHands on your lower back, lean gently backwards.
CobraLie face down, press up through the hands and let the back arch.
Shoes and socksAn easier way to put on your shoes and socks when bending forward hurts.
DecompressionLie on your back with your feet up on a chair or wall, then slide and roll gently.
Knee hugsLie on your back and hug one knee, then both, rolling gently side to side.
Pigeon stretchOn a bed or sofa, bring one knee across and ease forwards and back.
SlouchingSlide down in your seat. For some types of back pain this eases things.Not sure which ones are right for you? After your assessment we send you the exercises that suit your back and leg, with clear video instructions.
Who you will see
Click a name to read about them. You can ask for a particular person when you book.
Cost, insurance and booking
- Initial appointment€80
- Follow-up appointment€65
You may be able to claim back part of the fee
Osteopathy with Kieran or Brian is recognised by:
- VHI
- Laya Healthcare
- Irish Life Health
Athletic therapy with Dustin is recognised by:
- Irish Life Health
- Laya Healthcare
Level Health, HSF and other insurers also accept our receipts for claims. How much you get back depends on your plan, so check your own policy. You get a receipt for every visit. See all prices.
Not sure where to start? Book a free 15-minute chat, or see our General Clinic.
What people ask about sciatica
Should I rest or keep moving with sciatica?
Gentle movement usually helps more than lying in bed. Keep up everyday activities as far as the pain allows, and change position often rather than sitting or lying for long spells. If walking makes the leg pain worse, shorten it and try again later. Many people find a heat pack helps with sciatica pain relief. Ask your pharmacist or GP about painkillers: paracetamol on its own is unlikely to help with sciatica.
How long does sciatica last?
Many people notice improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. Some take a few months, and it can come back. We cannot promise a timeline, but we will give you an honest view after we assess you.
Is leg pain from my back always sciatica?
No. Sciatica is nerve pain that runs down the leg, often with tingling, numbness or weakness. A dull ache in the buttock or thigh can be referred from the back without the nerve being involved, and pain in the hip and down the leg can come from the hip itself. We check the pattern and test the nerves to work out which it is. See also hip pain.
Who can help with sciatica?
Your GP is the first stop for anything on the safety list above. For most people, sciatica treatment in New Ross with our team can include hands-on treatment, movement advice and exercises, depending on what the assessment finds. If we see signs that need a doctor, such as weakness that is getting worse, we will talk you through the right next step, which may be your GP.
Is massage good for sciatica?
Massage may ease sore muscles in the back and buttock and help you stay active while the nerve settles. We use it alongside exercise and advice. See sports massage in New Ross.
Can an osteopath help with a herniated disc and sciatica?
Our team can help with the pain and with keeping you moving. Discs do not slip out of place. Hands-on treatment will not push a disc back in. It may help ease pain while you recover, and the evidence is strongest when it is combined with exercise and advice, which is how we work.
When should I worry about sciatica?
Most sciatica, even when it is very sore, is not serious. The signs under When to get help straight away need quick medical attention. It is also worth getting checked if the pain is not improving after a few weeks, is getting worse, or is stopping you doing normal things. If you are not sure, call us on 051 432 006 or book a free 15-minute chat.
Do I need a scan, or surgery?
Not routinely. A scan is considered if symptoms are severe or not improving and an injection or an operation is being thought about, or if there are warning signs. That is a decision for your GP or a hospital team. Disc changes also show up on scans in people with no pain: a disc protrusion was seen in 29 out of 100 pain-free 20-year-olds in Brinjikji et al, AJNR 2015. Most people with sciatica do not need surgery.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us online, or ring us on 051 432 006.
Can I claim on my health insurance?
Osteopathy with Kieran or Brian is recognised by VHI, Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health. Athletic therapy with Dustin is recognised by Irish Life Health and Laya Healthcare. Level Health, HSF and other insurers also accept our receipts. Check your own plan for the amount.
Find us
Just One Body, Waterford Road, Raheen, New Ross, Co. Kilkenny, Y34 Y594. Free parking at the door. Easy to reach from Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny. Open map and directions.
Open Mon 8:00–21:00 · Tue 8:30–21:00 · Wed 8:30–21:00 · Thu 8:00–17:00 · Fri 8:30–21:00 · Sat opening soon · Sun closed.
Ready to get your leg pain looked at?
Book an appointment with our team. Not sure? Book a free 15-minute chat first.
Sources: HSE: Sciatica, NHS: Sciatica, NICE NG59: Low back pain and sciatica, Brinjikji et al, AJNR 2015.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have severe, sudden or worsening symptoms, contact your GP or emergency services.