Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment in Wantirna
If you're reading this, chances are you're one of the millions of Australians living with back pain. Whether it's a dull constant ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or a burning sciatic nerve shooting down your leg—you don't have to live with it.
At Nudge Osteopathy in Wantirna, we've helped hundreds of patients overcome back pain and sciatica. Our approach isn't about quick fixes or masking symptoms. We find the root cause of your pain and give your body what it needs to heal.
Why Choose Nudge Osteopathy for Your Back Pain?
✅ Thorough Experience in complex back and spinal conditions
✅ Thorough 45-60 minute assessments—we don't rush
✅ Hands-on treatment combined with practical rehabilitation
✅ Located in Wantirna—convenient for Knox, Boronia, Bayswater & Eastern suburbs
✅ HICAPS available—claim your private health rebate on the spot
Types of Back Pain We Treat
Lower Back Pain
The most common complaint we see. Whether it's acute (sudden onset) or chronic (persistent for weeks or months), lower back pain affects your ability to work, sleep, exercise, and enjoy life.
Mid-Back Pain
Often related to posture, desk work, or driving. That nagging ache between your shoulder blades that won't shift.
Sciatica & Nerve Pain
Not just back pain—pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness that travels down your leg. Often caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Disc-Related Pain
Bulging, herniated, or degenerated discs can cause local back pain or referred pain into the legs.
Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction
Pain localised to one side of your lower back or buttock, often aggravated by standing, walking, or stair climbing.
Postural Back Pain
The cumulative effect of hours spent at a computer, driving, or poor lifting habits.
Arthritis-Related Back Pain
Stiffness and pain from age-related spinal changes, including osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
What Is Sciatica? A Closer Look
Sciatica isn't a condition itself—it's a symptom of an underlying problem affecting your sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in your body, running from your lower back down through each leg).
Common sciatica symptoms include:
Burning, shooting, or electric shock pain down one leg
Pins and needles or numbness in your buttock, hamstring, calf, or foot
Weakness in your affected leg
Pain that worsens with sitting, sneezing, coughing, or prolonged standing
Common causes of sciatica we treat:
Disc herniation/bulge pressing on the nerve root
Piriformis syndrome—tight buttock muscle compressing the sciatic nerve
Spinal stenosis—narrowing of the spinal canal
Spondylolisthesis—a vertebra slipping forward
Pregnancy-related nerve compression
Good news: Most cases of sciatica respond exceptionally well to conservative care like osteopathy—often without the need for surgery or strong pain medication.
Our 3-Phase Approach to Back Pain & Sciatica
Phase 2: Personalised Treatment
Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific presentation, not a cookie-cutter protocol.
Manual Therapy Techniques We Use:
Spinal mobilisation: Gentle, specific movements to improve joint mobility and reduce pain
Soft tissue therapy: Releasing tight muscles, fascia, and trigger points
Muscle energy technique: Using your own muscle contractions to improve function
Counterstrain: Gentle positioning to calm hypersensitive nerves and tissues
Articulation: Rhythmic movement of joints to improve range of motion
Dry Needling: Using thin, solid needles to release tight muscles around the lower back and hip.
Exercise & Rehabilitation:
Targeted stretching for tight muscles (hamstrings, hip flexors, piriformis)
Core stabilisation to support your spine
Strengthening for weak muscle groups
Nerve flossing techniques for sciatica
Lifestyle & Ergonomic Advice:
Workstation setup assessment and recommendations
Sleep posture guidance
Lifting and bending techniques
Activity modification during recovery
Phase 1: Comprehensive Assessment (Your First Visit)
Your first appointment is 60 minutes because we need to understand exactly what's going on.
We'll:
Take a detailed history of your pain, your lifestyle, and your goals
Observe how you sit, stand, and move
Perform orthopaedic and neurological tests to identify the source of your pain
Assess your spine, pelvis, and surrounding joints
Explain our findings in plain language—no medical jargon
By the end of this session, you'll know:
What's causing your pain
Whether osteopathy is right for your condition
Your personalised treatment plan and expected recovery timeline
Phase 3: Long-Term Management & Prevention
Our goal isn't just to get you out of pain—it's to keep you out of pain.
We'll equip you with:
A home exercise program tailored to your needs
Understanding of your body's warning signs
Strategies to prevent recurrence
A maintenance plan that fits your lifestyle
When to See an Osteopath for Your Back Pain
Book an appointment if:
Your pain hasn't improved after a few days of rest
You're taking pain medication regularly
Your sleep is affected by pain
Pain is affecting your work, exercise, or daily activities
You've had recurrent episodes of back pain
You're worried about what's causing your pain
Seek immediate medical attention if:
You lose control of your bladder or bowel (cauda equina syndrome—rare but urgent)
You have numbness in your saddle area (groin, buttocks)
Your leg weakness is rapidly worsening
Your pain follows a fall, accident, or significant trauma
When in doubt, call us. We're happy to advise whether you should come in or seek emergency care.
FAQs
"I've had back pain for years. Can you still help me?"
1
Absolutely. Chronic pain is more complex, but we've helped many patients with long-standing back conditions. We focus on improving function and quality of life, even if we can't completely "cure" the underlying condition.
"Will the treatment hurt?"
2
Osteopathic treatment should never be unbearably painful. You may feel some discomfort during certain techniques, but we work within your tolerance. Most patients find the treatment itself quite relaxing.
"Do I need scans (X-ray or MRI) before I see you?"
3
Not usually. We're trained to diagnose through clinical examination. If we believe scans are necessary, we'll refer you to your GP with specific recommendations.
"Can you see me if I'm pregnant and have back pain?"
4
Yes. We regularly treat pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain using gentle, safe techniques adapted for each trimester.
"Will my private health insurance cover treatment?"
5
Most Australian private health funds provide rebates for osteopathy. We have HICAPS on-site, so you can claim your rebate immediately.
Our Wantirna Location
We're conveniently located in Wantirna, serving:
Local suburbs: Wantirna, Wantirna South, Boronia, Bayswater, Knoxfield, Scoresby, Ferntree Gully, Rowville, Vermont, and surrounding Eastern Melbourne suburbs
Nearby landmarks: Westfield Knox, Wantirna Health, Eastland Shopping Centre, Aquanation
Parking: Free, easy-access parking available right outside
Don't Let Back Pain Control Your Life
Back pain has a way of shrinking your world. The things you used to enjoy—gardening, golf, playing with your kids, sleeping through the night—become difficult or impossible.
This isn't something you just have to live with.
Our Wantirna osteopaths are here to help you understand why you're in pain, treat its cause, and give you the tools to stay well.
📞 Call us today: (03) 9720 2640
📧 Email: niraj@nudgeosteopathy.com
📍 Visit: 6B The Mall, Wantirna VIC 3152
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ or Contact Us.
Related Conditions We Treat
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your osteopath, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.