★★★★★
"Lorraine has been a saviour! Was having ongoing sciatic nerve, back issues and aches and pains and she's been incredible in helping to sort it all out! Comes highly recommended."
What's behind it
What's contributing to your sciatica?
Sciatica is rarely caused by one thing. It's usually a mix of nerve irritation and how the lower back, pelvis and hips share load, all of which can be assessed and improved.
- 01 Disc irritation affecting the sciatic nerve
- 02 Joint and muscle tension through the lower back and pelvis
- 03 Prolonged sitting, driving or poor lifting habits
- 04 Pregnancy-related changes
- 05 Reduced strength through the core, hips and glutes
- 06 Previous episodes increasing nerve sensitivity
The sooner you understand what is driving your sciatica, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a sciatica consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Most sciatica can be successfully treated. We'll identify what's irritating your nerve, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.
What we assess
- Which movements and positions reproduce or ease the leg symptoms
- Lower-back and pelvic joint mobility and muscle tension
- Nerve tension, strength, reflexes, and sensation down the leg
- Hip and glute function, and how you load through the spine
- Daily habits (sitting, lifting, driving) that keep irritating the nerve
01 Relieve
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to calm the irritated nerve, ease pain and help you move more comfortably.
02 Rebuild
Restore movement and strength
Improve how your lower back, pelvis and hips move and build strength so they cope with everyday load.
03 Prevent
Reduce future flare-ups
Address the factors contributing to your sciatica and learn simple strategies to help reduce the chance of it returning.
Your care team
Meet your care team
Every osteopath at Better Health Osteopathy is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and follows the same evidence-informed approach to assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. This page is clinically reviewed by Lorraine Herity, Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath.
Jordan Trevarton
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Maddie Wright
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Jeremias Kerrey
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Ella Briggs
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Tafi Chinyemba
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Casey Liddington
Associate Osteopath
Fendalton clinic
Lorraine Herity
Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath
Fendalton & Cashmere
Experienced osteopaths you can trust
Whoever you see, you will receive the same thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and personalised rehabilitation plan. We work as one team to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
- Over 60,000 consultations
- Helping Christchurch for over 10 years
- Registered OCNZ osteopaths
- ACC accredited
- Same-day appointments often available
What patients say
Real stories from Christchurch patients
There is no better measure of our care than the experiences of the people we have helped. Here is what Christchurch patients say about their recovery.
★★★★★
"I started at Better Health Osteopathy 3 weeks ago. Sam, on reception was exceptionally helpful, even calling one of the osteopath's out to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease. Ella, the osteopath assigned to me is amazing. I would totally recommend her and the practice."
★★★★★
"I’ve been seeing Lorraine for several years now and she is nothing short of a miracle worker. No matter what I walk in with - aches, pains or something that just feels “off” - she always knows exactly what to do and somehow gets my body back on track every single time. Beyond her incredible skill and knowledge, Lorraine is an absolute delight. She creates such a warm, welcoming environment and genuinely cares about her clients. You never feel rushed - she takes the time to listen, understand and treat the root of the problem. As both the clinic owner and manager, it’s clear she pours her heart into Better Health Osteopathy and it shows in every aspect of the experience. If you’re looking for someone you can truly trust with your body, Lorraine is the one. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
★★★★★
"Such an awesome clinic. Fixed me every time and helps me to feel stronger and healthier as a result. Couldn’t recommend more. They are worth their weight in gold."
What to expect
What to expect at your first appointment
Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain your options, and help you take the next step towards recovery.
30 minutes
Time to listen, assess and answer your questions.
Bring
Comfortable clothing, any scans, and your ACC details if it is an injury.
You will leave knowing
A clear understanding of what is causing your pain and your personalised recovery plan.
No referral needed
Book directly. We will take care of your ACC claim if needed.
The questions we'll answer
- What's causing my pain?
- Why did it happen?
- Why isn't it getting better?
- Is anything else contributing?
- What's the best path to recovery?
We will explain everything in plain English, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment options before moving forward.
New here? See what to expect at your first visit , or see our fees .
Book your visit
Ready to get back to the life you love?
We will help you understand what is causing your pain and create a personalised plan to help you recover.
Frequently asked
FAQs about sciatica & nerve pain
What does an osteopath do for sciatica?
We assess the lower back, pelvis, hips, and glutes, screen for red flags and nerve involvement, then tailor treatment plus a plan to reduce nerve irritation and rebuild capacity.
Should I rest with sciatica?
Usually not total rest. Gentle movement within tolerable limits often eases symptoms; we'll guide you on what's safe for your presentation.
Do I need a scan?
Not always. Most sciatica improves without imaging. If symptoms aren't responding or red flags are present, we'll discuss options and refer where appropriate.
How long does sciatica take to settle?
It varies. Many people improve over a few weeks; some take longer. Consistent care plus a structured rehab plan usually shortens recovery.
Can Osteopathy help if my sciatica keeps coming back?
Often yes. Recurring sciatica usually has identifiable contributors (load, capacity, posture habits). A clear plan reduces recurrence.
Is Osteopathy safe for sciatica during pregnancy?
Yes. Treatment is adapted for stage of pregnancy and patient comfort. Many pregnant patients see osteopaths for sciatica-pattern symptoms.
Start today
What you can do at home right now
Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.
Keep moving within tolerable limits
Short walks and gentle mobility usually beat total rest.
Sitting positions matter
Try not to slump or sit for long stretches; stand and reset every 30-45 minutes.
Sleep position
Side-lying with a pillow between the knees often eases nerve symptoms overnight.
Track what helps
Brief notes on positions and movements that ease or flare symptoms guide your plan.
When to seek urgent care
Some signs need same-day attention
These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.
Call us now 0800 67 77 00
If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care or call 111.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control, or sudden incontinence
- Numbness around the saddle area (between legs)
- Severe or rapidly progressing weakness in one or both legs
- Severe back pain following significant trauma
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or feeling acutely unwell with sciatica symptoms
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
Sciatica & nerve pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.
Tradies & manual workers
Hands-on care for tradies and manual workers. Help with back, knee, shoulder, and wrist strain so you can keep working without recurring flare-ups.
Pregnancy
Gentle, pregnancy-safe osteopathic care for every trimester. Ease back, pelvic, hip, and rib pain so you can move and rest comfortably.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Further reading
-
Guide 6 minHow Spinal Decompression Actually Works
How does spinal decompression work? Learn how gentle, computer-controlled traction eases pressure on discs and nerves, and when it actually helps.
-
Decision guide 4 minAm I a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?
Could spinal decompression help your back pain, disc injury or sciatica? Learn who it suits, how it works, and how our Christchurch osteopaths decide.
- First aid 6 min
Sudden Back Pain: What to Do Today
A clear plan for the first 48 hours of a sudden back pain episode. What helps, what doesn't, when to wait, and when to get checked.