Back Pain & Sciatica Reservoir
Prepare for a back pain assessment: symptom history, sitting and lifting goals, and questions about nerve symptoms.
Patient education · Published 7 November 2026
For Reservoir residents: This is an education resource. Muscle Joint Bone appointments linked here are at 26 Childs Road, Epping VIC 3076. Confirm current services and access with the clinic before travelling.
What is the difference between back pain and sciatica?
Back pain describes a symptom in the back. Sciatica describes pain travelling from the lower back or buttock into the leg along the sciatic nerve pathway; it can also involve altered sensation or weakness. Not every sore back or painful leg is sciatica. A history and examination help identify the next step.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Call 000 for back pain with loss of limb movement or feeling, or new loss of bladder or bowel control. New numbness around the genital or anal area needs immediate medical assessment. Severe pain after a serious accident or back pain with breathing difficulty also needs emergency help. Fever, worsening weakness or rapidly changing symptoms should prompt urgent medical review.
Evidence and further reading
Sources checked 7 November 2026: Healthdirect: sciatica and Healthdirect: low back pain. This summary supports a conversation with a practitioner; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised exercise prescription.
Explain the pattern of your back symptoms
Before an appointment, note when symptoms started and whether they stay in the back or travel into the leg. Describe any tingling, numbness or weakness in your own words. Tell the clinician about an accident, previous episodes, medical conditions and changes since the problem began.
Bring your everyday Reservoir routine into the discussion
Think about the tasks that matter to you: commuting, sitting through a shift, lifting at work or walking around your neighbourhood. Write down which task is limited and what you currently manage. This gives you a starting point for a practical care goal.
Questions about assessment and scans
Ask what the examination is trying to establish, whether further investigation would change management and what to do if symptoms change. Bring existing reports and a medicines list. Let the clinician decide whether more information is needed rather than arranging a scan solely for the appointment.
A review you can understand
Agree on the activity you will track, what you can do independently and when the plan will be reviewed. If care involves several practitioners, ask who coordinates the advice.
Read the detailed guides
Back pain, lumbar strain and sciatica · Persistent pain · Scoliosis
Reservoir care and injury guides
Physiotherapy Reservoir · Osteopath Reservoir · Chiropractor Reservoir · Injuries and pain in Reservoir
Plan your appointment
Bring your symptom timeline, medicines, existing reports and the activities you want to return to. Tell reception about access or interpreter requirements and ask about fees and practitioner availability before booking.
Book through Muscle Joint Bone ↗ Contact and directions · Meet the practitioners
General education only; individual assessment determines appropriate care.
