References

Every primary source cited on this site

Each link goes to the PubMed record, DOI, or guideline. If you want to verify a clinical claim made anywhere on this site, start here.

McKenzie / extension-bias protocols and centralisation

  1. Long A, Donelson R, Fung T (2004). Does it matter which exercise? A randomized control trial of exercise for low back pain. Spine. View source ↗
  2. Garcia AN, Costa LCM, et al. (2018). McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy was slightly more effective than placebo for pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine. View source ↗

Piriformis syndrome

  1. Cass SP (2015). Piriformis syndrome: a cause of nondiscogenic sciatica. Current Sports Medicine Reports. View source ↗
  2. Boyajian-O'Neill LA, McClain RL, Coleman MK, Thomas PP (2008). Diagnosis and management of piriformis syndrome: an osteopathic approach. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. View source ↗
  3. Tonley JC, Yun SM, Kochevar RJ, Dye JA, Farrokhi S, Powers CM (2010). Treatment of an individual with piriformis syndrome focusing on hip muscle strengthening and movement reeducation. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. View source ↗

Neural mobilisation (nerve gliding)

  1. Coppieters MW, Butler DS (2008). Do "sliders" slide and "tensioners" tension? An analysis of neurodynamic techniques and considerations regarding their application. Manual Therapy. View source ↗
  2. Basson A, Olivier B, Ellis R, Coppieters M, Stewart A, Mudzi W (2017). The effectiveness of neural mobilization for neuromusculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. View source ↗

Stretching mechanics and hold time

  1. Bandy WD, Irion JM (1994). The effect of time on static stretch on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Physical Therapy. View source ↗

Core stabilisation and motor control

  1. Hodges PW, Richardson CA (1996). Inefficient muscular stabilization of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain. Spine. View source ↗
  2. Saragiotto BT, Maher CG, et al. (2016). Motor control exercise for chronic non-specific low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. View source ↗

Yoga and movement-based therapies for back pain and sciatica

  1. Wieland LS, Skoetz N, Pilkington K, Vempati R, D'Adamo CR, Berman BM (2017). Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. View source ↗

Guidelines and overarching reviews

  1. Foster NE, Anema JR, et al. (2018). Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions (Lancet Series). The Lancet. View source ↗
  2. NICE (2016). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s (NG59). NICE Guidelines. View source ↗
  3. Hayden JA, van Tulder MW, et al. (2005). Systematic review: strategies for using exercise therapy to improve outcomes in chronic low back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine. View source ↗
Last reviewed 2026-05-12
OW
Written by Oliver Wakefield-Smith, Founder of Digital Signet
Not a clinician. Every clinical claim on this site links to its primary source. If pain shoots down your leg, see a physiotherapist before continuing. Email corrections, fixed within 24 hours.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12 · stretchesforsciatica.com