Sciatica Treatment in Burlington
All You Need To Know About Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica is the presence of pain in the lower extremities of the thigh, leg, and buttock. Our lower body is supplied by a large nerve known as the sciatic nerve, which is formed from a bunch of smaller nerves leaving the spinal cord. Once the small nerves unite, the sciatic nerve moves through the buttock, thigh and the leg to supply the region.
It can get pressed against any underlying structures like bones or joints along its course through the lower body, which causes the pain in Sciatica.
Though lower back pain is a prevalent condition that is seen in around 80–90% of the population during their lifespan, cases of true sciatica are only seen in about 5% of the population. It is more common in individuals aged between 30 and 50 years. Sciatica is also known as “lumbar radiculopathy”.
Sciatica Symptoms
Here are some of the obvious signs and symptoms of Sciatica that you should be wary of:
Sciatic Pain
This pain is a jolting sensation like an electric shock that starts with a cough, sneeze or sitting for a long period of time on one side of the body.
Loss of Bowel and Bladder Function
Sciatica can put pressure on the nerves around the bowel and bladder, resulting in a loss of control over bodily functions.
Inflammation and Swelling
Inflammation, swelling, and redness of the affected areas are all common symptoms of sciatica.
Joint Weakness in a Single Leg
This is a red flag for sciatica. Pain or weakness in just one of the flags is a telltale symptom of sciatica.
What causes Sciatica?
Sciatica takes place if the sciatic nerve is irritated or pinched. This can occur for numerous reasons. The most common causes involve:
Degenerative Disc Disease
Although disc degeneration is a natural occurrence with ageing, in some cases one or more degenerated discs in the lower back can cause sciatica. Bone spurs within spinal degeneration can also irritate the sciatic nerve and cause in sciatic pain.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
The resulting disc collapse, fracture, and vertebral body slippage that come with isthmic spondylolisthesis can pinch the nerve and cause sciatica.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal results in Sciatica with lumbar spinal stenosis. This is commonly seen in people older than 60.
Piriformis Syndrome
If the piriformis muscle irritates or pinches the sciatic nerve, it can result in Sciatica-like pain.
Irritation of the sacroiliac joint can also pinch the L5 nerve near the joint, resulting in sciatica-like pain.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
A herniated lumbar disc can irritate or pinch the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is the most common symptom of a lumbar herniated disc.
Pregnancy, scar tissue, muscle strain, spinal tumour, infection, fracture, ankylosing spondylitis or any lower back injury can cause Sciatica. It can sometimes occur in some people without any underlying cause. When the cause of it occurring is not known, it is known as idiopathic Sciatica.
If the pain is caused by direct injury or irritation of the nerve, it is called true Sciatica. And if the pain is similar to Sciatica but the underlying cause is not relevant to the sciatic nerve, it is known as Sciatica-type pain.
What does Sciatica treatment look like?
Since muscle movement and strength are an important part of sciatica treatment and improvement, we suggest some light exercises to help with the recovery. Once the assessment by the chiropractor is completed, you should have a better idea of the next step. Our skilled Burlington chiropractor has great experience dealing with sciatic pain. She uses techniques that proved to be very effective with sciatica pain. If you aren’t interested in chiropractic, we also have experienced physiotherapists in-house who can also treat you. Physiotherapy services is very effective as well for any kind of injuries.
Massaging and stretching the area affected is one way to approach it but there are also other techniques and modalities that help as a sciatica treatment. If nothing work, you may want to consider the surgical option.
Prevention
Practice proper lifting techniques
Reduce or stop cigarette smoking, which promotes disc degeneration
Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles of your back and abdomen
Use good posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping
Avoid sitting for long periods
Why choose Pillars of Wellness?
At Pillars of Wellness, in Burlington, Ontario, we are proud to provide a truly integrated care approach that employs a variety of treatments to achieve a faster recovery. Our clinic offers various services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, counselling, occupational therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, and holistic nutrition.
With multiple services and specialties in one place, you’ll get the best care possible — without having to look elsewhere. Pillars of Wellness is your one-stop-health solution, located right here in Burlington.
Last but not least, chiropractic is typically covered under most extended health insurance plans. If you do not have coverage or have exceeded your coverage limits, you can consult with our Physiotherapists.
Before Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often radiating from the lower back down the leg. Symptoms include sharp pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Can chiropractic care help sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments and mobilizations relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and improve movement.
Is sciatica treatment painful?
No. Treatments are gentle, personalized, and designed to minimize discomfort while restoring function.
How many sessions are needed for sciatica?
Most patients notice improvement within a few visits, though chronic or severe cases may require a longer plan.
Does chiropractic care prevent recurrence?
Yes. With posture guidance, targeted exercises, and movement correction, chiropractic care reduces future flare-ups.





