What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It is usually felt on one side of the body and can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation, or sometimes numbness and tingling in the leg and foot. In severe cases it can be debilitating.

The term “sciatica” describes a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Understanding what is actually irritating the nerve is the key to effective treatment.

What Causes Sciatica?

Several conditions can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, including:

  • Herniated or bulging lumbar disc pressing on a nerve root
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritates the sciatic nerve
  • Spondylolisthesis (one vertebra slipping forward over another)
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Each of these has a different treatment approach, which is why a thorough assessment is essential before treatment begins.

How Physiotherapy Treats Sciatica

Physiotherapy is a first-line treatment for most causes of sciatica and is supported by strong clinical evidence. At Physiolab, your physiotherapist will assess your posture, movement, nerve tension, lumbar spine mobility, and hip function to identify what is driving your symptoms. Treatment is then tailored to the specific cause and may include:

  • Manual therapy to improve lumbar and sacroiliac joint mobility
  • Nerve mobilization techniques to reduce neural tension
  • Soft tissue work and IMS for piriformis and deep hip muscles
  • Core stability exercises to reduce load on the lumbar spine
  • Postural correction and movement retraining
  • Education on positions and activities to avoid during flare-ups

How Long Does Sciatica Last?

Acute sciatica often improves within 4 to 6 weeks with appropriate physiotherapy. Chronic or recurring sciatica that has been present for months may take longer to resolve, but meaningful improvement is still very achievable. Getting a proper diagnosis early and starting treatment promptly gives you the best chance of a fast recovery.

When to See a Doctor Urgently

Most sciatica cases can be managed with physiotherapy, but certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. These include sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or severe weakness in both legs. If you experience any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

Book Your Sciatica Assessment in Vancouver

Physiolab has four Vancouver locations with physiotherapists experienced in diagnosing and treating sciatica and sciatic nerve pain. Direct billing is available for most extended health plans, and we accept ICBC referrals for accident-related sciatica.

Sciatica pain that shoots down your leg does not have to be your new normal.

Our Vancouver physiotherapists treat sciatica at the source, not just the symptoms. Book your assessment at Physiolab today.

Book Now

What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
I had experienced a disc herniation/sciatica nerve injury early this year. I was referred to Physiolab and specifically to Jackson by my fiance. Right off the bat, I was in awe by the professionalism, knowledge and care Jackson provided to me. He was able to pinpoint the root-cause early on from his expertise and I put my trust into his hands. I am very grateful to have him be a strong support system throughout my recovery.
D
Dale Sekhon
★★★★★
Maria is a fantastic physiotherapist, I feel very fortunate to have found her. I started seeing her when I was pregnant and dealing with sciatica pain. She helped guide me through exercises and coping strategies to manage pregnancy aches and pains. She was a huge part of my support system during pregnancy and postpartum.
T
T I N A
★★★★★
I have been a patient with Reformotiv for physiotherapy and massage therapy since being diagnosed with sciatica in August 2020. Sean Lee has been brilliant with great physio sessions and practical exercises that I can do from home. Siam Gomes is an excellent massage therapist and has made a real difference to the overall management of my sciatica symptoms.
N
Nigel Hunton
★★★★★
Courtney has been fantastic in her role for helping me with lower back/hip/sciatica pain and stiffness. In my first session with her, she identified and targeted an area as a root source that I and other treatment specialists had never been close to. I really appreciate her divergent thinking. She is thorough and knowledgeable.
J
J Haveruk

FAQs

Common questions about sciatica treatment, sciatic nerve pain, and what to expect from physiotherapy in Vancouver.
What does sciatica feel like?

Sciatica typically causes pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg, sometimes as far as the foot. It can feel like a sharp shooting pain, deep ache, burning, or electric sensation. Numbness and tingling in the leg or foot are also common.

Can physiotherapy cure sciatica?

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica and produces significant improvement in the majority of cases. Cure depends on the underlying cause, but most people experience substantial relief and functional improvement with a course of physiotherapy.

How many physiotherapy sessions does it take to treat sciatica?

Acute sciatica often responds within 6 to 10 sessions. Chronic or severe cases may need more. Your physiotherapist will assess your condition and give you a realistic estimate after the first appointment.

What is the difference between sciatica and piriformis syndrome?

Both cause sciatic nerve pain, but the location of irritation differs. In piriformis syndrome, the sciatic nerve is compressed by the piriformis muscle in the buttock rather than at the lumbar spine. The distinction matters because treatment approaches are different. Your physiotherapist can differentiate between the two through clinical assessment.

Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?

Staying gently active is generally better than bed rest. Total rest can allow muscles to stiffen and the nerve to become more sensitized. Your physiotherapist will advise on what movements to modify and which exercises are safe and therapeutic during your recovery.

What exercises help with sciatica?

The best exercises depend on the cause of your sciatica. Nerve mobilization techniques, lumbar extension movements, core stability exercises, and hip stretches are commonly used. Exercises that make your symptoms worse should be avoided until you have been properly assessed.

Can sciatica be caused by sitting too much?

Prolonged sitting can compress the lumbar discs and increase pressure on nerve roots, contributing to sciatic pain. Poor sitting posture and tight hip flexors from sitting are also common contributing factors. Postural correction and targeted strengthening can address this.

Is sciatica from a car accident covered by ICBC?

Yes. Sciatica resulting from a motor vehicle accident, such as from disc injury or soft tissue damage, is covered under ICBC Enhanced Care. Physiolab is an approved ICBC provider with direct billing.

When should I see a doctor instead of a physiotherapist for sciatica?

See a doctor urgently if you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or severe weakness in both legs. These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires emergency medical attention. For typical sciatica symptoms, a physiotherapist is an appropriate first point of contact.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.