Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness. At Spectrum Physiotherapy in Newmarket, our physiotherapists assess what is irritating the nerve and build a treatment plan to help ease your symptoms, keep you moving and lower the chance of it coming back. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to book.

Sciatica is common: studies estimate that between 10% and 40% of people experience it at some point in their lives (Konstantinou and Dunn, Spine, 2008). The good news is that many people improve within weeks to a few months with conservative care such as staying active, exercise and physiotherapy (Ropper and Zafonte, New England Journal of Medicine, 2015).

What Causes Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica happens when one of the nerve roots that form it is irritated or compressed. Common causes include:

• A bulging or herniated disc in the lower back
• Narrowing of the spaces the nerves pass through (spinal stenosis), more common in older adults
• Age-related changes in the joints and discs of the spine
• Tight or irritated muscles in the buttock, sometimes called piriformis syndrome
• Pregnancy, injury or prolonged sitting can also contribute

Common Symptoms

• Pain in the buttock or down the back of one leg, often worse than the back pain itself
• Burning, shooting or electric-type pain
• Numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the leg or foot
• Leg weakness
• Pain that changes with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing

When to get urgent care: go to the nearest emergency department if you have new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or weakness in both legs that is getting worse. These can be signs of a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Your first visit starts with a thorough assessment of your back, hips and nerves, including how you move, your strength and reflexes, and what makes your symptoms better or worse. Based on what we find, your plan may include:

• Education about sciatica, what to expect, and how to stay active without flaring it up
• Exercise therapy, including movements to ease leg pain, gentle nerve mobility exercises, and core and hip strengthening
• Manual therapy such as joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques
• Dry needling for tight, sensitive muscles, when appropriate
• Posture, lifting and work-set-up advice to reduce strain during your day
• A home exercise program so you keep progressing between visits

Because Spectrum is a multidisciplinary clinic, your care can also include massage therapy, chiropractic care or acupuncture when that helps. If your symptoms are severe or not improving as expected, we will let you know and work with your family doctor on next steps, such as imaging or a specialist referral.

Sciatica FAQ

How long does sciatica last?

It varies. Many people notice improvement within a few weeks, while others take a few months. Staying gently active and following a guided exercise program usually helps more than bed rest.

Should I rest or keep moving?

In most cases, staying as active as your symptoms allow is better than bed rest. Your physiotherapist will help you find positions and activities that are comfortable and show you how to build up gradually.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?

Usually not. Most people with sciatica do not need imaging to start physiotherapy. Imaging may be recommended if symptoms are severe, getting worse or not improving with care.

Is physiotherapy for sciatica covered by insurance?

Physiotherapy is usually covered under the physiotherapy portion of extended health benefits, and we offer direct billing to many insurance companies. If your sciatica is from a work injury or car accident, we also work with WSIB and auto insurers.

For more background, read our article Treating Sciatica With Physiotherapy or see our page on physiotherapy for lower back pain.

Book a Sciatica Assessment

If leg pain from your back is getting in the way of your day, we’d be happy to help. Contact Spectrum Physiotherapy or call 905-853-2511. Our clinic is in the Dixon Medical Centre at 531 Davis Drive, Suite 101, Newmarket.