Sciatica Relief in Calgary — What It Is and How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Colin Bouma, PT, FCAMPT
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
Few pains are as sharp and debilitating as sciatica. It can feel like burning, shooting, or
stabbing pain down the leg—sometimes with numbness, tingling, or weakness. But what
exactly is sciatica, and what can you do about it?
At our physiotherapy clinic in Calgary, we specialize in treating sciatic nerve pain using
research-backed, individualized care.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition. It refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve,
which runs from your lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg.
True sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the lumbar
spine—often from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or inflammation (Staff et al., 2020).
Common Causes of Sciatica
1. Disc Herniation
When disc material presses on a nerve root (usually L4–S1), it can trigger radiating leg pain
(Peul et al., 2007).
2. Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal can pinch the sciatic nerve, especially during walking or standing
(Genevay & Atlas, 2010).
3. Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve in the buttock, mimicking sciatica – often
over diagnosed but can be a major contributor to your pain.
4. Spondylolisthesis or Degeneration
Vertebrae that shift or degenerated joints can alter spinal alignment and compress nerves.
5. Pregnancy or Pelvic Changes
Changes in posture, load, and hormones can increase nerve sensitivity or compression.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sharp or burning pain in one leg
Pain worsens with sitting or bending forward
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
Pain relief when lying down or walking short distances
If you notice loss of bowel or bladder control, seek emergency care.
Calgary Physiotherapy for Sciatica: How We Help
1. Accurate Assessment
We identify the true source—whether it’s disc-related, joint-driven, or muscular. This directs a
focused plan.
2. Pain-Reducing Movements (Directional Preference)
Using techniques like the McKenzie Method, we reduce nerve irritation and centralize
symptoms (Long et al., 2004).
3. Neural Mobilization
We gently mobilize the sciatic nerve to reduce tension and improve range (Ellis & Hing, 2008).
4. Manual Therapy
Joint mobilizations, muscle release, and pelvic alignment correction can improve nerve space.
5. Stabilization & Strength Training
We retrain:
Core muscles
Hip stabilizers
Postural endurance
6. Postural and Ergonomic Coaching
Helping you move and sit better prevents flare-ups and reduces strain on the spine.
Home Tips for Sciatica Relief
Try gentle walking daily
Avoid prolonged sitting or bending forward
Use lumbar support when sitting
Sleep with a pillow between your knees (side-lying) or under knees (back-lying)
Stay consistent with prescribed exercises
Why Choose Our Clinic on MacLeod Trail?
We’re conveniently located at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, serving Haysboro, Kingsland,
Fairview, Acadia, and surrounding South Calgary neighbourhoods.
Our approach is hands-on, movement-based, and deeply personalized—with a proven track
record of helping patients overcome sciatic pain.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment Today
Don’t wait for sciatic pain to control your life. Let’s work together to calm the nerve, restore
your mobility, and get you back to the activities you love.
Bibliography
Ellis, R. F., & Hing, W. A. (2008). Neural mobilization: A systematic review of
randomized controlled trials with an analysis of therapeutic efficacy. Journal of Manual
& Manipulative Therapy, 16(1), 8–22. https://doi.org/10.1179/106698108790818540
Genevay, S., & Atlas, S. J. (2010). Lumbar spinal stenosis. Best Practice & Research
Clinical Rheumatology, 24(2), 253–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2009.11.001
Long, A., Donelson, R., & Fung, T. (2004). Does it matter which exercise? A randomized
control trial of exercise for low back pain. Spine, 29(23), 2593–2602.
Peul, W. C., van Houwelingen, H. C., van den Hout, W. B., Brand, R., Eekhof, J. A. H.,
Tans, J. T. J., Thomeer, R. T. W. M., & Koes, B. W. (2007). Surgery versus prolonged
conservative treatment for sciatica. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(22),
2245–2256. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa064039
Staff, N. P., Engelstad, J., Klein, C. J., & Spinner, R. J. (2020). Sciatic neuropathy. In A.
A. Gilman, L. J. Beinenson, & J. Biller (Eds.), MedLink Neurology. Retrieved from
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