Sciatica pain can start in the lower back and radiate down the leg. It may come and go or stay constant, and it can get in the way of work, exercise, and sleep. At Merivale Chiropractic & Massage Clinic in Ottawa, we treat sciatica as a symptom with several possible causes, not a one-size diagnosis.
This guide covers common causes, when to get assessed, and the conservative options we use after a proper exam. For a shorter overview of how we approach assessment, see our sciatica concern page.
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower lumbar spine, passes through the buttock, and travels down the leg. Sciatica describes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along that pathway, usually on one side.
Common symptoms include:
- Lower back or buttock pain that shoots into the leg
- Tingling or numbness in the leg, calf, or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or forward bending
- Weakness that makes walking or standing harder
If you are unsure whether your pain fits this pattern, an assessment is the safest next step.
Common causes
Sciatica is a symptom. The underlying source matters for treatment:
- Disc irritation or herniation putting pressure on a nerve root
- Joint restriction in the lower back or pelvis changing how load is shared
- Muscle tightness in the hips and glutes (including piriformis-related irritation)
- Spinal stenosis narrowing space around the nerve
- Daily strain from prolonged sitting, poor workstation setup, repetitive lifting, or sudden spikes in activity
Risk factors include heavy or awkward lifting, long hours at a desk, reduced core and hip strength, and age-related changes in the discs and joints.
When to seek care
Occasional twinges after a hard workout or a day of yard work often settle with relative rest and gentle movement. Book an assessment if pain:
- Keeps returning
- Lasts more than a few days
- Limits walking, sitting, or sleep
- Comes with worsening numbness or weakness
Seek urgent or emergency care for progressive leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area, severe unexplained fever with back pain, or symptoms after significant trauma. Those are medical red flags, not routine clinic issues.
Conservative treatment options
Many people prefer to try conservative care before medication-heavy or surgical routes. After assessment, a plan at Merivale may include one or more of the following.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic adjustments and mobilization aim to improve how the joints of the lower back and pelvis move. For many people with sciatica-type symptoms, better joint mechanics and less surrounding muscle guarding can reduce irritation along the nerve pathway. Care is tailored to findings from the exam, not a fixed protocol.
Spinal traction
Traction-based therapy is a non-surgical option sometimes used for back pain with radiating symptoms. You remain fully clothed on a treatment table while gentle, controlled forces are applied. The goal is to reduce pressure on sensitive structures and improve comfort and mobility when clinically appropriate.
Massage therapy
Registered massage therapy works on the muscles around the irritated nerve. Easing tension in the hips, glutes, and lower back may reduce pressure in the area and make movement more comfortable, especially when soft tissue is a major contributor.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be used for pain management alongside manual therapy. Some patients find it helps them tolerate movement and exercise while the underlying mechanical factors are addressed.
Therapeutic exercise and stretching
Between visits, your practitioner may prescribe home exercises and stretches. Stronger, more flexible supporting muscles tend to cope better with daily load. Consistent home work is often what turns short-term relief into lasting improvement. You can also browse our exercise library for general mobility ideas (your plan should still be individualized).
Ergonomics and prevention
Workstation setup, lifting habits, and sitting posture often keep sciatica coming back. We may review how you sit, stand, and move at work so mechanical strain is less likely to reload the nerve pathway after symptoms settle.
What to expect at Merivale Clinic
A typical first visit includes history, neurological screening (strength, reflexes, sensation), movement testing, and nerve tension tests when indicated. We explain what we find, what we recommend, and when a referral or imaging is the better call.
Care plans can combine chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture under one roof at our West Hunt Club location. New patients can book online or call (613) 226-8142.
Get assessed first
Radiating leg pain has several possible causes, and the right plan depends on finding yours. If sciatica symptoms are wearing you down, book an assessment with our Ottawa team. We will be direct about what fits conservative care and what needs medical follow-up.