Sciatica Treatment Ottawa: What Sciatica Is and What Causes It

Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock, leg, and sometimes the foot. Many people seeking sciatica treatment in Ottawa experience symptoms that interfere with work, mobility, and daily activities. Understanding what sciatica is and what causes it can help you recognise symptoms early and seek appropriate care.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself, but a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, originating in the lower spine and travelling through the hips and down each leg.

When this nerve becomes irritated, it can produce pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along its pathway. Sciatic pain typically affects one side of the body, though symptoms can vary in intensity and duration.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the lower back or leg

• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

• Muscle weakness in the affected leg

Early sciatica treatment in Ottawa can help reduce symptoms and prevent worsening nerve irritation.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when something places pressure on or irritates the sciatic nerve. Several conditions can contribute to this compression, often related to spinal or postural issues.

Common causes include:

• Disc herniation or bulge, where disc material presses on the nerve

• Spinal joint dysfunction, reducing normal movement in the lower back

• Muscle tension, particularly in the lower back or hip muscles

• Degenerative changes in the spine due to ageing

• Poor posture or prolonged sitting, especially with inadequate support

In many cases, sciatica develops gradually due to repetitive strain, reduced spinal mobility, or prolonged poor movement patterns.

Why Sciatica Can Persist

Sciatic symptoms may improve temporarily with rest, but without addressing the underlying cause, pain often returns. Continued pressure on the sciatic nerve can lead to ongoing irritation, making symptoms more frequent or severe over time.

Delaying sciatica treatment in Ottawa may increase recovery time, especially if nerve compression becomes chronic.

Sciatica Treatment Ottawa: Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic care may play a role in sciatica treatment in Ottawa by addressing spinal alignment, joint mobility, and muscular tension that contribute to nerve irritation. Chiropractors assess the lower spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles to identify movement restrictions or mechanical stress.

Care may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and guided exercises aimed at improving mobility and reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Education on posture, ergonomics, and activity modification is often included to help support long-term spinal health.