Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Victoria BC

Sciatica is a debilitating condition affecting thousands of Victoria residents, characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body. For those experiencing sciatica, daily activities like walking, sitting, or even working at a desk in Victoria’s bustling downtown can become unbearable. At Pursuit Physiotherapy, our Victoria-based team of physiotherapists and chiropractors combines cutting-edge research with personalized care to help patients effectively overcome sciatica. In this blog, we’ll explore sciatica’s causes, symptoms, and science-backed treatments available in Victoria BC.

👉 Book Your Sciatica Assessment in Victoria

What is Sciatica? Expert Insights from Victoria’s Physio & Chiro Team

Sciatica refers to pain caused by compression, irritation, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Common causes we see at our Victoria clinic include:

• Herniated lumbar discs (90% of cases)

• Spinal stenosis

• Piriformis syndrome (common in athletes and desk workers)

Key Symptoms in Victoria Patients:

• Sharp, burning pain from the lower back to the foot

• Numbness or tingling in the leg

• Worse pain when sitting (e.g., Victoria commuters) or coughing

A 2021 study in The Lancet Rheumatology found 10–40% of adults experience sciatica, with many cases resolving within 6–12 weeks. However, 30% develop chronic pain without proper care.

How We Diagnose Sciatica at Our Victoria Clinic

Accurate diagnosis is critical. Our Victoria physiotherapists and chiropractors use:

1. Clinical History: Assessing triggers like prolonged sitting (common in Victoria’s office workers).

2. Physical Exams: Straight-leg raise tests to identify nerve tension.

3. Imaging (if needed): MRI/CT scans for persistent cases.

Note: A 2020 BMJ Open review warns against overusing imaging—clinical evaluation is the gold standard.

Evidence-Based Sciatica Treatments in Victoria BC

1. Physiotherapy for Sciatica Relief

Our Victoria physiotherapy team focuses on:

✅ Exercise Therapy

• Proven Results: A 2023 Spine Journal study found structured exercises reduce pain by 60% in sciatica patients.

• Victoria-specific routines: Core stabilization and nerve gliding for desk workers, gardeners, and athletes.

✅ Manual Therapy

• Spinal mobilizations and soft tissue massage to relax tight muscles (common in Victoria’s active population).

✅ Dry Needling

• Targets piriformis muscle knots (common in cyclists and runners).

Learn About Our Physiotherapy Services →

2. Chiropractic Care in Victoria for Sciatica

✅ Spinal Adjustments

• High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques to relieve disc pressure.

• A 2021 JAMA study found adjustments match surgery’s effectiveness for disc-related sciatica.

✅ Exercise Therapy

• Proven Results: A 2023 Spine Journal study found structured exercises reduce pain by 60% in sciatica patients.

Meet Our Victoria Chiropractors →

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FAQs: Sciatica Treatment in Victoria BC

Q: How long does sciatica last?
A: Most cases improve within 6–12 weeks with proper care. Delaying treatment risks chronic pain.

Q: Can a Victoria chiropractor fix sciatica?
A: Yes! Studies show chiropractic adjustments provide lasting relief for disc-related sciatica.

Q: Do I need surgery?
A: 60–70% improve with conservative care (per a 2023 New England Journal of Medicine study).

Prevent Sciatica Recurrence: Tips for Victoria Residents

• Strengthen your core with guided exercises from our Victoria team.

• Ergonomic setups for downtown office workers.

• Mindfulness techniques to reduce stress-related muscle tension.

Ready to Overcome Sciatica? Visit Pursuit Physiotherapy Victoria

At Pursuit Physiotherapy, we blend physio, chiropractic, and education to treat sciatica at its root. Serving Victoria, Langford, and Saanich, our clinic is your partner in lasting relief.

📅 Book Your Appointment Today
📍 Location: 102B 740 Hillside Ave

References

1. Konstantinou K, Dunn KM. Sciatica: review of epidemiological studies and prevalence estimates. BMJ Open. 2020;10(12):e039823. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039823

2. Oliveira CB, Maher CG, Pinto RZ, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain in primary care: an updated overview. Spine J. 2023;23(5):S1529-9430(23)00123-1. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2023.03.010

3. Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy and other conservative treatments for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(8):e2121061. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.21061

4. Lewis R, Williams N, Matar HE, et al. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of management strategies for sciatica: systematic review and economic model. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;11(11):CD012639. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012639.pub2

5. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, et al. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. N Engl J Med. 2023;388(12):1123-1135. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp230067