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Back & Spine

Back Pain And Sciatica

One of the most common reasons people seek treatment — and one of the most treatable. Here’s what’s happening, why, and how physiotherapy helps.

  • 5 min read
  • Reviewed by our physiotherapy team
Back pain affects most of us at some point. The good news is that the large majority of cases respond well to conservative, hands-on care.

What is back pain & sciatica?

Back pain is any discomfort felt across the lower, middle, or upper back — from a dull, nagging ache to a sharp, limiting pain. It’s incredibly common, and most cases improve with the right conservative care.

Sciatica is a specific type of pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. When it’s pinched, pain can radiate well beyond the back itself.

Common symptoms

Back pain and sciatica feel different from person to person. You might notice one or several of these:

  • A dull ache or sharp pain in the lower back, often worse when sitting, bending, or lifting
  • Pain that radiates from the buttock down the back of one leg (classic sciatica)
  • Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling in the leg or foot
  • Muscle weakness in the affected leg
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion, especially first thing in the morning
  • Pain that flares with prolonged standing or certain movements
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the hip and down each leg — which is why a problem in the spine can be felt all the way to the foot.
  • When to seek care promptly

Loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive leg weakness, or numbness around the groin are rare but signal a medical emergency — seek immediate care rather than waiting for an appointment.

What causes it?

Most back pain and sciatica come down to how the spine, discs, muscles, and nerves are loaded and moved over time. Common causes include:

  • Herniated or bulging disc — disc material pressing on a nearby nerve root
  • Muscle or ligament strain — from lifting, twisting, or a sudden awkward movement
  • Poor posture & prolonged sitting — sustained load on the lower back
  • Degenerative changes — disc wear or arthritis of the spine with age
  • Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves
  • Weak core & back muscles — less support for the spine during daily activity

How physiotherapy helps

The large majority of back pain and sciatica improves without surgery or injections. After a thorough assessment to find the real source of your pain, your physiotherapist builds a plan that typically blends a few of these:

  • Manual therapy to mobilize stiff joints and ease nerve tension
  • Targeted exercise to strengthen the core and back and restore movement
  • Soft tissue & dry needling to release tight, guarded muscles
  • Education & posture coaching to prevent the pain from returning

Care is hands-on, evidence-based, and paced to your recovery. In Saskatchewan you can see a physiotherapist directly — no doctor’s referral is required to get started.

A typical session blends manual therapy, guided exercise, and education — tailored to what your assessment reveals.

  • The takeaway

Back pain and sciatica are common and highly treatable. Early, conservative physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain, restore movement, and keep it from coming back.

Sources & further reading

Trusted, evidence-based resources to learn more about back pain and sciatica.

HealthLink BC — Low Back Pain & Sciatica

Plain-language overview of symptoms, self-care and when to seek help, from BC's public health service.

Canadian Physiotherapy Association

National body for physiotherapy in Canada — patient resources and guidance on what physiotherapy can treat.

Mayo Clinic — Sciatica

Detailed clinical reference on sciatica's causes, risk factors, and treatment options.

NHS — Sciatica

Concise guide on recognizing sciatica, self-help measures, and warning signs to act on.

Choosing Wisely Canada — Low Back Pain

Evidence-based advice on why most back pain doesn't need imaging or surgery, and what helps instead.

This article is for general education only and isn’t a substitute for individual medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your specific situation.

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