What Sciatica is Not
Many people in my Ottawa massage therapy practice use the term “sciatica” to describe any pain in the lower back, hip, glute or pain that travels down the thigh and into the leg—but most of the time, this pain is actually muscular. In fact, there is a muscle that is referred to as the pseudo sciatic muscle, because it very closely mimics sciatic nerve pain. Over the span of my career, I have encountered true sciatica just twice. I’ve had it myself (both actual and pseudo) and understand first hand how debilitating either one can be.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body—which runs from the lower back down through the hips and into each leg. True sciatica is a nerve-related condition, not just general pain in the lower back or glutes.
It typically presents as radiating pain that travels down one leg and may be accompanied by burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. This is because the nerve itself is involved, not just the surrounding muscles.
When to Seek Help
If your pain is sharp, radiating down the leg, or accompanied by numbness or weakness, it’s important to have it properly assessed. What feels like “sciatica” may not actually be nerve-related—and the right treatment approach depends on understanding the true source of your pain.
My Approach:
The first step is the assessment to locate the source of your pain—is it true sciatica, or pseudo? The treatment flow is as follows:
- Detailed assessment of your posture, habits, and what affects your pain—the assessment includes your first hands-on treatment of the relevant areas
- The Rehab Treatment Plan is the next appointment, ideally within 7-10 days of the assessment. After learning how your body responded to the previous treatment I will prescribe 1or 2 targeted exercises that will support you between sessions (hands on treatment is also a part of this appointment)
- On your third visit, you should be feeling some positive gains. I will observe you doing your exercises and make corrections where necessary
- We will check-in constantly on whether or not it is time to space appointments further apart and let the exercises take over
Most of my clients will experience some degree of relief after the first treatment. This is usually short-lived, because the body is eager to revert to the old pattern—but it does provide encouragement to know that the pain your are experiencing is not permanent.
Most people will require 2-4 treatments before they can manage things from home with the exercises prescribed—but every case is different. If you have been in pain for a long time, it will take longer.
Less than 10 minutes/day.
No—but I do recommend continuing the exercises for several weeks to months after your pain has resolved. This allows your body to build the strength needed to maintain a pain-free state.
This type of pain can return if the underlying weakness isn’t fully addressed, so staying consistent—even after the pain is gone—is key.