Managing Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Long-Term Pain Relief Options

Sciatica is one of the most common and often misunderstood sources of lower back and leg pain, affecting millions each year. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, becomes compressed or irritated, leading to radiating pain that can disrupt mobility, sleep, and quality of life.

At Silver Pain Centre in North York, Toronto, we help patients achieve both short-term relief and long-term healing from sciatica using evidence-based treatments and a multidisciplinary approach. With OHIP-covered consultations, image-guided diagnostics, and custom care plans, we’re equipped to address even the most persistent cases without the wait.

What Causes Sciatica?

It’s important to understand that sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It signals that something is pressing on or inflaming the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from the lower spine through the buttocks and down the back of each leg.

Common causes include:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
• Facet joint arthropathy
• Piriformis syndrome or muscular tension
• Postural imbalances or trauma

At Silver Pain Centre, we use ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided imaging to pinpoint the exact cause, eliminating guesswork and enabling targeted treatment from day one.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The hallmark sign of sciatica is radiating pain down one leg, often starting in the lower back or buttocks. The pain may:

• Feel sharp, burning, or electric
• Travel into the thigh, calf, or even the foot
• Be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Worsen with sitting, bending, coughing, or standing after long periods

If left untreated, chronic sciatica can lead to decreased mobility, muscle imbalances, and even nerve damage. That’s why early diagnosis and intervention are essential.

Is Sciatica Pain Relief Massage Effective?

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is whether sciatica pain relief massage can help. Massage therapy can offer short-term relief from muscular tension and inflammation that may be contributing to nerve compression. When delivered by a therapist trained in nerve-related pain, massage may help:

• Improve circulation
• Release tension in the piriformis and lower back muscles
• Ease pain temporarily

However, massage alone is unlikely to resolve the root cause. At Silver Pain Centre, we often integrate massage as part of a broader treatment plan, alongside medical therapies that address both the nerve and spine.

Long-Term Relief for Sciatica at Silver Pain Centre

We take a comprehensive, multi-step approach to treating sciatica, tailored to your unique condition and goals. Our care model includes:

Advanced Diagnostics

• Ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided imaging
• Precise identification of nerve impingement or structural damage

Targeted Treatment Options

• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint and nerve root blocks
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
• Ketamine or lidocaine infusions for severe cases
• OHIP-covered physiotherapy referrals and exercise planning

Our physicians, surgeons, and pain specialists collaborate on every case, ensuring no detail is missed and every treatment is backed by clinical insight.

Your Role in Long-Term Prevention

At Silver Pain Centre, we don’t just treat symptoms—we help patients build a roadmap for long-term recovery. You’ll receive guidance on:

• Posture correction
• Targeted stretching and mobility routines
• Core and glute strengthening exercises
• Safe movement patterns to avoid re-injury

Whether you’re managing a first flare-up or struggling with chronic nerve pain, we’ll help you reclaim your strength, flexibility, and quality of life.

Sciatica Relief Starts Here

Conveniently located in North York, Silver Pain Centre offers free parking, shorter wait times, and a collaborative team of experts all under one roof. Consultations are covered by OHIP, and both self-referrals and physician referrals are welcome.

Visit Us: 4646 Dufferin Street, Unit #9, Toronto, ON M3H 5S4
Call Today: (416) 512-6407