CONDITION
Sciatica
(Pinched Nerve in the Lower Back)
Sciatica is a painful condition that happens when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other spinal changes. The pain usually radiates from the lower back into the buttock, hip, or down the leg, and may be sharp, burning, or accompanied by numbness and tingling. For many, even simple movements like sitting, standing, or walking can feel overwhelming and draining. At Silver Pain Centre, our physicians provide OHIP-covered consultations and advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help patients find lasting relief from sciatica and related nerve pain.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body — which runs from the lower spine through the hips, buttocks, and legs. When compressed, it can cause:
Shooting or burning pain down one leg
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or bending
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Why Does Sciatica Occur?
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body — becomes compressed or irritated. This nerve runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg, which is why the pain often radiates all the way to the calf or foot. The underlying reasons vary, but they all place pressure or strain on the nerve roots in the spine.
Common causes include:
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Disc Herniation: When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it can press directly on the sciatic nerve root, triggering sharp or burning pain that shoots down the leg.
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Spinal Stenosis: The spinal canal can narrow with age or arthritis, reducing space for the nerves and leading to chronic nerve compression.
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Degenerative Disc Disease: Natural wear and tear over time weakens the discs’ ability to cushion the spine, leaving nerves more vulnerable to irritation.
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Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra can slip out of place, pinching the sciatic nerve and causing persistent lower back and leg pain.
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Muscle Imbalances or Poor Posture: Tight hip flexors, weak core muscles, or years of sitting can overload the spine, placing extra strain on the nerve.
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Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause sudden disc damage or muscle strain that inflames the sciatic pathway.
Living with sciatica isn’t just about back pain — it can affect how you walk, sleep, work, and even enjoy daily activities. Understanding what’s causing the nerve irritation is the first step toward lasting relief.
How We Diagnose & Treat at Silver Pain Centre
At Silver Pain Centre, our focus is not just on relieving pain but on restoring function and helping you get your life back. Every patient begins with a thorough assessment, including a physical exam and diagnostic imaging if needed. This helps us pinpoint the exact cause of nerve irritation so we can create a customized treatment plan.
Image-guided nerve blocks: Injections that deliver targeted relief by calming inflamed nerves.
Epidural steroid injections: Reduce swelling around the sciatic nerve roots and provide weeks to months of relief.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Safely disrupts overactive pain signals in the nerves for longer-lasting results.
Medication optimization: Adjusting or tapering medications to maximize relief while minimizing side effects.
Neuromodulation (spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulation): For persistent cases, electrical stimulation is used to reprogram pain pathways and provide consistent relief without heavy medication.
When to Seek Help & How We Can Support You
Mild sciatic pain can sometimes improve with rest and simple home care, but if your pain shoots down your leg, causes persistent tingling, numbness, or weakness, or keeps you from walking or sleeping, it’s time to seek specialized care. Left untreated, chronic sciatica can lead to long-term nerve damage, ongoing mobility problems, and reduced quality of life.
At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations designed to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we make a difference:
Collaborative Care
Fast Access
Advanced Diagnostics
Our North York facility uses ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and when needed, MRI to pinpoint the exact cause of sciatic nerve irritation.
Non-Surgical Options
We provide targeted treatments for sciatic nerve pain, including epidural injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and nerve stimulation, all without surgery.
Interventional pain procedures performed to date
Years of specialized pain management experience
%
Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys
Image-guided injections performed monthly
Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions
Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.
Book A Consultation By Completing A Self-Referral Today!
If you’re living with ongoing sciatic nerve pain, don’t wait. Our team of physicians and pain specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation, in person or virtually.