Sciatica Relief in Calgary
Sciatica is a painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often showing up as discomfort radiating from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. It can make standing, walking, or even sitting difficult, interfering with daily life and work. At Memorial Drive Chiropractic and Massage in Calgary, we offer natural, drug-free approaches that aim to support comfort and mobility.
What Sciatica Really Means
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body—becomes irritated or compressed. This nerve runs from the lower spine through the hips and down each leg. Common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging spinal discs
- Spinal misalignments that place pressure on the nerve
- Muscle tightness in the lower back or buttocks (piriformis syndrome)
- Degenerative disc disease or spinal arthritis
- Pregnancy-related changes in posture and alignment
Sciatica symptoms may include sharp or burning pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs and feet. Ignoring these signals can cause the condition to worsen and limit mobility over time.
Your First Visit
To best treat your sciatic pain, it’s important to determine where and why the nerve is being irritated. Your first appointment includes an in-depth assessment, which may involve:
- A detailed health history review
- Posture, range of motion, and strength testing
- Gait or movement analysis
We use INSiGHT™ scans to provide additional information about your spine and nervous system. These non-invasive scans may help guide care recommendations based on your assessment and lifestyle.
If red flags are detected—such as severe neurological weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other serious symptoms—we’ll refer you to the appropriate medical provider and coordinate care as needed.
Exploring Chiropractic Options for Sciatica
Chiropractic adjustments are designed to improve spinal alignment, which may help relieve pressure contributing to sciatic discomfort. In addition to adjustments, care may include stretches, posture advice, ergonomic changes, and at-home strategies to support long-term healing.
Our focus is on lasting improvement rather than short-term relief. Appointments typically last 15-20 minutes and are designed to be gentle and comfortable. Initially, sessions may be more frequent to address your pain quickly, then decrease as improvement is noted.
Some patients report noticing changes within a few visits, while others choose ongoing care to support their comfort.
Patient Success Story: Trusting the Healing Process: Overcoming Sciatica
Dr Wagemakers describes a patient journey that left an impression on him.
Every so often, a patient’s experience reminds us why many people seek chiropractic care.
A mom came into our office limping and uncomfortable, with pain travelling down her leg from persistent sciatica that had been building over several months. She had already tried stretching, medication, and physiotherapy, but nothing was providing the relief she hoped for. She was tired and feeling discouraged.
During her initial visit, we talked about how chiropractic care focuses on supporting the body’s natural ability to function well rather than masking discomfort. I compared the process to exercise, where progress often comes with time and consistency. It also seemed clear that her body was under stress and that her nervous system may have been having difficulty settling into a restful state.
After her first adjustment, she did not feel a noticeable change. Fortunately, we had already discussed how progress can vary from person to person, and she felt comfortable continuing her recommended plan. I will admit, as her chiropractor, I hoped she would stay committed long enough to see how her body responded.
Then, two visits before her re-evaluation, she walked into the office smiling. She moved with ease, hopped up on the table and said, “My sciatic discomfort isn’t here today.” She told me she could sit again, play with her kids, and move more comfortably than she had in months.
Moments like that remind me how important it is to honour the body’s capacity to adapt when the nervous system is functioning well and supported. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and staying consistent can make a meaningful difference.
Natural Options for Needed Relief
Living with sciatica can be exhausting, but seeking chiropractic care is a natural option for support. Contact Memorial Drive Chiropractic and Massage or book online to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward improved function.
