Back Pain & Sciatica in Vancouver
Back pain can make sitting through work, lifting groceries or getting out for a walk feel uncertain. If symptoms travel into your leg, you may also be wondering whether you have sciatica. At Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab in Vancouver, we start by listening to your experience and the activities you want to return to.
Book a physiotherapy assessment
Understanding back pain and sciatica
Back pain has several possible causes, and a single source is not always identifiable. Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It commonly affects one buttock and leg and may include burning pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Back pain alone does not necessarily mean sciatica.
Symptoms worth assessing
- Back discomfort that limits daily activities
- Pain extending into the buttock or leg
- Recurring stiffness or difficulty bending and lifting
- Tingling, numbness or changes in strength
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care for new bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the genitals or anus, or severe or worsening symptoms in both legs. Back pain after a serious accident, or with chest pain, also needs emergency assessment. Fever, feeling unwell or rapidly worsening pain warrants urgent medical advice.
Your assessment at Cadence
Tell us how your symptoms change with sitting, walking, lifting and sleep. Your assessment may include back and hip movement, strength, and nerve-related checks when indicated. We explain the findings and discuss whether physiotherapy is appropriate or another assessment is needed.
A plan that fits your daily life
A plan may combine education, manageable activity changes, individually selected exercise and hands-on care where appropriate. We can work towards specific tasks such as commuting comfortably, lifting your child or returning to the gym. Your home programme should fit your routine and be adjusted as your capacity changes.
Understand. Practise. Progress.
We explain what we find, agree on meaningful goals and review your response. Bring your questions, your previous treatment experience and the activities you want to get back to.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest until all the pain is gone?
Prolonged bed rest is generally unhelpful. Staying active within your capacity is often part of recovery. We can help you choose an appropriate starting point and adjust activities when symptoms are more irritable.
How will we measure progress?
We agree on practical goals and review changes in function and symptoms. Being able to sit, walk or lift more comfortably can be as useful a marker as a pain score. Recovery varies, so your plan is reviewed rather than tied to a guaranteed number of visits.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Wear clothing that allows comfortable movement. Bring relevant reports or instructions from other clinicians, along with your questions and insurance details if you would like help with direct billing. Coverage depends on your plan.
Book your Vancouver physiotherapy appointment
Find Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab at 706–550 W Broadway, near Broadway & Cambie and Broadway–City Hall station. We welcome people from Fairview, Mount Pleasant, Cambie and surrounding Vancouver neighbourhoods.
Book online or call 604-738-4900. You can also contact the clinic if you are unsure which appointment to choose.
Explore Clinical Pilates or return to conditions we treat.
Further reading: NHS: Sciatica. General information only; individual assessment guides diagnosis and treatment.
