If you’re dealing with back pain, especially pain that travels into your glute or down your leg, you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common reasons people in Oakville search for physiotherapy.
At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Oakville, we often hear questions like:
“Is this just back pain or is it sciatica?”
“Why does my pain go into my leg when I sit?”
“Do I need an MRI before physio?”
Back pain and sciatica are related, but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference matters, because the right treatment depends on it.
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain usually refers to pain that stays mostly in the lower back. It may feel:
- Achy, stiff, or tight
- Worse after prolonged sitting or standing
- Better with movement or changing positions
Common causes include:
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Joint irritation in the spine
- Prolonged sitting or poor movement habits
- Repetitive bending or lifting
In Oakville, we commonly see this in people who:
- Sit for long hours at a desk
- Commute or drive frequently
- Are active on weekends but sedentary during the week
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Unlike general back pain, sciatica often:
- Travels into the glute, thigh, or lower leg
- Feels sharp, burning, or electric
- Is worse with sitting, driving, or bending forward
- May be associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Common underlying causes include:
- Disc bulge or herniation
- Nerve sensitivity or compression
- Reduced spinal or hip mobility
Not everyone with leg pain has true sciatica, which is why proper assessment matters.
Back Pain vs Sciatica:
Key Differences
| Back Pain | Sciatica |
| Pain stays in low back | Pain travels into glute or leg |
| Dull or stiff | Sharp, burning, or shooting |
| Often better with movement | Often worse with sitting |
| Usually muscular or joint-related | Involves nerve irritation |
Many people have a combination of both, which is why self-diagnosing can be confusing.
Why Sitting and Driving Make Back Pain Worse
Prolonged sitting, whether at a desk, in meetings, or during long commutes, places sustained load on the spine and hips. Over time, this can:
- Increase disc pressure
- Reduce spinal movement
- Increase nerve sensitivity
That’s why many Oakville patients notice symptoms:
- During workdays
- On long drives
- After sitting through children’s sports practices or events
Physiotherapy focuses on addressing these contributors, not just the pain itself.
How Physiotherapy Helps Back Pain and Sciatica
At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, physiotherapy is not just stretching or massage. Treatment is based on finding the cause of your symptoms and addressing it.
Physiotherapy may include:
- A thorough assessment of your spine and hips
- Targeted exercises to improve mobility and strength
- Nerve mobility work when appropriate
- Education on sitting, driving, and daily movement strategies
- Gradual return to activity and sport
Most people do not need imaging before starting physiotherapy. In many cases, symptoms improve with the right movement and loading approach.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
You should consider booking a physiotherapy assessment if:
- Pain has lasted more than a few days
- Pain travels into your leg or glute
- Sitting or driving significantly worsens symptoms
- You’ve tried rest but symptoms keep returning
- Back pain is limiting work, sleep, or activity
Early assessment often leads to faster recovery and fewer flare-ups.
Back Pain and Sciatica Treatment in Oakville
At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, we work with:
- Desk workers and professionals
- Active adults and recreational athletes
- Runners and golfers
- Youth and adult sport families
Our approach focuses on helping you move better, feel stronger, and get back to what you enjoy, not just short-term pain relief.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment in Oakville
If you’re dealing with back pain or sciatica and aren’t sure what’s going on, physiotherapy can help clarify the cause and guide recovery.
Book an assessment at Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Oakville to get a clear plan tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is back pain the same as sciatica?
No. Back pain usually stays in the lower back and feels stiff or achy, while sciatica involves irritation of the sciatic nerve and often causes pain that travels into the glute or leg.
Why does my back pain go into my leg when I sit?
Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the spine and can irritate spinal nerves, causing pain to travel into the glute or leg. This is common with desk work and driving.
Do I need an MRI before starting physiotherapy?
Most people do not. Many cases of back pain and sciatica improve with physiotherapy without imaging. A physiotherapist can assess whether further investigation is needed.
