Disc Issues, Sciatica & Nerve Pain Relief in Whistler

If you're dealing with sharp pain down the leg, nerve symptoms like tingling or numbness, or a stubborn low back that flares when you sit, stand, or bend—you’re in the right place.

At Mend Health Co in Whistler, we get to the root of what’s driving your pain so you can get back to moving confidently.

Is This You?

  • Pain that radiates from the low back into the glutes, hamstrings, or leg

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in one limb

  • Sharp or shooting pain with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting

  • Flare-ups after ski days, long bike rides, or heavy lifting

  • Trouble getting comfortable when sleeping or driving

    If any of that sounds familiar, let’s take a closer look.

Why Disc and Nerve Pain Lingers

Your spine is designed to move—but when a disc bulges, compresses a nerve, or the surrounding tissues become inflamed, it can create pain that sticks around far longer than expected.

Disc issues don’t just affect the low back. They often create downstream (or upstream) compensation patterns in the hips, pelvis, and core—making everyday movements feel awkward, weak, or painful. The key to long-term relief is treating more than just the symptoms.

Common Causes We See in Clinic

Disc & Nerve Mechanics

  • Lumbar disc bulge or herniation

  • Nerve root irritation or compression

  • SI joint dysfunction or instability

  • Pelvic asymmetry or sacral torsion

Functional & Lifestyle Factors

  • Core inhibition → poor spinal support

  • Glute weakness or psoas tension → compensation

  • Cycling, skiing, or snowboarding in a rigid posture

  • Past injuries, falls, or overuse from repetitive motion

  • Long bouts of sitting or driving with poor mechanics

How We Assess Disc & Nerve Pain

No generic protocols here. Your session starts with a thorough functional and neurological screen so we can treat what’s actually causing the issue.

What we may assess:

  • Range of motion in the lumbar spine, hips, and pelvis

  • Glute, psoas, and core activation

  • Palpation of QL, multifidi, and deep stabilizers

  • SI joint mechanics and sacral mobility

  • Neurological screen (reflexes, dermatomes, SLR test)

  • Functional movement or posture assessment

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s contributing to your pain—and how we plan to help.

How Our Integrative Approach Helps

We combine orthopedic acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and targeted manual therapy to calm the nerve, restore mobility, and get you back to moving freely.

Depending on your presentation, your session may include:

  • Electroacupuncture – Improves circulation to the spine, calms nerve irritation, and reduces inflammation.

  • Motor Point Acupuncture – Activates inhibited glutes, deep stabilizers, or spinal muscles that are key to recovery.

  • Dry Needling – Releases tight bands and compensatory tension in muscles like the QL, piriformis, or psoas.

  • Distal Acupuncture – Regulates the nervous system or supports healing when the back is too aggravated for local work.

  • Manual Therapy / Cupping / Gua Sha – Frees up fascia, decompresses the spine, and restores glide.

We tailor every session based on what your body tells us—no guesswork, no cookie-cutter protocols.

5 At-Home Tips for Disc & Nerve Relief

1. 90/90 Breathing
Helps calm spinal tension and encourages core activation.
→ Lie on your back with feet up on a chair or couch, knees and hips at 90°. Exhale fully through pursed lips, then breathe into the sides of your ribs. Repeat for 1–2 minutes.

2. Seated Nerve Flossing
Gentle sciatic nerve glide to improve mobility and reduce sensitivity.
→ Sit tall in a chair with one leg extended, toes pointed up. Slowly lift your chin as you flex your foot (toes toward you), then drop your chin as you point your toes. Repeat for 10–15 slow, controlled reps per side—staying within a comfortable range.

3. Glute Bridge with Exhale
Reinforces posterior chain and core coordination.
→ Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Exhale fully, engage your glutes, and lift your hips. Keep ribs down and avoid arching the low back. Lower slowly and repeat for 10 reps.

4. Standing Cat-Cow
Mobilizes the lumbar spine without pressure.
→ With your hands on a counter or sturdy surface, gently alternate between arching and rounding your lower back. Focus on slow, fluid movement for 1–2 minutes.

5. Short Walks, Often
Movement is key.
→ Aim for 5–10 minutes of gentle walking every hour to reduce stiffness and encourage circulation. Even small bursts of movement can support nerve health and recovery.

!! When Acupuncture Isn’t Your First Step

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

  • Sudden weakness or inability to move a limb

  • Progressive numbness or severe neurological symptoms

Once you’ve been cleared, we’re here to help guide your recovery.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms or a medical emergency, please seek appropriate medical attention.

Ready to Move Past the Pain?

If you’ve been told to “just live with it,” we’re here to offer something better. Let’s create a plan that supports real healing—so you can get back to the life you want.


Serving Whistler, Pemberton & the Sea to Sky Corridor.