Chiropractor for low back pain & sciatica
Sore back, or pain running down your leg? Dr. Ling finds what's causing it and treats it, starting at your first visit. No referral needed.
Does this sound like you?
- Low back pain after lifting, bending, or a long day sitting
- Pain, numbness or tingling into the buttock or down the leg (sciatica)
- Stiff in the morning, or sore getting up from a chair
- Back pain that keeps coming back
- Hip or mid-back pain that won't settle
What's usually causing it
Most back pain is mechanical: an irritated joint, strained or overworked muscles, or a disc irritating a nerve. That last one is what usually causes sciatica. These problems are common, they respond well to hands-on care and exercise, and most don't need an X-ray or MRI to get started.
See a doctor or go to emergency right away if you have numbness in the groin or inner thighs, new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, weakness in your legs that's getting worse, or back pain with fever, after a major fall or crash, or with a history of cancer.
How Dr. Ling treats it
- Assessment (30 minutes). Your history, movement tests and nerve checks to find where the pain is coming from, a clear explanation, and your first treatment.
- Hands-on treatment. Adjustments when they're right for you, plus soft tissue therapy (MRT and ART) on the muscles involved.
- Exercises that fit your pain. Simple movements to ease disc and sciatic pain, and endurance work like the side plank to keep your back strong.
- Keep it from coming back. A look at how you sit, lift and work, and a back brace for heavy work if it helps.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on what's causing your pain and how long you've had it. After your assessment, Dr. Ling gives you a plan with an expected number of visits, then re-checks your progress along the way. Follow-up visits are 15 minutes, so they fit around work.
Cost and coverage
- Extended health: most plans cover chiropractic and are billed directly. Insurance & billing
- Car accident? ICBC covers your care at $0 to you. ICBC care
- Hurt at work? WorkSafeBC is billed directly at Marpole and Hartwell (Ontario St). WorkSafeBC care
- Fees vary by clinic and are shown when you book online.
"Dr. Ling helped me treat both my dislocated finger and the lower back pain I've been having for the last few years… Highly recommend if you want a chiro who gets things done."
Wesley King, Google review
Common questions
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Often, yes. When sciatica comes from an irritated disc or tight muscles around the nerve, specific movements, soft tissue work and adjustments can ease the pressure. If your leg is getting weaker or numbness is spreading, Dr. Ling will refer you for a medical opinion.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?
Usually not. Most back pain can be assessed and treated without imaging. If something in your exam needs a closer look, Dr. Ling will refer you.
Should I rest or keep moving?
Keep moving gently. Short walks and normal activity within comfort usually help more than bed rest. Avoid the movements that make the leg pain worse until you're assessed.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can book directly with Dr. Ling.
Book an assessment
Choose the clinic closest to you. Online booking shows Dr. Ling's live availability.
Marpole Chiropractic
8289 Granville St (at 66th Ave), Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z6
Free street parking nearby.
Hartwell Therapy, Ontario St
8205 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC
Book with Dr. Ling through Hartwell's online booking.
Ironwood Chiropractic
165-11720 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC
Ironwood books its own appointments. Visit their site or call the clinic.
Dr. Ling's hours change week to week at each clinic. Online booking always shows his real availability. Can't find a time? Call and we'll try to fit you in, or join the wait list when you book.