Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

What provinces does MedLetter serve?

MedLetter serves patients in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA, CPSBC, and CPSO respectively, providing medical documents to patients within their jurisdictions.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

Sick Note for Sciatica and Severe Back Pain: Work Absence Guide

Sciatica affects your ability to sit, stand, drive, and lift. Here's how to get proper documentation for back pain-related work absences.

## Sciatica and Work: When Pain Makes Working Impossible Sciatica — pain radiating from the lower back down through the buttock and leg — is one of the most common reasons for work absence in Canada. When severe, it can make sitting, standing, walking, and driving impossible. ### How Sciatica Affects Different Jobs | Job Type | Impact | |----------|--------| | Office/desk work | Cannot sit for extended periods | | Driving (delivery, trucking) | Cannot sit; pain medication impairs driving | | Warehouse/labour | Cannot lift, bend, or stand | | Retail | Cannot stand for extended periods | | Healthcare | Cannot assist patients, lift, or stand | | Construction | Cannot perform any physical tasks | ### How Long Does Sciatica Keep You Off Work? - **Mild episode:** 2-5 days with rest and anti-inflammatories - **Moderate episode:** 1-2 weeks - **Severe/disc herniation:** 2-6 weeks (may require surgery) - **Post-surgical recovery:** 4-12 weeks depending on procedure ### When You Need Documentation You'll need a sick note if: - You miss more than 2-3 consecutive shifts - You cannot safely drive to work - You're on pain medication that impairs your ability to work - You need modified duties upon return (no lifting, sit/stand options) - Your employer requires documentation for any absence ### Workplace Accommodation for Chronic Back Pain If you have recurring sciatica, you may need a workplace accommodation letter for: - Ergonomic workstation (standing desk, lumbar support) - Modified duties (no lifting over X kg) - Flexible scheduling for physiotherapy appointments - Work-from-home options during flare-ups - Gradual return-to-work plan ### Getting Documentation MedLetter provides documentation for sciatica-related absences: 1. Describe your symptoms, their severity, and how they affect your specific job 2. Note any diagnosis you've received (disc herniation, spinal stenosis, etc.) 3. A licensed physician reviews your submission 4. Receive documentation when clinically appropriate ### When to Seek Emergency Care Visit an ER immediately if you experience: - Loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome — surgical emergency) - Progressive weakness in both legs - Numbness in the groin/saddle area - Severe pain not responding to any medication **Important:** MedLetter provides documentation for work absences only. If you are experiencing emergency symptoms, please visit your nearest emergency room immediately. [Get Your Documentation →](/get-started/sick_note)