Dr. Sylvain Desforges: Osteopath, founder of Tagmed and SOS Sciatica
Dr. Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., is an osteopath and founder of Tagmed. His professional career is marked by multidisciplinary training, long clinical experience and a constant interest in non-surgical, non-invasive and personalized approaches to vertebral pain.
Through SOS Sciatica, its goal is to provide the public with clear, structured and prudent information on sciatic pain, the signs to monitor, possible causes, management options and the role of personalized assessment before choosing a therapeutic approach.
The TagMed Clinic’s Role in the Sciatica’s Approach
The TagMed clinic is at the heart of the approach developed by Dr. Sylvain Desforges. It includes services centered on spinal pain, certain joint pain, muscle pain and sports injuries, depending on the assessment. For pain compatible with sciatica, the goal is to determine whether the patient’s profile corresponds to nerve irritation, disc attack, foraminal stenosis, spinal stenosis or other possible cause.
This distinction is important. Pain that goes down into the leg should not be automatically attributed to a single muscle or to a single blockage. It may be related to irritation of a lumbar nerve root. This is why evaluation, path analysis, functional examination and taking into account neurological signs are essential.
| Element | Role at Tagmed Clinic | Possible application |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized evaluation | Identify the pain profile, aggravating factors and signs to monitor. | Sciatic pain, lumbar pain, irradiation in the leg, numbness. |
| Motorized neurovertebral decompression | non-surgical approach that can be considered in certain mechanical or disc profiles. | Pain compatible with a disc or mechanical compression. |
| osteopathy specific | Adapt interventions to mobility, compensation and patient tolerance. | Stiffness, functional limitation, associated mechanical overload. |
| Precision striker | Instrument assisted intervention, targeted and low amplitude. | Accurate mechanical dysfunction depending on the evaluation. |
Training, diplomas and continuous development
Dr. Sylvain Desforges’ career is distinguished by multidisciplinary training. This diversity allows it to approach spinal and sciatic pain with a structured perspective, integrating anatomy, biomechanics, manual medicine, prevention, pain management and functional analysis.
The following table brings together the main relevant diplomas, certificates and continuing education to understand his professional background. Some courses correspond to university courses, while others are vocational training, online courses, certificates of participation or clinical advanced training.
| Training or diploma | Year | Contribution to the professional career |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma of College Studies in Health Sciences | 1982-1984 | Initial scientific basis in health sciences at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit. |
| Certificate in English as a second language | 1984 | Language training at Concordia University. |
| Bachelor of Human Biology | 1990 | University training in human biology, with double minor in philosophy and English. |
| Undergraduate Doctorate, D.C. | 1990 | In-depth university education in musculoskeletal system sciences. |
| Permits in radiology and associated continuing education | 1991 to today | Mandatory annual training linked to the renewal of the radiology permit of his professional order. |
| Diploma in Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 1996 | Training in nutrition, homeopathy and dietary supplements. |
| Certificate in osteopathy | 2004 | Training in osteopathy and manual medicine. |
| Diploma in Naturopathy | 2004 | additional training in global health approaches. |
| Certificate in therapy at laser — American Society of Laser Therapy | August 2008 | Workshop on soft tissue processing using advanced low energy laser technology. |
| Training in neurovertebral decompression | 2008 | Training accredited by Southern California University of Health Sciences on neurovertebral decompression. |
| Certified Decompression Therapy Practitioner — Kennedy Decompression Technical | December 17, 2008 | 24-hour training in decompression therapy, with examination required, leading to Certified Decompression Therapy Practitioner according to Kennedy Technical Decompression. |
| Radial shockwave Training Essentials — Embodia Academy | September 23, 2019 | Online training on the essential principles of the clinical use of radial shock waves. |
| Impulse Adjusting Technique® Course — Neuromechanical Innovations | February 16, 2020 | Certificate of participation in the Impulse Adjusting Technique® course, with 12 CPD credits. |
| FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine | December 29, 2022 | Online Diploma of the International Federation of Football Association dealing with football medicine and sports-related injuries. |
| Concussion: Prevention, Detection and Management — University of Calgary / Laval University | May 1, 2024 | Uncredited MOOC with a 7-week duration of concussion prevention, detection and management. |
| Unconscious Bias in Medicine — Stanford University School of Medicine | April 17, 2024 | Stanford Medicine Continuing Education on Unconscious Bias in Medicine, credited for 1.00 AMA Pra Category 1 Credit™. |
| Complete Concussions Training Course for Healthcare Practitioners | May 30, 2024 | Certifying complete concussion training for health professionals, on the evaluation and management of concussions. |
| AI Series: Introduction to Healthcare — Stanford University School of Medicine | September 4, 2024 | Stanford Medicine Continuing Education on the Introduction of Artificial Intelligence in Health, credited for 12.00 AMA Pra Category 1 Credits™. |
| Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner — Functional Medicine University | September 21, 2024 | Certification obtained after 208 hours of postgraduate studies in Functional Diagnostic Medicine. |
| Introduction to Healthcare — Stanford Online / Coursera | January 10, 2025 | Uncredited online course authorized by Stanford University and offered by Coursera, on Introduction to Health Care. |
| Evidence Based Practice in Chronic Pain Management — University of Alberta | March 27, 2026 | Chronic pain management course based on evidence, equivalent to 35 hours of training. |
A professional career marked by clinical innovation
Since the beginning of his career, Dr. Sylvain Desforges has been interested in approaches to better understand and take charge of spinal pain. His background includes the foundation and development of clinics, the integration of care technologies, continuous training and participation in various professional projects.
This orientation towards innovation does not replace clinical caution. In the context of sciatica, innovation should always be supervised by evaluation, warning signs, patient tolerance and understanding of the probable cause.
- Development of clinics oriented towards spinal pain and non-surgical care.
- Early integration of neurovertebral decompression in a structured clinical context.
- Participation in projects related to manual medicine, advanced technologies and health innovation.
- Constant interest in continuing education and improvement of care protocols.
- Creation of educational resources to better inform patients about sciatica.
Professional benchmarks and achievements
Dr. Sylvain Desforges’ career includes several stages related to clinical practice, teaching, technology integration and the development of professional projects. These benchmarks make it possible to understand the evolution of his approach and his interest in advanced spinal care.
| Year | Professional landmark | Importance in the course |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Beginning of practice | Beginning of a clinical course oriented towards musculoskeletal disorders. |
| 1992 | Natural Health Care TV Series | First involvement in public education. |
| 2005-2014 | Practice at the TAG clinic in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu | Development of a multidisciplinary clinical approach. |
| 2007 | Integration of advanced technologies | Introduction of new approaches in the clinical setting. |
| 2008 | Expert appointed by the Office des professions du Québec | Participation in the dossier of the regulation of osteopathy. |
| 2010-2016 | Development of franchises and clinics | Expansion of projects related to neurovertebral decompression and advanced care. |
| 2014 | Opening of a clinic in Terrebonne | Development of the clinical presence in Lanaudière and the North Shore. |
| 2019-2023 | Professional collaborations and partnerships | Participation in various clinical and technological projects in health. |
| 2024 | Pulse Align project development | Contribution to initiatives related to health innovation and specialized clinics. |
A clinical approach based on pre-intervention assessment
For Dr Sylvain Desforges, sciatic pain must be understood before being treated. It is not enough to know that pain descends into the leg. It is also necessary to determine where it begins, where it spreads, what aggravates it, which calms it, if it is accompanied by numbness and if the muscle strength is affected.
This logic is at the heart of the SOS Sciatica site. Each page aims to help the reader to better understand his pain profile, without replacing a consultation. The causes, exercises, warning signs and treatment pages are designed to guide thinking and foster a more cautious orientation.
Understand before acting
Identify signs that suggest nervous irritation or mechanical cause before choosing an approach.
Adapt to the patient
Avoid universal recipes and consider tolerance, symptoms and functional limits.
Associations, languages and professional interests
In addition to his clinical activity, Dr. Sylvain Desforges is involved in professional organizations and development projects related to health, education, technologies and clinical innovation.
Associations
Dr. Sylvain Desforges is associated with the ACMA Association, the Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine, as well as with the College of Canadian Osteopaths.
tongue
He works in French and English, which facilitates access to information and support for a diversified clientele.
Innovation and education
His interest in computing, websites, artificial intelligence and public education contributes to the development of resources like SOS Sciatica.
Consult at the Tagmed clinic
The TagMed Clinic offers a personalized assessment of pain compatible with sciatica. The goal is to identify signs that require urgent medical guidance, to understand the mechanical or neurological profile of pain, and to determine whether a non-surgical and non-invasive approach may be relevant.
The typical rate is $140 per consultation or treatment. The services are not covered by the RAMQ, but osteopathy receipts may be provided and are eligible for reimbursement by several private insurance plans according to your contract.
Please note that we do not offer physiotherapy, chiropractic, injection, naturopathic or functional medicine services at the TagMed Clinic. Medical laser and shock waves are not used at the TagMed Clinic for the treatment of back pain or sciatica.
Tagmed Terrebonne Clinic
1150 rue Lévis, Suite 200
Terrebonne, QC, J6W 5S6
Phone: 450-704-4447
Days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Clinic Tagmed Montreal / Mont-Royal
1140 Avenue Beaumont
Mount Royal, QC, H3P 3E5
Phone: 1-877-672-9060
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr Sylvain Desforges and the Tagmed Clinic
What is the link between Dr Sylvain Desforges, SOS Sciatica and the Tagmed Clinic?
Dr. Sylvain Desforges is the founder of the Tagmed Clinic and SOS Sciatica. SOS Sciatica is an information resource intended to better explain sciatic pain, signs to monitor, possible causes and non-surgical options to consider according to the assessment.
What type of patients is visiting at the TagMed Clinic?
The Tagmed clinic receives in particular people with spinal pain, pain compatible with sciatica, joint pain, muscle pain or certain sports injuries, depending on the clinical context.
What is Dr. Sylvain Desforges’ approach to sciatica?
The approach is based on evaluating pain path, aggravating factors, the presence of numbness or weakness, and likely cause. The objective is to avoid generic recommendations and to adapt care to the patient’s profile.
Is neurovertebral decompression always indicated for sciatica?
No. It can be considered in certain profiles, in particular when the symptoms are compatible with a disc origin or mechanical compression. It should always be preceded by an evaluation to verify whether the context is appropriate.
Does the TagMed Clinic provide invasive care?
No. The TagMed Clinic offers non-surgical and non-invasive approaches. It does not offer injections or surgical services.
Does the TAGMED clinic use laser or shock waves for sciatica?
No. Medical laser and shock waves are not used at the TagMed Clinic for the treatment of back pain or sciatica.
Where are the TagMed Clinics located?
The TagMed clinic receives patients in Terrebonne and Montreal / Mont-Royal. The contact details and links to make appointments are provided on this page.
Why is continuing education important in this profile?
Sciatic and vertebral pain can have several causes. Continuing education makes it possible to better integrate the evolution of knowledge, to improve the evaluation and to remain cautious in the face of neurological signs or more complex situations.
Would you like to consult for sciatic pain?
A personalized assessment can help to understand your pain path, spot the signs to monitor, and determine if a non-surgical approach like motorized neurovertebral decompression, specific osteopathy or precision firing pin may be relevant.
Dr Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., Osteopath
Editorial and medical information
Author: Dr Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., Osteopath.
Medical and editorial review: SOS SCIATIC / TAGMED editorial team.
Publication date: October 18, 2022.
Last revision date: August 8, 2024.
information limits
The information provided on this site has an informative and educational purpose only. They do not replace a professional medical consultation. We do not make any diagnosis or offer personalized treatment. In case of serious or worrying symptoms, it is essential to consult a qualified health professional quickly.
Urgent medical consultation
Consult a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following signs: loss of urinary or intestinal control, stool or genital anesthesia, progressive or significant weakness of the limbs, unexplained fever, trauma significant or severe pain that worsens quickly.
Reference sources
Additional resources of the TagMed network
These resources are offered as a complement and are part of the TagMed network. They are not independent scientific evidence.
