Conditions → Back & Spine → Sciatica
SCIATICA TREATMENT IN WILMINGTON, DE
PHYSICAL THERAPY IN WILMINGTON, DE
Radiating leg pain, numbness, or tingling? Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica — and at The Back Clinic, we specialize in identifying and treating the source.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the hip and buttock, and down the back of the leg. It typically affects one side and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation or even electric-shock-like pain.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg that worsens with sitting
- Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Sharp pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk
- Pain that radiates from the low back down through the calf
Sciatica is not a diagnosis — it’s a symptom. The underlying cause is usually compression or irritation of a nerve root in the lumbar spine. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or degenerative disc disease.
Sciatica can develop gradually from repetitive strain or appear suddenly after a specific injury or movement. While some episodes resolve on their own within a few weeks, persistent or recurring sciatica often requires targeted treatment to address the underlying cause and prevent it from worsening over time.
Sciatica vs. Low Back Pain
While sciatica and low back pain often occur together, they’re not the same thing. Low back pain stays localized to the spine and surrounding muscles. Sciatica specifically involves nerve irritation that sends pain, numbness, or weakness into the leg.
This distinction matters because the treatment approach is different. Sciatica treatment focuses on reducing nerve compression and inflammation while restoring normal movement patterns — not just addressing muscle tightness or joint stiffness.
Many patients with sciatica assume the problem is in their leg, when the source is actually in their lower back. A thorough evaluation can identify the exact location and cause of the nerve irritation, which is essential for choosing the right treatment strategy and avoiding exercises that could make symptoms worse.
How We Treat Sciatica
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to determine where and why the nerve is being compressed. We assess your movement, reflexes, strength, and sensation to pinpoint the source.
Your individualized treatment plan may include:
- Directional preference exercises — specific movements that centralize and reduce radiating symptoms
- manual therapy — joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to improve spinal mobility
- Nerve gliding techniques — gentle exercises that help the sciatic nerve move freely through surrounding tissues
- Core stabilization — strengthening the deep muscles that support and protect the lumbar spine
- Lumbar traction — decompression to create space and reduce pressure on irritated nerve roots
- dry needling — targeting trigger points in the piriformis, glutes, and lumbar muscles that may be contributing to nerve irritation
Every session is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist who understands the specific mechanics of nerve-related pain. We adjust your treatment as your symptoms change — what works in the acute phase is different from what helps in recovery.
Most patients begin to notice improvement within the first few weeks of consistent treatment. Our goal is not just to reduce your current pain, but to correct the underlying issue so sciatica doesn’t keep coming back. We’ll also provide a home exercise program tailored to your specific condition so you can continue making progress between visits.
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No referral needed. Most insurance accepted including Medicare.
Or call: 302-995-2100