Core Physical Therapy
Back Pain & Sciatica in Evansville
Eliminate Back Pain & Sciatica in Evansville – Fast, Lasting Relief Starts Now!
Struggling with sharp back pain, radiating nerve discomfort, or relentless stiffness? Don’t wait for it to get worse—these symptoms often signal underlying spinal issues that can escalate into serious, long-term conditions.
At Core Physical Therapy in Evansville, our expert team identifies the root cause of your pain and delivers targeted, hands-on treatment to restore mobility and eliminate discomfort. Our proven, personalized approach ensures you get the fastest, most effective relief possible.
What’s Causing Your Back & Nerve Pain?
Your spine is a complex system of discs, joints, and nerves—when even one component is out of balance, pain and dysfunction can occur. Herniated or bulging discs happen when gel-like material leaks through protective rings, pressing on nerves. This often causes radiating pain, numbness, and weakness, with treatment options including physical therapy, decompression, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Sciatic nerve compression occurs when the nerve running from the lower spine down the legs becomes pinched or irritated, leading to sharp, shooting pain, tingling, or numbness. Targeted stretching, nerve gliding exercises, and therapy help relieve this pressure. Facet joint dysfunction results from stiffness or inflammation in the small joints linking the vertebrae, causing localized pain, restricted movement, and difficulty twisting or bending. Treatment typically includes physical therapy, posture correction, and in some cases, injections.
Muscular trigger points are tight, spasming muscle bands that lead to localized pain, stiffness, and tension radiating to surrounding areas. Techniques like massage therapy, trigger point release, and mobility drills help restore movement and relieve discomfort. Since every case of back and nerve pain is unique, our specialists conduct comprehensive evaluations to pinpoint all contributing factors. This allows us to create a personalized recovery plan that targets the root cause of your pain—helping you achieve lasting relief.
Comprehensive Evaluations – Precision Diagnosis for Faster Relief
Before jumping into treatment, we perform a detailed assessment to ensure every aspect of your condition is properly addressed:
- Range of Motion Testing – Identify movement limitations that signal deeper issues.
- Nerve Tension Tests – Detect compression or irritation affecting nerve pathways.
- Postural & Gait Analysis – Discover hidden misalignments that cause pain.
- Advanced Imaging Review – Examine spinal health and disc integrity when necessary.
Once we’ve identified exactly what’s causing your pain, we develop a personalized treatment plan designed for maximum, long-term relief.
Cutting-Edge Treatment That Delivers Results
At Core Physical Therapy, we integrate advanced therapy techniques to correct spinal imbalances, strengthen weak areas, and prevent future pain recurrences. Your individualized treatment may include:
- Physical Therapy: Expert-led exercises to stabilize the spine, increase mobility, and eliminate nerve pressure.
- Manual Therapy & Massage: Hands-on techniques to release muscle knots, break up scar tissue, and restore function.
- Lifestyle & Ergonomic Coaching: Proven strategies to reduce strain, improve posture, and prevent re-injury.
Patients often experience noticeable pain reduction within just a few sessions—with continued improvements in flexibility, strength, and overall function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain & Sciatica in Evansville
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive leg weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia), or severe pain after trauma. See a physical therapist within days if you have pain lasting more than 2 weeks without improvement, radiating pain below the knee, numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, or pain that worsens despite rest. At Core Physical Therapy in Evansville, we perform comprehensive evaluations including neurological testing to determine if your back pain requires conservative treatment, imaging, or specialist referral.
Can physical therapy fix a herniated disc without surgery?
Yes. Research shows that 90% of herniated disc cases resolve with conservative treatment, and physical therapy is equally effective as surgery for most patients. At Core Physical Therapy, we use McKenzie Method protocols, core stabilization exercises, manual therapy, and nerve mobilization techniques that reduce disc pressure, alleviate nerve compression, and restore function—typically within 6-12 weeks. Even when surgery is eventually needed, pre-surgical physical therapy improves outcomes and speeds post-operative recovery.
What’s the difference between sciatica and regular back pain?
Regular back pain stays localized in your lower back, buttocks, or upper thighs. Sciatica is radiating nerve pain that travels down your leg, often past the knee and into your foot, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Sciatica indicates nerve compression (often from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome) while regular back pain typically stems from muscle strain, joint dysfunction, or disc issues without nerve involvement. At Core Physical Therapy in Evansville, we use specific tests like the Straight Leg Raise to differentiate sciatic nerve pain from muscular back pain and create appropriate treatment.
How long does it take for sciatica to go away with physical therapy?
Mild sciatica often improves within 2-4 weeks of targeted physical therapy. Moderate cases typically resolve in 6-8 weeks, while severe sciatica from herniated discs or spinal stenosis may require 8-12 weeks. Without treatment, sciatica can persist for months or become chronic. At Core Physical Therapy, we use nerve gliding exercises, spinal decompression techniques, and targeted strengthening that address the root cause—most patients notice significant pain reduction within the first 2-3 weeks of treatment.
Why does my back hurt worse in the morning?
Morning back pain and stiffness occur because discs rehydrate overnight (absorbing fluid while you sleep), creating pressure and inflammation. Poor sleeping positions, weak core muscles, and degenerative disc disease amplify morning symptoms. Arthritis and facet joint inflammation also worsen with prolonged immobility. At Core Physical Therapy in Evansville, we identify the specific cause of your morning pain and provide sleep positioning strategies, gentle morning mobility routines, and targeted exercises that reduce overnight inflammation and morning stiffness.
Can sitting too much cause sciatica?
Yes. Prolonged sitting increases disc pressure by 40-90%, compresses the sciatic nerve, weakens core and gluteal muscles, and tightens hip flexors and piriformis muscles—all contributing to sciatica development. Desk workers, truck drivers, and people with sedentary lifestyles have significantly higher sciatica rates. At Core Physical Therapy, we teach proper sitting ergonomics, provide desk setup modifications, and create exercise programs that counteract sitting-related muscle imbalances and nerve compression causing your sciatica.
Your Life Doesn’t Have to Revolve Around Back Pain – We Can Help
Chronic back and nerve pain doesn’t have to be your reality. Left untreated, these conditions often worsen, leading to permanent damage or surgery. But with the right care, you can regain mobility, eliminate pain, and reclaim your active lifestyle.
Don’t wait for the pain to control your life. Call Core Physical Therapy in Evansville to book your in-depth assessment today. Spots are limited—act now!
Daniel Vogel
Abigail Farnsworth