Back Pain & Sciatica in Corpus Christi

Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment in Corpus Christi & Kingsville, TX

Expert lower back pain relief and sciatica treatment in South Texas. Doctorate-level physical therapists specializing in lumbar spine rehabilitation and lasting pain relief.

Expert Lower Back Pain Treatment You Can Trust

Do you wake up with nagging back pain? Are you experiencing aching pain in your back, buttock, or thigh? Are you afraid to move because you might hurt your back again? You’re not alone—and more importantly, you don’t have to live with this pain.

At Avila Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating lower back pain and sciatica without relying on harmful medications or invasive procedures. Our doctorate-level physical therapists have helped hundreds of patients across Corpus Christi and Kingsville overcome chronic back pain and return to their active lifestyles.

Understanding Back Pain vs. Sciatica: Expert Diagnosis Matters

While back pain and sciatica are often confused, they require different treatment approaches. Our experienced team provides accurate diagnosis to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain (lumbar pain) is localized to the upper, mid, or lower back region. This pain can be:

• Acute: Short-term pain lasting days to weeks, often from injury or strain
• Chronic: Long-term pain persisting for three months or longer
• Mechanical: Related to movement, posture, or structural issues
• Inflammatory: Associated with tissue damage or underlying conditions

Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)

Sciatica is a specific condition affecting the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in your body. This nerve runs from your lower back down through your buttocks and legs to your feet. Sciatica symptoms include:

• Radiating pain from lower back through buttock and leg
• Shooting, burning, or stinging sensations
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens with sitting or coughing

What Causes Lower Back Pain and Sciatica?

Dr. Zach Martin, PT, DPT, our lead physical therapist, has extensive experience treating the root causes of back pain and sciatica:

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain:

• Poor posture from prolonged sitting or standing
• Repetitive strain from daily activities (lifting, bending, twisting)
• Motor vehicle accidents and traumatic injuries
• Herniated or bulging discs compressing nerve roots
• Degenerative disc disease from age-related wear
• Muscle imbalances and core weakness
• Arthritis and joint inflammation
• Spinal stenosis and structural abnormalities

Sciatica Triggers:

• Hip and pelvic tightness altering spinal mechanics
• Piriformis syndrome compressing the sciatic nerve
• Herniated discs putting pressure on nerve roots
• Bone spurs irritating the sciatic nerve
• Spinal stenosis narrowing nerve pathways
• Muscle imbalances affecting spine alignment

How Physical Therapy Relieves Back Pain and Sciatica

At Avila Physical Therapy, we don’t just mask your symptoms—we address the underlying causes of your pain. Our evidence-based approach has earned us over 250 five-star reviews and a perfect 5-star Google rating.

Phase 1: Immediate Pain Relief

Our initial treatment focuses on rapid pain reduction through:

• Manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility
• Targeted stretching to relieve muscle tension
• Dry needling (NAIOMT-certified) for trigger point release
• Modalities like heat, ice, and electrical stimulation
• Gentle movement exercises to prevent stiffness

Phase 2: Strength and Stability

As pain decreases, we focus on long-term recovery:

• Core strengthening exercises to support your spine
• Flexibility training to improve range of motion
• Postural correction techniques and ergonomic education
• Movement re-education to prevent future injuries
• Functional training for daily activities and work demands

Phase 3: Prevention and Maintenance

Our comprehensive approach ensures lasting results:

• Home exercise programs for continued improvement
• Ergonomic assessments for workplace modifications
• Lifestyle modifications to prevent re-injury
• Education on proper body mechanics and spine care

Specialized Sciatica Treatment in Corpus Christi & Kingsville

For patients with sciatica, Dr. Martin implements specialized techniques:

Sciatic Nerve Mobilization

• Specific leg stretches to free the sciatic nerve
• Neural gliding exercises to improve nerve mobility
• Hip flexor stretching to reduce nerve compression
• Piriformis releases to eliminate muscle-nerve conflict

Advanced Manual Therapy

• Spinal mobilization to improve joint movement
• Soft tissue mobilization to reduce muscle tension
• Myofascial release for fascial restrictions
• Joint manipulation when appropriate

Conditions We Successfully Treat

Our expert team has successfully treated patients throughout the Coastal Bend area for:

Lower Back Conditions:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Acute lumbar strain
• Herniated and bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet joint syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Post-surgical rehabilitation

Sciatica and Nerve-Related Pain:

• Lumbar radiculopathy
• Piriformis syndrome
• Pinched nerves
• Numbness and tingling
• Leg weakness
• Foot drop
• Chronic nerve pain

Related Conditions:

• Hip pain and dysfunction
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Postural syndrome
• Work-related injuries
• Motor vehicle accident injuries
• Sports-related back injuries

Why Choose Avila Physical Therapy for Back Pain Treatment?

Proven Expertise

• Dr. Zach Martin, PT, DPT with specialized orthopedic training
• Evidence-based treatments backed by current research
• NAIOMT-certified dry needling for comprehensive care
• Specialized training from top Texas rehabilitation centers

Outstanding Results

• Perfect 5-star Google rating from satisfied patients
• Over 250 five-star reviews across all platforms
• Comprehensive approach addressing root causes, not just symptoms
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs

Convenient Care

• Two locations serving Corpus Christi and Kingsville
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate your lifestyle
• Insurance accepted with transparent pricing
• Same-day appointments often available for urgent needs

How to Relieve Back Pain: Expert Tips

While professional treatment is essential for lasting relief, these strategies can help manage your pain:

Immediate Relief Techniques:

• Ice therapy for acute injuries (first 48 hours)
• Heat therapy for muscle tension and chronic pain
• Gentle walking to prevent stiffness
• Proper positioning when sitting and sleeping
• Avoid bed rest beyond 1-2 days

Daily Management:

• Maintain good posture throughout the day
• Take frequent breaks from prolonged sitting
• Use proper lifting techniques (bend your knees, not your back)
• Sleep with pillow support between or under your knees
• Stay active with gentle, pain-free movements

Remember: While these tips can provide temporary relief, professional evaluation and treatment are essential for addressing the root cause of your pain.

How to Stretch for Lower Back Pain: Safe Techniques

Important: These stretches should be pain-free. Stop immediately if you experience increased pain or radiating symptoms.

Essential Lower Back Stretches:

1. Knee-to-Chest Stretch

• Lie on your back, bring one knee toward your chest
• Hold for 20-30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times each leg
• Helps relieve lower back tension

2. Cat-Cow Stretch

• Start on hands and knees
• Arch your back (cow), then round it (cat)
• Repeat 10-15 times slowly
• Improves spinal mobility

3. Child’s Pose

• Kneel and sit back on your heels
• Reach arms forward, lower your head
• Hold for 30-60 seconds
• Gentle stretch for the entire spine

4. Piriformis Stretch (for Sciatica)

• Lie on your back, cross affected leg over opposite thigh
• Pull thigh toward chest
• Hold 20-30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times
• Helps relieve sciatic nerve compression

For a complete stretching program tailored to your specific condition, schedule an evaluation with our expert team.

Contact Avila Physical Therapy Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain & Sciatica

How long does it take to recover from lower back pain? Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity of your condition. Acute back pain often improves within 2-6 weeks with proper treatment, while chronic conditions may require 6-12 weeks of consistent therapy for optimal results.

Can physical therapy help chronic back pain? Absolutely. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic back pain, addressing underlying muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, and movement patterns that contribute to ongoing pain.

What’s the difference between a pinched nerve and sciatica? Sciatica is a specific type of pinched nerve affecting the sciatic nerve. While any nerve can be “pinched,” sciatica specifically involves the large nerve that runs from your lower back down your leg.

Should I rest or stay active with back pain? Modern research shows that gentle activity is better than bed rest for most back pain conditions. However, the type and intensity of activity should be guided by a physical therapist to avoid further injury.

How can I prevent back pain from returning? Prevention involves maintaining good posture, staying physically active, strengthening your core muscles, using proper lifting techniques, and addressing any underlying muscle imbalances or movement problems.

Is surgery necessary for herniated discs? Most herniated discs respond well to conservative treatment including physical therapy. Surgery is typically only considered when conservative treatment fails and there are significant neurological symptoms.

Can stress cause back pain? Yes, psychological stress can contribute to muscle tension and pain. Our comprehensive approach addresses both physical and lifestyle factors that may contribute to your back pain.

How do I know if my back pain is serious? Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: loss of bowel or bladder control, severe leg weakness, numbness in the groin area, or progressively worsening neurological symptoms.

Avila Physical Therapy is committed to providing exceptional back pain and sciatica treatment to the Corpus Christi and Kingsville communities. Our evidence-based treatments, expert care, and patient-centered approach have earned us over 250 five-star reviews and recognition as a leading physical therapy practice in South Texas.

Take the first step toward lasting back pain relief. Schedule your comprehensive evaluation today.