Pain that travels
Symptoms may extend beyond the back into the buttock, leg or foot.
Serving Oxford at our Shelton office
Sciatica Treatment
Near Oxford, CT
Prepare for an evaluation of radiating leg pain, tingling or numbness. At your first visit in Shelton, Dr. Dalfino will review your symptoms and discuss which treatment options may fit your findings.
Understand the condition
Follow the pattern of your leg pain
Where the pain starts, how far it travels and whether you notice numbness or tingling give the examination a starting point.
Changes in sensation
Pins and needles or numbness can accompany the pain.
A change in function
Tell your clinician about weakness, a dragging foot or activities you can no longer do.
Your evaluation
Map the path of your leg symptoms
Start at the first place you feel discomfort and trace where it travels. Mark any areas of tingling or numbness separately and note whether symptoms reach your foot. Compare what happens while driving with what happens when you get out of the car and walk. If you already have an MRI report or have tried treatment, bring that information so it can be reviewed alongside the exam.
Already have a recommendation? Explore a second opinion →Your care options
A plan based on your findings
At the Shelton office, Dr. Dalfino reviews how sitting and walking affect your symptoms before discussing whether decompression or further evaluation makes sense.
When symptoms should not wait
New difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness needs emergency medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine office appointment. New or worsening weakness also deserves prompt medical attention.
Questions before your Shelton visit
A little more clarity.
Is all leg pain sciatica?
No. Similar symptoms can have different causes. An examination helps determine whether the lower back is involved and whether another evaluation is needed.
Do I need an MRI before I come in?
Not necessarily. Bring an existing report if you have one. Imaging decisions depend on your history, examination, symptoms and whether the result would change the next step.
How long will recovery take?
There is no single timeline. Some episodes improve over weeks; others last longer. Your response and any changes in strength or sensation help guide reassessment.
Can spinal decompression be considered for sciatica?
It may be considered for selected patients when disc-related findings and examination support it. Sciatica does not automatically make you a candidate. Our DRX9000 treatment guide explains candidacy and the visit; your evaluation determines whether it fits your case.
Before your appointment
Exploring spinal decompression for sciatica?
Start with the treatment guide, including candidacy, what to bring, appointment length and cost questions. Your consultation and examination determine whether the services offered at our Shelton office are appropriate.
Patient education sources
General educational resources. These organizations do not endorse this center or its treatments. Individual recommendations require an examination.
Directions
Getting to our Shelton office from Oxford
Coming from Oxford? Our Shelton office is about a 25-minute drive from central Oxford. Use the directions below to check the drive from your address before you head out.
Get directions from Oxford to the Shelton office
