When to Seek Medical Care

Call your doctor if any of the following conditions occur:

• The pain is not improving after several days or seems to be getting worse.
  
  
• You are younger than 20 or older than 55 years and are having sciatica for the first time.
  
  
• You presently have cancer or have a history of cancer.
  
  
• You have lost a large amount of weight recently or have unexplained chills and fever with back pain.
  
  
• You are HIV positive, or you use IV drugs.
  
  
• You continue to have trouble bending forward after more than a week or two.
  
  
• You notice weakness is getting more pronounced over time.

You should go to a hospital's emergency department if any of the following occur along with sciatica.

• The pain is unbearable, despite trying first aid methods as described in the home care section.
  
  
• The pain follows a violent injury, such as a fall from a ladder or an automobile crash.
  
  
• The pain is in the back of your chest.
  
  
• You are unable to move or feel your legs or feet.
  
  
• You lose control of your bowels or bladder or have numbness in your genitals.
  
  
• You have a high temperature (over 101°F).

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