Sciatica (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
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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