When should I get emergency help for sciatica?

You should get emergency medical attention if:

• you have sciatica symptoms on both sides

• the weakness or numbness in both legs is severe or getting worse

• you feel numb around or under your genitals, or bottom (anus)

• you have loss of bowel or bladder control

• severe pain stops you from doing your normal activities and lasts for a few hours

• you get sudden severe pain, numbness or any other sciatica symptoms immediately after an accident, fall or injury