Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. This nerve runs from your lower back through your hips and legs and down to your feet. When irritated or compressed, it can cause pain that shoots down one side of the body, often called "shooting pain." The pain can be intense, and if left untreated, sciatica can become very debilitating.

If your sciatica symptoms are interfering with your daily life, causing weakness, or are difficult to manage on your own, it may be time to consult a doctor. In many cases, your doctor will recommend seeing a physical therapist to help alleviate the pain and improve your mobility. Physical therapy has proven to be one of the most effective ways to manage sciatica and prevent it from coming back.

However, if you're experiencing more severe symptoms, such as loss of bladder or bowel control or extreme numbness, you should visit an emergency room right away. These signs could indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.

For those dealing with the condition, it can sometimes be hard to know if your symptoms require professional sciatica treatment. Here are three clear indicators that it’s time to see a physical therapist.

1. You developed sciatica after an injury

Mild cases of sciatica often develop gradually and can sometimes resolve independently. However, if your sciatica symptoms appear suddenly following an injury, such as a car accident, sports injury, or a fall, you should seek medical help immediately.

Sciatica caused by trauma is usually more severe because a significant impact has damaged the nerve. In these cases, it’s essential to determine the extent of the injury. Your doctor will assess the situation and may refer you to physical therapy to help you recover.

Whether your doctor suggests medication, rest, or other treatments, physical therapy is almost always part of the healing process for sciatica that resulted from an injury. A physical therapist can help restore function, reduce pain, and prevent further damage to the nerve.

2. Home remedies are not easing your symptoms

For mild sciatica, many people try home remedies before seeking professional treatment. Simple methods like applying heat or ice, using a pillow between your knees while sleeping, or walking can sometimes ease the pain. Reclining in a chair to relieve lower back pressure is another common technique. Light exercise and gentle stretching can also keep your body moving and prevent stiffness.

However, if these home treatments don’t seem to be helping, or if your pain worsens, it may be time to consider seeing a physical therapist. If after a week of trying home remedies, your symptoms have not improved or have gotten worse, seeking professional help is a smart next step.

A physical therapist will be able to guide you through specialized exercises and techniques that target the specific cause of your sciatica. This personalized care can help you regain mobility and manage your pain more effectively than at-home treatments alone.

3. Your sciatica Is worsening over time

Sciatica pain can vary in intensity. Sometimes, it may feel mild, but as the nerve becomes more compressed, the pain often intensifies. If your symptoms are getting worse instead of better, this is a sign that the problem may be progressing and requires medical attention.

Common symptoms of worsening sciatica include more intense shooting pain, numbness, and even the inability to move the affected foot or leg. In some cases, the nerve compression can impact your bladder or bowel control, which is a sign of a serious complication that requires immediate medical intervention.

If you notice that your pain is spreading or getting worse, you should visit your doctor and begin physical therapy. Physical therapy treatments are designed to not only address your current pain but also to prevent further damage and strengthen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve.