Sciatica has a way of taking over your day. One minute you’re managing a dull ache in your lower back, and the next you’re dealing with sharp, shooting pain that runs down your leg, making it hard to sit, stand, or sleep comfortably. While mild sciatica can sometimes improve with rest and conservative care, persistent or worsening symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
Miranda Reed Cleaver, DO, and our team at Cleaver Medical Group Interventional Pain in Cumming, Dahlonega, and Dawsonville, Georgia, are here to tell you that if you’ve been trying to “wait it out,” the following five clear signs may mean it’s time to see a specialist — and get targeted relief.
Occasional discomfort is one thing, but sciatica pain that intensifies or doesn’t improve over time is a red flag. Consider our team of experts if:
Severe or worsening pain may indicate nerve compression that needs professional evaluation.
Sciatica that lingers for weeks (or keeps returning) often means there’s an underlying issue that hasn’t been addressed. Persistent sciatica may be linked to:
We help you identify the cause through imaging and develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Sciatica isn’t just about pain. When your sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, it can affect sensation and muscle strength. Watch for symptoms like:
These symptoms suggest nerve involvement and should be evaluated promptly to prevent long-term damage.
When sciatica starts controlling how you move (or how you sleep), it’s time to seek help. Signs include:
Chronic pain can affect your mental health, energy, and overall quality of life. You deserve relief that allows you to function normally again.
If you’ve tried rest, stretching, heat, ice, or basic physical therapy without improvement, we can offer additional options. Our team may recommend:
Seeing a specialist doesn’t mean jumping straight to surgery. It means getting expert guidance and more precise treatment options.
In the end, sciatica doesn’t have to control your life. If your pain is severe, persistent, or affecting your mobility, don’t wait — call us at 770-872-6179 to schedule an appointment with our team today.