RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsSciatica
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Arrange GP or physiotherapy review if the pain is not improving after a few weeks, is getting worse or prevents normal activities.
- Seek urgent advice today for new or increasing leg weakness, fever with back pain, or pain that becomes severe very quickly.
- Get review sooner for unexplained weight loss, persistent night pain, or symptoms after an injury. Use the emergency advice below for bladder, bowel or groin changes.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- New numbness around the genitals, buttocks or back passage, or a loss of feeling when wiping.
- New difficulty starting a pee, being unable to pee, or losing control of pee or poo.
- Pain, numbness or weakness affecting both legs, especially if it is severe or getting worse.
- New changes in sexual sensation or function together with back or leg symptoms.
- Back pain after a serious accident, or back pain with chest pain.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
