How to prepare for a video visit about Sciatica (Acute)

Audience: adult

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your legs. Acute sciatica means the pain has started recently and may be sharp or severe. Preparing for a video visit about acute sciatica can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may guide you through simple movements to understand your pain better. Telemedicine can help you discuss your symptoms and get advice on managing pain, but it cannot replace a physical exam or imaging tests if needed. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important, especially if you have sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe worsening pain. This guide will help you prepare your questions, gather your medical information, and understand what to expect during and after your telemedicine visit for acute sciatica.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or numbness in one or both legs — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — requires urgent medical attention.
• Severe worsening pain that does not improve with rest — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to acute sciatica.
• Guiding through basic physical movements to assess nerve function.
• Providing advice on pain management and self-care strategies.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or imaging is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a detailed physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests such as MRI or X-rays.
• Administering injections or other in-person treatments.
• Managing severe neurological deficits or emergencies.

What is Acute Sciatica?

Acute sciatica is a sudden pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in your lower back and runs down each leg. The pain may feel sharp, burning, or like an electric shock. It often affects one side of the body. Causes include a slipped disc, muscle strain, or nerve irritation. Symptoms usually develop quickly and can limit movement.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk to a healthcare provider from home. They can ask about your symptoms, medical history, and how the pain affects you. They may ask you to perform simple movements to check your nerve function. Based on this, they can suggest pain relief options, exercises, or when to get further tests. Telemedicine is convenient but has limits — some exams and imaging require in-person visits.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your appointment:

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Care

Certain symptoms need urgent medical attention:

If you experience these, seek emergency care immediately.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include:

If your symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with stable internet connection for your video visit.
• Prepare a detailed list of your symptoms including onset, location, and triggers.
• Have a list of current medications and any allergies ready.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement during the visit.
• Arrange for a family member or friend to be nearby if you need assistance.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment and self-care advice provided during the visit.
• Take medications as recommended and monitor for side effects.
• Perform any prescribed exercises or stretches carefully.
• Schedule follow-up appointments or tests if advised.
• Watch for any new or worsening symptoms and seek care if red flags appear.

FAQs

What causes acute sciatica?

Acute sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, muscle strain, or nerve irritation. Sometimes, spinal stenosis or injury can also cause sciatica symptoms.

Can I treat sciatica at home?

Many people find relief with rest, gentle stretching, over-the-counter pain relievers, and heat or cold packs. However, if pain is severe or lasts more than a few weeks, see a healthcare provider.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you experience sudden leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe worsening pain, or fever with back pain, seek immediate medical care. Also, if symptoms do not improve with initial treatment, an in-person visit may be needed.

What will the healthcare provider do during a video visit?

They will ask about your symptoms and medical history, observe your movements, and may guide you through simple tests to assess nerve function. They will advise on treatment and whether further tests or in-person care is needed.

Is imaging always needed for sciatica?

Not always. Imaging like MRI is usually reserved for severe cases, symptoms lasting more than a few weeks, or if red flags are present. Your provider will decide based on your symptoms.

Sources

1. Sciatica — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sciatica: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Low Back Pain and Sciatica — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Sciatica: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.