Q: If I have sciatica do I need surgery?

A: If your sciatica is persisting for 2-3 month then you are possibly a surgical candidate. If it is causing progressive muscle weakness you would be a surgical candidate even sooner. If you have any bowel or bladder incontinence or both legs are “giving way” then a more urgent surgical consultation is required. However, 90% of people with sciatica will improve with conservative care.