How bad can sciatica get?

Say you're pretty sure you have sciatic pain in your leg, and it's getting worse, and now your muscle strength is being severely compromised. How bad does it have to get before you really need to see a doctor (assuming you have no health insurance and any doctor's visit means you don't eat for a week, and no doctor has ever done anything but prescribe painkillers for sciatica before)? Is there much chance that it could be something else--like, say, a blood clot? What could you do instead of see a doctor? Just stay in bed and let it "heal"?

I had my first back surgery when I was 15. I'm 46. I have had ruptured disc that ruptured into the spinal cord and they operated within 48 hrs to prevent nerve damage. I do have nerve damage due to letting things linger on as you have but not for your reasons. Most docs will recommend pain meds, muscle relaxers and bed rest. But each doc I saw said only stay down for 3 days and no longer. After that, your muscles start to fight you and you have a whole new set of problems. Walking is always recommended. I know that sounds stupid since it is you back and leg that hurts, but walking does a few things. It builds up your muscles that support the disc in you back that is where the problems is coming from and it also releases endorphins that is a natural pain killer. Take Advil 3 times a day for any possible inflammation, down for 3 days and then up walking, slowly at first. They always wanted me doing a mile by the end of a week. Worked for me most of the time.

If your muscular strength is compromised, you're there... mine was bad but I never felt weak. You need treatment......!

Chiropractors have a quackish reputation, but I suggest seeing one of them for at least a consultation, which is usually free. You surely have a bulging disc, which will cause you to fall out of alignment, which is a vicious circle. Even if you require some regular care, chiropractors are fairly cheap compared to other medical procedures like MRIs etc. I would say definitely see one of them first before investigating more invasive treatment. Do a lot of stretches too...