Severe pain in the lower back with a stabbing pain going into my butt and down the back of my leg ending in my ankle. when should i seek help?

LUNCH BREAK : Today? Depends on the severity and what have you tried for the pain so far. Likely your sciatic nerve is inflammed. Not only for treatment, but to find out the cause, you should see a doctor.

Now: Sounds like sciatica. This could be very painful, so seek treatment so as not to exacerbate the condition. When i say now, at a doctors office not an emergency room.

ASAP: It could be due to nerve impingement in your back-due to disc herniation or some other impinging source.It could, though, also be due to vertebral dsyf.The latter, while causing as much pain, is much more easily fixed via methods like osteopathic manipulation.Get a good history & phys incl osteopathic hands-on diagnostic exam & other testing, if nec.A proper diagnosis means faster proper treatment.

Yesterday: Sounds like a sciatic nerve problem. Multiple possibilities as to what may be pinching the nerve. See your family physician now.