Sciatica is not a disease in itself, but a very uncomfortable symptom of many problems that affect the spine, pelvis, and hips. It is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the toes.
People with sciatica often experience pain that radiates through the buttocks and back of the legs. The cause may be an injury to the pelvis or hips or direct pressure on the sciatic nerve – where the pain originates can be determined.
The pain can be mild or so severe that a person has difficulty standing, sitting, or even sleeping. There are many treatments for sciatica, including stretching to help relieve pain.
Overview
The sciatic nerve is a nerve that originates in the lower back on both sides of the spine. It runs through the buttocks and into the hips before branching off each leg.
This nerve is the longest nerve in the body and supplies sensation to the outside of the leg and foot.
Sciatica is not an injury or a disease in itself. Instead, it’s a symptom of a number of problems that can cause nerve pain in the buttock, back of the leg, ankle, or foot.
Some sciatica sufferers describe the pain as shooting, sharp, and burning. They may feel weak in the affected leg, and the pain may worsen with sudden movements such as coughing.