Sciatica

The sciatic nerve branches off into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs giving feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg.  

What Causes Sciatica?

Majority of sciatic pain is found in men and is caused by sitting on a wallet. Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or agonizing discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or an electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It’s likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze.Sciatica is really a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve.