Sciatica is a symptom of a medical problem, not a medical condition by itself. It refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg, controlling the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg, and providing sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated (or bulging) disk in the spine that presses on the sciatic nerve. Other causes of pressure on the sciatic nerve include spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pelvic injury or fracture, tumors, and spondylolisthesis. Risk factors for sciatica include improper spine mechanics, such as improper lifting and sitting.

Symptoms of sciatica can include pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg, which can be mild to severe and can affect the lower back, hips, buttocks, or legs. The pain can be described as burning or like an electric shock. Sciatica pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but its especially likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttock and the back of a thigh and calf. Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body.

Complications of sciatica can develop if the pressure on the nerve is not relieved. These complications may include increased pain, a slipped or herniated disc, loss of feeling or weakness in the affected leg, loss of bowel or bladder function, and permanent nerve damage.

Mild sciatica usually goes away over time, and most people with sciatica get better on their own with time and self-care treatments. However, severe cases may need surgery. If you experience sciatica symptoms, its important to call your healthcare provider if self-care measures dont ease symptoms, pain lasts longer than a week, is severe or gets worse, you lose feeling in your affected leg, or notice weakness in your leg, or you develop problems with your bowels or bladder.