Sciatica is a condition that causes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. The pain can vary widely, from a mild tingling, dull ache, or burning sensation to a sharp, burning pain that feels like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when coughing or sneezing or sitting for a long time. 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. Some people also have numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot. One part of the leg can be in pain, while another part can feel numb.

In summary, sciatica pain can vary widely, from a mild tingling, dull ache, or burning sensation to a sharp, burning pain that feels like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when coughing or sneezing or sitting for a long time. 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, and some people also have numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot.