Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica is caused by irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Pain in the buttock or leg that is worse when sitting
• Burning or tingling down the leg
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• A constant pain on one side of the buttock
• A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body.  

Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg.  Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes. For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating.  For others, the pain from sciatica might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Seek immediate medical attention with any symptoms of progressive lower extremity weakness and/or loss of bladder or bowel control.