Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body.

The sciatic nerve originates in the lower spine from the L4 through S3 nerve roots, travels through the pelvis and buttock, and runs down the back of each leg to the foot.

When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed anywhere along its path, it can cause symptoms such as:

Radiating leg pain

Tingling or “pins and needles”

Numbness

Weakness in the leg or foot

The exact symptoms often depend on where along the nerve the compression occurs.

Sciatica symptoms typically affect one leg, although both legs may be involved in some cases.

Common symptoms include:

Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down the leg

Sharp, burning, or shooting leg pain

Tingling or “pins and needles” in the leg or foot

Numbness along the nerve pathway

Weakness in the leg or foot

Pain that worsens with sitting or bending

Symptoms that improve with walking or lying down

If you experience severe weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or numbness in the groin region, seek emergency medical care immediately, as these can be signs of a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome.