What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerves are the largest diameter and longest nerves in the body, starting from the lumbar region of the spine (lower back) and branching into subdivisions that reach all the way down to the toes, providing motor and sensory function to the lower extremities.  Sciatica is the term used to describe pain or abnormal sensation anywhere along the sciatic nerve.   The condition may feel like a sharp, shooting pain that goes from one area to another (such as from buttock to back of thigh); pins and needles, numbness, or a burning pain down the leg and is usually accompanied by leg muscle weakness.

The sciatic nerve originates as individual nerve roots exiting both sides of the lumbar spine and sacrum, named L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 which converge into the sciatic nerve as they make their way down to the legs.

Although most cases of sciatica are unilateral (affecting one leg only), it is quite possible to have bilateral (both legs) sciatica.

NEXT:  Causes of Sciatica