Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.

Sciatica is pain due to problems with your sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body. When the nerve gets pinched or damaged, it can cause pain along the nerve’s pathway, which begins in your lower back and travels down each leg. Sciatica can result from lifting something heavy, a sports injury, or being in an automobile accident.

It may occur after experiencing a ruptured intervertebral disc, narrowing of your spinal canal, a pelvic fracture, or a bone spur. Sometimes the cause of sciatica isn’t known. Factors that increase your risk of developing sciatica include obesity, older age, carrying heavy loads, diabetes, and prolonged sitting.