Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica most often happens when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots.

Context Explanation

This happens "upstream" from the sciatic nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause pain and often numbness down a leg. Self-care measures might help.

Insight Material

The sciatic nerve is the confluence of nerve roots from the lower back. The sciatic nerve extends from the buttocks down each leg. The disk herniates and bulges into the spinal canal, compressing one or more of the nerve roots which form the sciatic nerve and sending pain down the lower limb. Usually, sciatica is intensely painful for about a week or two, and then starts to get progressively better. About 90 percent of patients are successfully treated without needing surgery.

Final Conclusion

If you suspect a nerve injury, or something serious, see a doctor. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a blood clot, seek emergency care. One idea -- see if using a tennis ball (or another firm ball) as a roller on your butt helps. The piriformis muscle crosses the sciatic nerve there and can lead to localized or referring pain. Sciatica typically refers to pain from irritation of one of the spinal nerves in your low back. Although the source of the irritation is in your back, you feel the pain of sciatica along the affected nerve where it is located in your leg after it exits the spine, typically in the buttock and leg.

Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body. A large wallet can tilt your pelvis and compress your sciatic nerve. This nerve is the largest in your body, branching from the lower back through your hips, buttocks and down each leg. Compressing it causes pain or numbness while sitting or driving.