Sciatica

The sciatic nerves are the largest nerves in the body, almost ¾’ wide. They supply sensation and motor control to your buttocks, hips and legs. Starting in the lower spine, they pass behind the hip joint, and go down the buttock and back of the leg to the foot.

Nerve inflammation or compression of nerves in your lower back or your buttock can cause sciatica. Pain often radiates down the buttock or leg. It can range from a tingling, burning, pins-and-needles feeling to excruciating, shooting pain. Coughing, sneezing and sitting may make the pain worse. Your leg or foot may be numb or weak and have odd sensations in it.

Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the body, although low back pain often comes with it. Sciatica tends to recur, therefore it’s important to take special care to avoid injuring your back.