Sciatica is a sensation of leg pain, weakness, numbness or tingling that originates from a sciatic nerve. The two sciatic nerves each run from the lower back through the hip and buttock and down the back of the leg. They control many of the muscles in the lower legs, as well as feeling in parts of the thighs, legs and feet.

Sciatica is the result of compression or other damage to one or both sciatic nerves. The many causes of sciatica include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, muscle spasms, pregnancy, physical trauma and impaired circulation.

The pain that accompanies sciatica can range from mild to excruciating. In severe cases, patients have described the pain as being similar to that of an electric shock. Milder forms can often be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or cold and heat treatments. However, some cases require professional medical care such as prescription medications, physical therapy, injection therapy or surgery.