The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and is formed by the union of 5 nerve roots from the lower spine. It runs down into the leg and controls the leg muscles.

Sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain in the leg that is caused by irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica originates in the lower back, radiates deep into the buttock, and travels down the leg.

This may cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness in the leg which originates from nerve root impingement in the lower back. Nerve impingement is most often caused by a herniated disk or bone spur in the spine presses on the nerve/ spinal stenosis.