Sciatica is the symptom of the condition of the sciatic nerve, namely the inflammation of the sciatic nerve. If the sciatic nerve becomes compressed within the spinal canal or the sciatic nerve fibers are injured, lower back and leg pain result.

Sciatica is identified with pain and or weakness located in the lower back and down the back of the thigh and leg. It may also be located in the foot and cause numbness or pain. This pain maybe be of a mild nature as a aches, sharp pain or it may be intense sensations of pins and needles along the sciatic nerve path in the lower back or leg areas.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It receives messages from the brain about movements for the legs and sends back sensory information to the brain.

The sciatic nerve begins in the lumbar spinal region and exits in the buttock or lower back area. The large sciatic nerve travels down the buttock to the foot through the back of the thigh and leg.

Sciatica must be diagnosed by a medical professional. Compression of the nerve in the spinal area is a serious condition that cannot be taken lightly.

If sciatica is caused by a mild injury, it can resolve itself within a few days time. Pain that lasts longer must be diagnosed by a medical exam.

In rare instances, a loss of bladder or bowel control may accompany sciatica. If these conditions are present, medical advice must be sought immediately.

Resources:
http://mayoclinic.com/health/s ciatica/DS00516
http://orthopedics.about.com

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