In this condition, the patient experiences lower back pain radiating through the lower half of the body affecting the buttocks and the legs. Persistent sciatica may eventually cause debilitation and wasting of leg muscles as well as profound weakness.

The sciatic nerve runs from the spinal column towards the hip joint and moves from the buttocks down to the back of your leg, ending right at the foot. The one thing that differentiates sciatica from other kinds of back pain is the fact that though this pain begins from the back, it travels to the lower extremities and reflects through the buttocks as well. The pain ranges from the mild and annoying to persistent, unbearable and debilitating. Some people may experience both pain and numbness in their legs due to sciatica.

Alternative Names

There are some alternative names to sciatica. It is also called sciatic nerve and sciatic nerve dysfunction.