Sciatic pain can feel sharp, burning, tingling, or aching as it travels from the lower back down through the leg. It happens when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. For some people, the pain is mild and temporary, while for others it can interfere with walking, sitting, sleeping, or daily activities.
The good news is that many cases of sciatica improve with time, gentle movement, and healthy lifestyle habits.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower spine through the hips and down each leg.
Sciatica usually affects one side of the body and may cause:
- Lower back pain
- Pain down the buttock or leg
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Burning sensations
- Pain that worsens when sitting
Common Causes of Sciatic Pain
Sciatica can be linked to:
- Herniated discs
- Poor posture
- Muscle tightness
- Spinal narrowing
- Long periods of sitting
- Heavy lifting
- Injury or inflammation
