Sciatica is a very common and painful condition affecting three million Americans annually. It is characterized as pain originating in the spine and radiating down the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down the leg. Though the sciatic nerve runs down both legs, sciatica usually impacts just one leg.

A herniated disc, spinal bone spur, and spinal stenosis can all lead to sciatica. These root causes result in compression or pressing on the nerve, which leads to pain in the sciatic nerve.

The pain can range from a dull ache and numbing or tingling in the area to sharp, burning pain that disrupts a patient's quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain radiating from the spine and down one leg
• Limited mobility or pain with motion
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Sensation of "pins and needles"