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Sciatica
 The longest nerve in your body, the sciatic nerve runs from your pelvis through your buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg. It controls many of the muscles in your lower legs and provides feeling to your thighs, legs and feet. The term "sciatica" refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve — from your back into your buttock and leg.
Sciatica isn't a disorder in and of itself. Instead, it's a symptom of another problem involving the nerve, such as a herniated disk. Depending on the cause, the pain of acute sciatica usually goes away on its own in six weeks or so.
Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You may feel the discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it's especially likely to follow a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.
The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It may be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting or walking can also aggravate symptoms. Usually only one lower extremity is affected. In addition to pain, you may also experience: numbness or muscle weakness, tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling.
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