Sciatica is a common condition that can affect people in different ways.  Sciatica is a type of nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. It is often felt as pain that travels down one leg, usually starting in the lower back or hip. Symptoms can include:

• Sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, or leg
• Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness or reduced mobility
• Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or bending

Sciatica can develop for a range of reasons, including disc bulges, spinal misalignments, or muscle imbalances that place pressure on the nerve. Because everyone’s experience of sciatica can be different, the first step is understanding what may be irritating the nerve and noticing which movements or positions make your symptoms better or worse.