The sciatic nerve runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down both legs to your feet. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body which can cause pain when irritated or compressed.
This condition is called Sciatica which can manifest itself as pain, numbness and a tingling sensation that starts at the pelvis area of the lower back moving down your leg to the foot and toes. Sciatica sufferers can also experience the feeling of muscle weakness in the affected leg. People suffering from Sciatica can feel like they have general back pain, however it usually has a stronger affect on the pelvis, buttocks and legs.
There are varying degrees of pain associated with Sciatica ranging from a mild ache to very painful, the amount of pain can also be dependant on your body position and movement, such as prolonged sitting, coughing or other sudden movement.
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the Sciatic nerve and although some cases can last for long periods other sufferers will find that the symptoms go away naturally over a number of weeks. It’s important to stay as active as possible during this time whilst being careful not to stress the affected area.
If your symptoms are severe or persistent for a long period, or even get worse over time then you should seek advice from a trained professional who will be able to better assess the cause of your condition and recommend appropriate treatment to help alleviate your Sciatica.