What is sciatica?

In the low back, nerves join to form the sciatic nerve, which runs down into the leg and controls the leg muscles.

Sciatica is a condition that may cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and/or muscle weakness in the leg, but originates from nerve root impingement in the lower back.

Nerve impingement is most often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.