Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of sciatic nerve.
- The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.
- Sciatica most often occurs when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on part of the nerve.
- This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg.
What damage can sciatica cause?
Although sciatica starts as nerve inflammation, it may eventually progress to nerve damage.
If the sciatic nerve is damaged, it could result in numbness, tingling and, in more severe cases, weakness in the knees or legs.