The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the spinal cord to the buttock and hip area and down the back of each leg. Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve. Sciatica typically occurs as a result of a problem existing with the nerve such as a herniated disk.

• Pain along a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.
• Numbness or muscle weakness along the nerve pathway in your leg or foot. In some cases, you may have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another.
• Tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling, often in your toes or part of your foot. Loss of muscle mass in your calf or thigh.
• In extreme cases, loss of bladder or bowel control.