Sciatica

  • Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

There are two sciatic nerves, one on each side of the body. The nerves — the body’s largest — extend from the lower spine through the buttock, down the back of each leg, and into the foot. The term “sciatica” refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

Cropped image of a woman's torso viewed from behind; her hands are on her hips with the fingers pointing toward her back, and there is a red glow superimposed on the image to represent sciatica pain.

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