Sciatica The sciatic nerve originates in the low back, branching outward and down the legs into the feet. The pain is usually felt from the low back down to either the calf or the foot. This pain can be in one or both legs depending on the cause. Sciatic pain can vary in intensity and frequency, ranging from dull-achy pain to sharp-electric shock pains. Sciatica can be caused by lumber spine subluxations, herniated or bulging discs, pregnancy, child birth, or tight muscles. Another common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome; this is when the piriformis muscle compresses the nerve causing pain. Severe sciatica can result in loss of feeling to the affected limb. The severity of the sciatic pain will determine the course and length of treatment. Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: • Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs) • Pain that is worse when sitting • Leg pain that is often described as burning, tingling, or searing (versus a dull ache) • Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes • A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk • Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes • Sciatic pain can vary from infrequent and irritating to constant and incapacitating. Symptoms are usually based on the location of the pinched nerve. While symptoms can be painful and potentially debilitating, it is rare that permanent sciatic nerve damage (tissue damage) will result, and spinal cord involvement is possible but rare.