what is sciatica

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg, caused by injury or pressure to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It can be affected by various factors such as a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pelvic injury, or tumors. Most cases of sciatica clear up with treatment in a few weeks, but severe cases may require surgery