Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is centered on the lower back, and the cause is usually from a ruptured disc in the spinal column that irritates or inflames the nerve.
Read more: How Do I Get My Sciatic Nerve to Stop Hurting? ArticleMultimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
What Is Sciatica? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
Sciatica pain radiates from the lower back toward the feet. Sciatica may feel like a cramp in the leg, burning, tingling,...
-
Diabetes Nerve Pain: Improving Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Learn how to cope with the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy through pain management exercises. Find relief for diabetic...
-
Nerve Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Learn about nerve pain symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Discover medications and natural remedies to relieve nerve pain.
-
Picture of Sciatica
Pain that results from irritation of the sciatic nerve and typically radiates from the buttock to the back of the thigh. Although...
-
Back Pain: How to Ease Sciatic Nerve Pain
Use WebMD's slideshow to learn ways to get relief from sciatica, such as applying heat or cold, physical therapy,...
SLIDESHOW
What Is Sciatica? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
-
Sciatica Pain
Sciatica pain, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiates from the low back to behind the thigh to below the knee. Disc herniation is usually the cause of sciatica. Medication to alleviate pain, physical therapy, and bed rest are treatments for sciatica.
-
Can Nerve Damage Heal on Its Own?
Damage to nerves can be severe. Because of their structure and function, nerves do not heal as quickly as some body parts do, but sometimes nerve damage can heal on its own.
-
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area due to pressure on a nerve. Carpal tunnel and sciatica are two examples of conditions caused by a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve is diagnosed by taking a patient history and performing a physical examination. Electromyography may be performed. Treatment for a pinched nerve depends on the underlying cause.
-
What Causes Sciatica Nerve Pain to Flare Up?
Sciatica nerve pain results from pressure on the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back to the feet. Find out more about the causes and symptoms of sciatica nerve pain.
-
How Can I Get Immediate Relief from Sciatica?
Mild to moderate sciatica pain can be managed with a few at-home remedies within three months. Learn the nine best stretches and exercises for sciatica, four nonsurgical options for immediate pain relief, and four ways to manage pain during pregnancy.
-
Degenerative Disc Disease and Sciatica
Degenerative disc disease makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain. The pain from degenerative disc or joint disease of the spine is usually treated conservatively with intermittent heat, rest, rehabilitative exercises and medications to relieve pain, muscle spasm and inflammation.
-
How Can You Tell If You Have Nerve Pain or Muscle Pain?
If the pain started after an injury and it's a dull ache, it's likely muscle pain. If your pain seemed to come out of nowhere or it's been ongoing, and it feels like your skin is on fire, you're likely experiencing nerve pain.
-
What Are the Best Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief?
What is sciatica? Learn what exercises and home remedies can help ease your sciatica symptoms and speed up your recovery.
-
Sciatica Exercises
Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. Nerve compression is the usual cause of sciatica. Exercises, stretching, physical therapy, heat and ice therapy, acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation are treatment options.
-
What Is the Best Exercise to Relieve Sciatica?
Sciatica describes any type of shooting pain that begins at the spine and radiates through the buttocks and down the back of the leg. Learn the 14 best stretches and exercises to relieve sciatica pain.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
- Got Sciatica? Stay Active and Start Early on Physical Therapy
- What Works Best to Ease the Pain of Sciatica?
- Steroids No Better for Sciatica Pain Than Placebo, Study Finds
- Steroid Shots for Sciatica: Benefits Only Brief, Analysis Finds
- Steroids May Help Some With Sciatica
- Sciatica Relief May Depend on Type of Steroid Delivery
- Health Tip: Coping With Sciatica Pain
- Health Tip: Signs That You Have Sciatica
- Minimally Invasive Surgery Not Better for Sciatica
From 
Pain Management Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.