The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. It stems from each side of the spine on the lower back and follows a path through the buttock and down the thigh to the foot. The sciatic nerve sends signals from the spine to the leg and foot and vice versa. Sciatica pain is any type of discomfort that is caused by an impediment along this nerve. You may have sciatica if you experience:
Pain in one or both legs in conjunction with a prickly, tingling or numb feeling
Have symptoms that worsen when sitting or standing and subside when you lay down or walk
Have a sharp pain that feels like a burning or jabbing discomfort