Depending on the cause of sciatica, people describe their pain differently. Most often the pain is described as moderate to severe sharp and shooting, electric-like jolts of pain that come and go as the sciatic nerve is compressed. The pain extends from the lower back to the feet, causing weakness or tingling. The pain can be aggravated by inactivity or too much movement.
Prolonged sitting, or a sudden cough or sneeze, can actually aggravate symptoms.