Sciatic Nerve Pain also known as Sciatica is pain that travels from the low back down the back of the leg.  The Sciatic nerve is a group of nerves that come from the low back and combine together to create the sciatic nerve which runs through the butt, down the back of the leg, splits into branches of nerves that go down the back of the calf into the foot.  When the nerve coming out of the back are irritated from compression or injury will send signals through the sciatic nerve to elicit pain to occur.  This injury can happen from many different things but commonly is seen from lumbar disc injuries, intense activities such as weightlifting, repetitive use such as running or biking, and laboring jobs.

Symptoms of Sciatica are sharp shooting pain in the back and down the leg, burning or tingling pain in the back, butt, and leg.  Sometimes just pain in the back, butt, and leg.  One may experience nerve pain when standing, sitting, laying, and walking.  This can create limitations in movement due to pain.  The intensity can range from minor and/or annoying to severe pain that causes inability to move.  If left untreated it can cause intensifying pain as well as further injury to the nerve leading to indefinite nerve damage.

The best course of action is to seek professional help.  A professional will be able to evaluate and diagnose the issue which helps build a proper treatment plan.  A good treatment plan for this issue, depending on the severity of the injury, would be to decrease pain and improve mobility, build stability and strength in the muscles and joints of the injured area, and get educated on how to manage this issue on your own to mediate irritation and help prevent further damage.