Sciatica refers to a pattern of symptoms that typically begins in the lower back and travels down one or both legs. It often intensifies with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements. Some groups—like pregnant women, individuals with diabetes, or those carrying excess weight—are more prone to experiencing sciatica.

Typical Symptoms

You might experience one or more of the following:

• Sharp, shooting or burning pain down the leg
  
• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
  
• Numbness, weakness, or difficulty lifting the foot
  
• Discomfort in one side of the buttock that lingers
  
• Pain that makes it hard to stand upright for long.

What Contributes to Sciatica

Sciatica is rarely the result of a single event. Instead, it usually develops over time due to factors like:

• Poor posture, prolonged sitting, or weak core support
  
• Spinal degeneration or disc wear
  
• Abrupt movements (like bending forward or twisting)
• Excessive load on the spine from physical work or obesity