The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body running from your pelvis through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg where it then branches into smaller nerves. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve.

Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. There can be a number of causes for this. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. The pain can vary widely from a mild ache to a sharper burning sensation or even excruciating discomfort. It may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Most often it starts gradually and intensifies over time.

The vast majority of times sciatica pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage, and chiropractic care.