Sciatica, << sy AT uh kuh, >> refers to pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve extends from the pelvis down the back of each leg to the foot. It controls feeling and movement in the leg and foot. The most common cause of sciatica is pressure on one of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. For example, pressure from a ruptured intervertebral disk in the lower spine may cause sciatica. In such cases, part of the tissue that makes up the disk protrudes from the vertebrae of the spine and presses on a nerve root. The person feels pain in the leg and foot, as well as the spine. Treatment for most cases of sciatica consists of bed rest and certain exercises. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the pressure on the nerve.
