Sciatica is a term used to refer to pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the leg. Sciatica is a symptom of a medical condition and not a condition by itself. Sciatica occurs because of injury or compression of the Sciatic nerve. In some cases, the nerve can get irritated due to inflammation and without direct compression.
The Sciatic nerve originates from the low back and travels all the way down the leg into the foot. This nerve controls muscles of the back of the thigh, lower leg and foot.
Sciatica commonly affects people between the ages of 30-50 years.