Sciatica is a shooting or stabbing pain in the lower back or leg. It can also result in a loss of sensation, loss of motor function, or weakness. Sciatica is also referred to as radiculopathy.
Sciatica occurs when a nerve root is pinched or irritated. That pressure can be caused by a herniated disc, a bulging disc or a misaligned vertebrae. Sciatica pain can be located nearly anywhere from the buttocks to the little toe. The location of Sciatica pain depends upon which nerve root is being affected.