Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that causes pain, tingling, or numbness related to an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. This nerve is formed by nerve roots that come from the spinal cord and into the lower back. Parts of the sciatic nerve extend all the way through your buttocks and down the back of each of your legs to your ankles and feet.
Causes of Sciatica
Most commonly, sciatica is caused by a ruptured or bulging disc that is in the spine and presses against the nerve that leads to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can also be the result of a narrowing of the spinal canal, called spinal stenosis, bone spurs caused by arthritis, or nerve root compression that is a pinched nerve caused by injury. In very rare cases, sciatica is also caused by conditions such as pregnancy or tumors.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Typically the symptoms of sciatica involve pain that extends from your back or buttocks and goes all the way down a leg and possibly even into your foot. You may also feel a tingling, numbness, or even weakness in your leg. Some situations can make your symptoms worse, such as sitting or standing for a long time or even movements that require the spine to flex, such as exercises in which you need to bring your knees up towards your chest. On the other hand, activities that extend the spine may help your symptoms, such as walking, lying down, or shoulder lifts.
Treatment of Sciatica
If you suspect that you may have sciatica, you first need to see a doctor so that he or she can diagnose you based on your medical history and a 
physical exam. Your doctor will likely ask you some questions about your symptoms, but he or she may also need to perform x-rays and tests, like magnetic resonance imaging to determine the cause of the sciatica.
In many cases, sciatica improves and goes away with time. The initial treatment of sciatica usually focuses on medications and exercises that will help you to relieve your pain. One way to help you relieve your pain is by avoiding sitting, alternating short walks with lying down, taking a warm shower every few hours, and using a heating pad on a low or medium setting. Your doctor may also suggest that you take acetaminophen to help relieve your pain. In severe cases in which these treatments do not help, your doctor may recommend that you start physical therapy, have injections of medicines like steroids, or even receive surgery in severe cases.
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