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Sciatica describes persistent pain felt along the sciatic  nerve, which runs from the lower back, down through the buttock, and  into the lower leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in  the body, running from the lower back through the buttocks and down the  back of each leg. It controls the muscles of the lower leg and provides  sensation to the thighs, legs, and the soles of the feet.

Although sciatica is a relatively common form of low-back  and leg pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood.  Sciatica is actually a set of symptoms—not a diagnosis for what is  irritating the nerve root and causing the pain.