1. Severe pain in the leg along the course of the sciatic nerve felt at the back of the thigh and running down the inside of the leg.
2. Pain that results from irritation of the sciatic nerve and typically radiates from the buttocks area to the back of the thigh.

Although sciatica can result from a herniated disc pressing directly on the nerve, any cause of irritation or inflammation of this nerve can reproduce the painful symptoms of sciatica.

Medical diagnosis is made via the observation of symptoms, physical examination and nerve tests, and sometimes X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if a herniated disk is suspected.

Treatment options include avoiding movements that further irritate the condition, use of medication, physical therapy, a mild form of an applicable exercise, and sometimes surgery.

The clinical diagnosis of sciatica is referred to as a radiculopathy, which means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve.

A sciatic neuralgia with pain in the lumbosacral region that radiates down the back of the thigh, the lateral aspect of the leg, and into the foot.

It results from involvement of the sciatic nerve roots or trunk by tumor, intervertebral disk, or inflammation.

It may be accompanied by a neurologic deficit of the reflexes, muscle power, or sensation in the involved lower extremity.