Sciatica

Sciatica is pain going down the leg from the lower back, which may extend down the back, outside, or front of the leg. Its onset is often sudden, following activities such as heavy lifting, although it may also occur gradually, and the pain is often described as shooting. Symptoms typically occur on only one side of the body, though certain causes may result in pain on both sides; lower back pain is sometimes present, and weakness or numbness may occur in different parts of the affected leg and foot.