Sciatica is the term for a lumbar/sacral nerve root irritation. This disorder commonly occurs when an injury, such as a herniated disc, compresses part of the nerve. The primary symptoms of this nerve compression are inflammation and pain.

Oftentimes, sciatica leads to radiating pain that starts in the lower spine, moves to the buttock, and continues down the leg. Other symptoms of sciatica include numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness in the leg or foot.