• Herniated disk: A herniated disk occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disk bulges out and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is one of the most common causes of sciatica. For example, someone who has a herniated disk in their lower back may experience sciatica pain that radiates down their right leg.

• Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can occur due to the natural aging process, or due to degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal degeneration. Someone with spinal stenosis may have sciatica pain that is worse when they are standing or walking and improves when they sit down.

• Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttocks. If this muscle becomes tight or spasms, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. A person with piriformis syndrome may have pain in their buttocks that radiates down the back of their thigh and into their calf.

• Spondylolisthesis: this condition occurs when one vertebra in the spine slips out of place and puts pressure on the nerve.

Symptoms of sciatica may vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include:

• Lower back pain
• Hip pain
• Leg pain, that can be dull, sharp, or burning
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg
• Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods
• Weakness in the leg or foot

Treatment for sciatica typically includes a combination of medications and physical therapy. Pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants or nerve-blocking medications may also be prescribed. Physical therapy exercises can also be used to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the underlying cause of the sciatica, especially when the pain is severe, chronic and not responding to other treatments.