Sciatica occurs when something happens to the sciatic nerve. This nerve is found in the back of your leg. It controls muscles in the back of your knee. It gives you sensation in your lower leg, thigh, and sole of your foot. Sciatica refers to bad pain, weakness, or tingling in your leg. Sciatica is caused by injury. Sciatica is not a medical condition by itself, but a symptom of another medical issue.

Over the counter pain medications containing acedeminophin or aspirin are often helpful in treating sciatica. The application of ice packs over the area where the pain is the deepest can often reduce the inflammation. Some people find relief by alternating heating pads with periods of ice pack therapy. Anti-inflammatory prescription medication may be necessary if the pain proves hard to manage.