Sciatica is a shooting pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve; from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of either leg. Pain may be associated with a body tilt or rotation and movement will usually increase the pain.
Sciatica is commonly caused by inflammation of the facet joints or the vertebral disc. Most acute cases of sciatica are an exacerbation of a chronic condition; however, a sudden onset of sciatic pain without a history of trauma can also occur. Sciatica may be associated with poor posture, trauma, joint misalignment, or weakness of the lumbar stabilizing musculature.