Sciatica: A Common Painful Condition Affecting the Largest Nerves, 4 Natural Approaches to Relieve It

Sciatica affects around 40 percent of Americans at some point in their lives.

Sciatica can cause sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back down one leg—often making everyday movement difficult. The Epoch Times/Shutterstock

Sciatica is a painful collection of symptoms involving the sciatic nerves—the body’s largest nerves.

These nerves, which can be as wide as a finger, are formed from spinal nerve roots in the lower back and run from the lower spine through the hip, buttock, and leg to the back of the knee, where they branch and extend to the foot. The sciatic nerves control leg movement and sensation, so when they become compressed, inflamed, or damaged, they can cause pain and abnormal sensations, such as tingling or numbness.