Pain that radiates from the low back into the glute or down the leg

What it is

Sciatica refers to pain that travels from the low back into the glute and sometimes down the leg.

It can sound serious, but it’s actually a common presentation and doesn’t always mean something severe is going on.

In some cases, this can involve irritation from structures like a disc or surrounding tissues affecting the nerve—but more often, the bigger issue is how the spine and surrounding areas are handling movement and load over time.

Why you’re experiencing it

Sciatica often seems to start from one specific moment bending over, twisting, or lifting something the wrong way.

While that movement can absolutely trigger the pain, it’s usually not the only reason it happened. In most cases, it’s a combination of factors that built up over time and made the area more sensitive to that movement.

In most cases, it’s influenced by a combination of:

• Irritation or sensitivity around the nerve
• Poor load management through the spine
• Limited mobility or movement variability
• Prolonged sitting or repetitive positions
• Lack of strength or control in supporting areas

When these factors build up, the nerve becomes more sensitive and symptoms start to show.