Sciatica is a fairly common nerve pain found ranging from the lower back, to the gluteal area, and down the leg. Despite the fact that it is often thought of as its own specific condition or disease, this is not the case. Rather, it is in fact a symptom caused by another disorder, usually a herniated disk in the lower spine,1 and can be a very difficult issue to overcome. Although it can sometimes feel like nothing more than a minor annoyance, it is often extremely painful and can even be debilitating. While sciatica as a whole can cover a fairly broad area of the body, specific areas (lower back, buttock, leg etc.) are usually caused by a herniated disk of a specific vertebra. (For example, sciatica from the L5 spreads from the gluteal area,…show more content… Though that may seem simple enough, we can get a better understanding of sciatica by examining the anatomy and physiology surrounding the human sciatic nerve. Anatomically speaking, the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in humans.1 It is surrounded by several large and important muscles, such as the biceps femoris and adductor muscles.2 Clearly, due to its stature and surroundings it is a very important nerve for regular human function in everyday life. A regularly functioning sciatic nerve is integral in being able to stand, sit, and move around without pain or discomfort. Sciatica, as previously stated, is usually caused by a herniated disk of the lower back, often in the lower lumbar or sacral region of the spine.1 There are some other potential causes of sciatica, such as trauma or cysts near the spine/sacrum, pelvic fractures, or trauma near the sciatic nerve itself.3-4 However these are extremely uncommon.3-4 There are multiple procedures and treatment plans for sciatica relief, which have varied degrees of success depending on the…show more content… Options include physical therapy, medical counseling, prescription drugs, operative surgery, or any combination of these, depending on the individual case.6 In more extreme cases, operative surgery is often suggested by physicians. Lumbar discectomy is the usual surgical course of action for patients with severe sciatica caused by a herniated disc. It is a relatively low-risk operation which has a high rate of improvement regarding the nerve pain associated with sciatica.6 Of course, certain patients may indeed find similar rates of improvement without any surgery at all. Combinations of medical counseling, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy may certainly improve a patient’s long-term condition.6 As previously mentioned, sciatica is a painful condition that can certainly hinder a patient’s quality of