The Sciatic Nerve

• The sciatic nerve, described by Spine Universe as the body's largest nerve, controls feeling and movement throughout the legs.
  
  

Causes

• Merck states that a compressed nerve root in the spine, bone problems, or tumors can can all cause sciatica. A herniated disc often causes the nerve compression that leads to sciatica.
  
  

Symptoms

• Sciatica causes a burning sensation or sharp pain running down one leg, sometimes accompanied by weakness or numbness in the affected limb. According to Merck, sciatica from a herniated disc can lead to progressive loss of nerve function.
  
  

Treatment

• A surgical procedure called a discectomy can relive sciatica symptoms. MD Guidelines describes this procedure as the removal of the disk fragments constricting the nerve root.
  
  

Considerations

• After the discectomy, rehabilitation makes a major difference in recovery speed and the return of limb function, according to MD Guideline. Exercises to strengthen weak muscles, combined with general fitness training, can help return the body to maximum functionality.