Where Is the Sciatic Nerve Located?

The sciatic nerve is a major nerve that runs from the lower back down through the hips and buttocks and along each leg. It is the largest nerve in the human body.

Location:

• Starts: In the lower spine (lumbar region).
• Travels: Through the pelvis and down each leg.
• Ends: Near the knee, where it branches into other nerves.

Importance:

• The sciatic nerve is important because it provides sensation and muscle control in the legs.
• Sometimes, the nerve can be compressed by blood vessels or other structures, causing pain known as sciatica.

Understanding the path and function of the sciatic nerve helps in diagnosing and treating conditions like sciatica, where pain radiates along the nerve’s pathway.