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Published on: 5/21/2025

Where Is Sciatica Pain Typically Located?

Sciatica pain usually starts in the lower back and travels down the buttock and the back of the leg.

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Explanation

Sciatica is a type of pain that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. This pain often begins in the lower back and then moves through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It can sometimes reach as far as the foot.

Where Sciatica Pain is Felt:

  • Lower Back: The pain often starts here.
  • Buttock: It travels through this area.
  • Back of the Leg: The pain continues down the leg.
  • Foot: In some cases, the pain may reach the foot.

The pain may feel sharp, like a burning sensation, or it might feel like a deep ache. Sometimes, people also experience tingling or numbness along the path of the nerve. These symptoms occur because something is pressing on the sciatic nerve, which can happen for various reasons, including a slipped disc or narrowing of the spine.

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