Sciatica is the layman's term for neurologic symptoms that typically occur when nerves are being compressed or damaged, says Dr. Michael Gerling, American Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon.

If the ache of a useless lower back is bad enough, the piercing discomfort of sciatica – an umbrella term for referred pain from a pinched sciatic nerve – is insanity-making. I was desperate.