When a sciatic nerve is compressed, this leads to a medical condition call sciatica.  Sciatica can range from a mild tingling and discomfort to serious pain, anywhere between the base of the spine to a foot, normally on one side of the body.  Sciatica is a symptom of a problem along one of the two sciatic nerves in the human body.  Each sciatic nerve runs from the lumbar region of the spine, behind the buttock on one side, down that thigh, to that knee, connecting to further nerves below the knee.  If there is a trauma or a point of compression at the root of the sciatic nerve, near the base of the spine, or anywhere along the nerve, this will trigger symptoms such as a burning sensation, tingling, numbness, or pain.  Sciatica, the name given to sciatic nerve discomfort, is sometimes described as an shock, similar to an electric shock, which suddenly stops you in your tracks, as you take a step or bend over, for example.  This is a typical symptom of a pinched sciatic nerve, which is being constricted by bones, cartilage, or muscles.

Mild symptoms, such as numbness or pins and needles, should not be ignored.  This may be a warning that there is a trauma or a developing pathology.  If you have been in a car accident, be alert to any such sensations, since the eventual damage to your spine or sciatic nerve may not be obvious immediately after the accident, but could evolve over a few days.