Sciatica is a general terms used to describe when a person has any kind of back and leg pain. Sciatica is derived from the Sciatic nerve, which is formed by several nerves together running down the back aspect of the leg. It then splits just behind the knee into other smaller nerves. Interestingly, whether the pain in the leg is actually in the sciatic distribution is often not taken into consideration by many providers and the public. The term Sciatica does not truly describe what is actually going on OR how to best treat it.
Why is the term Sciatica misused? Simply because medical providers don’t always have an answer (or didn’t take the time to find out) so they use a general term the public might have heard before. The public (and patients) like the term because they have heard it before, it is common, and gives them 
hope it will get better (because everyone has their own story of “Sciatica”).
Just what is going on then with Sciatica? Well, that answer is not so simple. We must first work under the premise that the individual truly has low back and back of the leg pain in the sciatic nerve distribution. In truth, a full examination is necessary to determine just what is happening to best answer the question. BUT…Generally speaking this means there is some kind of irritation somewhere along the nerve path. However, it is possible for muscles (in the back, buttock, or even hamstring) to refer pain along the same pathway but yet the sciatic nerve is not involved.
How is Sciatica treated? Again, this question is unable to be answered without 1st having a thorough examination. This includes looking at the spine, pelvis, legs, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation at minimum. Not only the physical exam but the story a person tells can help the lead to the answer. As you can hopefully understand now, there are so many factors that could be involved and each one requires a different solution. That said, common themes for treating Sciatica are present and include: mobility exercises for the spine/pelvis, strengthening of the abs, back and leg muscles, and general flexibility exercises often prescribed for the hamstrings (which actually can hinder treatment in some individuals).
What you should know is that whether you call is Sciatica or something else, IT IS TREATABLE. Physical Therapists are uniquely trained to be able to examine and select the best treatment path for a person with back and leg pains. If you are looking for more answers, try starting HERE or request your very own Discovery Session so that you can learn more about what is going on and begin to get the answers you seek to end Sciatica