Sciatica, or Lumbar Radiculopathy, is an irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Most commonly, sciatica causes lower back pain and pain that radiates down the leg. Because the sciatic nerve roots in the lumbar spine extend to the hips, buttocks, legs and feet – an injury or irritation in the lumbar spine region of your back causes symptoms in these areas. The Spine & Rehab Group’s Spine Specialists and Sciatica Doctors in Riverdale, New Jersey are highly experienced in non-surgical sciatica pain treatments. Because the sciatic nerve is so large and stretches from the lower back to the feet, sciatica symptoms are often more severe when sitting or standing for long periods of time. Sciatica pain can also be felt periodically, or constantly, depending on the level of compression of the nerves. Sciatica can affect anyone, but certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing sciatic symptoms. Sciatica risk factors include obesity, diabetes and decreased activity levels.