C. Ann, "sciatica" is really NOT a medical diagnosis. It simply describes a syndrome involving neuropathy in the sciatic nerve going across the buttocks to the legs. The most important question remains the ETIOLOGY of the symptoms. As others have said, it can result from disc protrusion or herniation, and it is commonly seen in degenerative lumbo-sacral disease which causes bone spicules to form around the neural foramina (canals) in your lower back. TREATMENT varies with etiology. There are times when surgery is indicated. There are times when chiropractic manipulation can help. There are times when anti-spasmodics, muscle relaxers, and analgesics are indicated.
Start with a specific diagnosis and work from there. Good luck.