Sciatic nerve pain can become almost unbearable. There are different types of sciatic pain so there are also different symptoms that go along with the pain. The most common symptom of a sciatic nerve pain is that it is only located in one leg, and never both of them. The pain is not just a dull throbbing or ache but comes as a very sharp pain which almost feels like a burning or searing sensation. This pain will start either in the buttock or lower back and continue down the back of the leg, even at times as far down as the foot. In most cases, the pain feels better when walking or lying down and gets worse when sitting or standing. Still there are other cases when the pain is worse when walking, and better when sitting. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, pressure or a weakness in the foot or leg. The sciatic nerve is located at the base of the spine and is formed by several other nerve roots. These roots are extremely sensitive. The pain occurs when the inner portion of the disc gets too close to the sciatic nerve. It becomes inflamed and irritated which causes the sciatic pain which is also called sciatica. The sciatic nerve pain will disappear over a period of time. Doing certain sciatica exercises will also help it feel better and the nerve irritation will heal. Unfortunately, there are some other symptoms that may prove that a more serious injury to the nerve has occurred. If any numbness or weakness remains, the nerve may be damaged and a physician should be seen. This is also true is there is a bowel or bladder problem such as incontinence. If the symptoms or pain are very severe, the nerve may be compressed and surgery may be necessary. There are also leg pain symptoms that may not be sciatica at all. These pains could also be from joint problems or Arthritis.