Your biggest nerve is the sciatic nerve, running from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg.
The sciatic nerve is not only your biggest nerve, but also the longest in your body. It originates in your lower spine, specifically from the nerve roots L4 through S3. These nerve roots combine to form the sciatic nerve in your pelvis.
Here's a breakdown:
- Origin: Lower spine (nerve roots L4-S3)
- Path: Lower back, through hips and buttocks, down the back of each leg.
- Destination: Divides into smaller nerves in the lower leg and foot.
The sciatic nerve controls muscles in your lower leg and foot, and provides sensation to the back of your thigh, part of your lower leg, and the sole of your foot. Problems with the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica, characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve's path.
