Are sciatica and disc prolapse the same, and do they affect the back?

No, sciatica and disc prolapse are not the same. Sciatica is a set of symptoms most commonly caused by inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs through your lower back, down the back of your thigh and into your foot. Symptoms can range from a mild ache to sharp pain in one side of the leg and vary in intensity over time. Disc prolapse (also known as herniated disc) is an intervertebral disc disorder where part of the inner nucleus pulposus protrudes beyond its normal confines. It typically presents with acute low back pain radiating to one or both legs which can be severe, but usually within 8 weeks improves significantly without surgery. Generally speaking, sciatica affects more of just the legs while disc prolapse primarily affects a person's lower back; however it is important to consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing any type of discomfort so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis for proper treatment.