if dr doug's analysis is correct, then the problem is painful but not particularly bad for you. Just pain. My gf has had a really bad case and she was informed by a doctor that it hurts, but thats it, no tearing or anything like that. I believe the pain is from the nerve rubbing against tthe muscle. And get this; it is exascerbated by sitting down. oops, jsut noticed this post is kinda old. toast, sis you ever get sciatica confirmed by a doctor? good luck with it.