I have a shooting pain in lower back down in my right leg. is this sciatic nerve pain? how can i prevent this?

Symptom Vs Cause: Sciatica is the symptom of leg pain caused by a disc herniation or narrowing where the nerve exits the spine. A disc herniation is a outpouching of the disc from its normal place into the spinal canal or on the nerve and can be a source of pain in the back or down the leg. The nerve then goes to the muscle which can then hurt, spasm or feel sore or irritated.

Prevention: should involve avoidance of heavy lifting and core strengthening. Based on what you've described you may need treatment. Please find a pain specialist in your area to address your concern with many available treatment options.