Is it the central or peripheral nervous system problem if you get back pain with sensations going down a leg?

Back: Peripheral in spinal nerves from vertebrae in lower back. Pain sensation is modulated at central level.

Describing sciatica: Peripheral nerve compression.As the nerves leave the spinal column the "disc", a tough, fibrous, shock absorber that is between the vertebral bones can extrude and press on the nerve in a few places.This is usually "self-limited" meaning it goes away over time with stretching, nsaid's like ibuprofen, and traction(gravity boots).Usually no images(x-ray, ct, mri) needed unless weakness, bladder, bowel, chang.