sciatica

American  

[sahy-at-i-kuh] / saɪˈæt ɪ kə /

noun

Pathology.

1. pain and tenderness at some points of the sciatic nerve, usually caused by a prolapsed intervertebral disk; sciatic neuralgia.

2. any painful disorder extending from the hip down the back of the thigh and surrounding area.

---

sciatica British  

/ saɪˈætɪkə /

noun

1. a form of neuralgia characterized by intense pain and tenderness along the course of the body's longest nerve ( sciatic nerve ), extending from the back of the thigh down to the calf of the leg

---

sciatica Cultural  

1. Chronic pain in the hip and upper leg caused by irritation of a large nerve — the sciatic nerve — that runs through the pelvis and down the back of the thigh.

---

Etymology

Origin of sciatica

1400–50; < Medieval Latin, noun use of feminine of sciaticus sciatic

Example Sentences

Sciatica is pain or numbness that follows the path of the sciatic nerve from the lower back down the leg.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain to spread “from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg” via the sciatic nerve, according to the Mayo Clinic.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2023

Sciatica can cause back and leg pain and is due to compression on nerve roots or on the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower spine down the thigh.

From Washington Times • Dec. 31, 2020

Sciatica is a form of neuralgia which causes the sciatic nerve in the thigh to twinge painfully.

From Time Magazine Archive

Sciatica or rheumatism Leading to balm or sinapism?

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, February 23, 1916 by Seaman, Owen, Sir