sciatica

noun

sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈa-ti-kə 

: pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh

broadly : pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or adjacent parts

Examples of sciatica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with soothing the aches that come from simply sitting too much, pigeon pose can also help folks who live with sciatica—a condition that triggers pain in your sciatic nerve, which travels down each leg from your butt, and is often caused by injury to or pressure on the nerve. —Danielle Zickl, SELF, 6 Mar. 2025

Diagnosis and Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome Diagnosing PS can be challenging, as its symptoms often mimic other conditions such as sciatica. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2025

Francis has also experienced other health issues in recent years, including sciatica and colon surgery in 2021. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

The pope has faced multiple health concerns in the past, including chronic knee pain, sciatica and past surgeries. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin, feminine of sciaticus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sciatica

• hepatica

Kids Definition

sciatica

noun

sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈat-i-kə 

: pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh

also : pain in or near the hips

Medical Definition

sciatica

noun

sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈat-i-kə 

: pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh caused by compression, inflammation, or reflex mechanisms

broadly : pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or adjacent parts