sciatica

[ sahy-at-i-kuh ]

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

/ 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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sciatica¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sciatica¹

C15: from Late Latin sciatica; see sciatic

Example Sentences

That turned out to be a bulging disc which caused sciatica and in the period since she has "questioned whether I wanted to be in this sport any more".

From BBC

“I have sciatica, and if I’m able to stand for five minutes, that’s a big deal for me,” Elizabeth Shayne said over the phone.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then the Scot has had to recover from sciatica caused by a bulging disc in her back, resulting in months of missed competition.

From BBC

But, having suffered through the year with bouts of sciatica, he had to scale back his efforts in each of the first two concerts to a lone major work.

From New York Times

Despite the bronchitis, Francis, who is missing part of one lung and has had knee problems and sciatica in recent years, appeared in good spirits on Friday.

From New York Times