WordGarden.iosciatica
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /saɪˈætɪkə/
US
Meanings
Noun
pain affecting the sciatic nerve, usually down the lower back and leg
Beyond the definition
This is not a disease by itself, but a sign that the large nerve running from the lower back down the leg is being irritated or squeezed. It often feels like sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or a burning feeling that travels down one leg. Sitting, walking, or standing can make it worse. People often say they "have sciatica" when they mean this kind of pain moving from the lower back into the buttock and leg.
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, the large nerve that starts in the lower back and runs through the buttock and down the leg. It is not a disease itself, but a result of something pressing on or irritating that nerve. You can think of it as a warning sign that something in the lower back is affecting the nerve.
Common causes include a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or other pressure on the nerve near the spine. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting feeling, and it may come with tingling, numbness, or weakness. It usually affects one side of the body.
You might hear someone say, "My sciatica is acting up today," meaning their lower back and leg pain has flared up. It's important to note that while many people experience temporary relief with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, persistent or severe sciatica often requires medical attention. A doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments like physical therapy, injections, or, in some cases, surgery. So, if you're experiencing pain radiating down your leg from your lower back, it's likely sciatica signaling that an underlying issue needs to be addressed!
Examples
- 1
Travel discomfort
After sitting through the long flight, her sciatica was much worse.
- 2
Treatment
He started physical therapy to help with his sciatica.
- 3
Physical strain
My dad's sciatica flares up whenever he lifts heavy boxes.
- Phrasesciatica flares up
the pain suddenly becomes worse
See also
Similar
- sciatic nerve pain
- sciatic neuralgia
Shades of meaning
- lumbar radiculopathy
- radicular pain
Contrast
- low back pain
- peripheral neuropathy
Used with (collocations)
- sciatica symptoms
- sciatica flare-up
- pain radiating down the leg
- treat sciatica
Word family
Explore
- sciatic nerve
- herniated disc
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sciaticanoun
Forms
- sciaticaspluralnoun