sciatica

noun sci·at·i·ca \ sī-ˈa-ti-kə \

Definition of sciatica

: 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

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Recent Examples of sciatica from the Web

Moore also described to the judge Payton's health problems, including sciatica, which can cause pain the back and legs.

— ashley remkus, AL.com, "Man sentenced for dismembering girlfriend's body with power saw, dumping her behind store," 26 Feb. 2018
Researchers plan to enroll patients with lower back and leg pain brought on by sciatica, or compression of spinal nerves.

— sam wood, Philly.com, "Rothman Institute in Philly will study medical marijuana for pain," 22 Feb. 2018
Degenerative disc disease: condition in which a damaged vertebral disc causes chronic pain – either low back pain (and/or leg pain, sciatica) in the lumbar spine or neck pain (and/or arm pain) in the cervical spine.

— st. elizabeth healthcare, Cincinnati.com, "Spine Center helps chronic back, neck pain," 23 Oct. 2017
Sarah B., a 43-year-old construction worker in Vancouver, Wash., said when her father entered hospice care at his home in Oregon, she was addicted to opioids, stemming from a hydrocodone prescription for sciatica.

— melissa bailey, Kaiser Health News, "Dying At Home In An Opioid Crisis: Hospices Grapple With Stolen Meds," 22 Aug. 2017
Sarah B., a 43-year-old construction worker in Vancouver, Washington, said that when her father entered hospice care at his home in Oregon, she was addicted to opioids, stemming from a hydrocodone prescription for sciatica.

— chicagotribune.com, "Hospices can be a source of illicit opioids," 21 Aug. 2017
Sarah B., a 43-year-old construction worker in Vancouver, Wash., said that when her father entered hospice care at his home in Oregon, she was addicted to opioids, stemming from a hydrocodone prescription for sciatica.

— melissa bailey, Washington Post, "Dying at home in pain doesn’t keep relatives from stealing the pills," 21 Aug. 2017
Olivia Newton-John has postponed this month's tour dates due to sciatica, according to her manager.

— Daily Southtown, "Piqniq rockers, moonlight concerts -- outdoor music season underway," 11 May 2017
The singer and actress will reschedule her May shows because of problems with sciatica.

— colin stutz, Billboard, "Olivia Newton-John Postpones Midwest Tour Dates Due to Health Issues," 9 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sciatica.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sciatica

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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SCIATICA Defined for English Language Learners

sciatica

noun

Definition of sciatica for English Language Learners

medical : pain in the lower back, hip, and especially the back of the thigh that is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve

Medical Dictionary

sciatica

noun sci·at·i·ca \ sī-ˈat-i-kə \

medical Definition of sciatica

: 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