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

Curry missed two games against the Lakers in February with his knee injury, and James missed the teams’ season-opening showdown with sciatica. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

Matterhorn Fit treats ailments that affect the neck, back and pelvis, which include sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, thoracic pain, cervical pain, sports hernia recovery and cervicogenic headache. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026

Missing Sunday marks the first time since James missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica that the Lakers listed him as unavailable for back to back games. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026

James missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica and has dealt with left foot arthritis that kept him out of a game. —Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

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