sciatica, sciatic +
(Latin: from Medieval Latin sciatica, in sciatica passio, "sciatic disease", from feminine of sciaticus, "sciatic"; from Latin ischiadicus, "of pain in the hip"; from Greek iskhiadikos, iskhias, iskhiados, "pain in the hips"; from iskhion, "hip joint".)
It results from involvement of the sciatic nerve roots or trunk by tumor, intervertebral disk, or inflammation.
It may be accompanied by a neurologic deficit of the reflexes, muscle power, or sensation in the involved lower extremity.
2. Pertaining to, due to, or afflicted with sciatica.
3. Etymology: derived from a Latinized corruption of the Greek ischiadikos, "subject to trouble in the hips or loins"; which was taken from ischion, "the hip joint".
The sciatic notch consists of either of two notches on the dorsal border of the hipbone on each side that when closed off by ligaments form the corresponding sciatic foramina (opening).
It may be a relatively large notch just above the ischial spine that is converted into the greater sciatic foramen by the sacrospinous ligament called also greatersciatic notch or a smaller notch just below the ischial spine that is converted to the lesser sciatic foramen by the sacrospinous ligament and the sacrotuberous ligament; also called the "lesser sciatic notch".
2. The largest nerve in the body, arising from the sacral plexus on either side, passing from the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, and down the back of the thigh, where it divides into the tibial and peroneal nerves.
It may result in a wasting of the muscles of the lower leg over time.
2. Pain that results from irritation of the sciatic nerve and typically radiates from the buttocks area to the back of the thigh.
Although sciatica can result from a herniated disc pressing directly on the nerve, any cause of irritation or inflammation of this nerve can reproduce the painful symptoms of sciatica.
Medical diagnosis is made via the observation of symptoms, physical examination and nerve tests, and sometimes X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if a herniated disk is suspected.
Treatment options include avoiding movements that further irritate the condition, use of medication, physical therapy, a mild form of an applicable exercise, and sometimes surgery.
The clinical diagnosis of sciatica is referred to as a radiculopathy, which means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve.