US Medical Term · symptoms
Sciatica
Ciática
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Sciatica |
| Spanish (Español) | Ciática |
| Chinese (中文) | 坐骨神經痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 좌골신경통 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau dây thần kinh tọa |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sciatica |
| Portuguese (Português) | Ciatalgia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการปวดเส้นประสาทไซแอติก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 坐骨神経痛 |
What it means
Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg. The pain usually affects only one side of the body and may feel like a sharp electric shock, burning, or aching that radiates from the lower back into the leg and sometimes into the foot. It is often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the nerve. Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg is also common. Most cases improve within weeks to months with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery may be considered if symptoms are severe or persistent.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have shooting pain that goes from my lower back all the way down to my foot.
Tengo un dolor que va desde la parte baja de la espalda hasta el pie.
My sciatica makes my leg go numb and tingly when I sit for a long time.
Mi ciática hace que mi pierna se adormezca y hormiguee cuando estoy sentado por mucho tiempo.
The pain in my buttock and leg is sharp, like an electric shock.
El dolor en la nalga y la pierna es agudo, como una descarga eléctrica.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
M54 DorsalgiaRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026