---
title: "What Is Sciatic nerve? TENS and Pain Glossary | Analgesic Healthcare"
description: "The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each thigh into the lower leg."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatic-nerve
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Anatomy

# Sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each thigh into the lower leg.

Cleveland Clinic says the sciatic nerve is a long nerve in your lower body, the largest nerve you have, with one on each side. It says the nerve starts near the base of your spine in your lower back, passes through your pelvis and buttock, and runs down the back of each thigh and into your lower leg. The nerve plays a major role in how your lower body feels and moves. Irritation of this nerve is called [sciatica](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatica). It connects the [lumbar spine](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/lumbar-spine) area to the hips and legs. Ask your clinician about any pain along the nerve. Read [TENS for sciatica, knee and foot pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-for-sciatica-knee-foot-pain).

## Related terms

-   [Sciatica](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatica)
-   [Lumbar spine](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/lumbar-spine)
-   [Chronic pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-pain)
-   [Electrode pad](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/electrode-pad)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Sciatica](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica)

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