---
title: "What Is Sciatica? TENS and Pain Glossary | Analgesic Healthcare"
description: "Sciatica is pain from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It can be felt in the lower back and leg, and may include tingling or numbness."
url: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatica
publisher: Analgesic Healthcare
phone: +1-800-749-1188
contact: https://analgesic.multisites.ai/contact
---

Condition

# Sciatica

Sciatica is pain from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It can be felt in the lower back and leg, and may include tingling or numbness.

MedlinePlus says sciatica is a symptom of a problem with the [sciatic nerve](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatic-nerve), the largest nerve in the body. Cleveland Clinic says sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, felt in the lower back, buttock and leg, and that it may cause pain, numbness or tingling. MedlinePlus says sciatica is usually on only one side of the body. The cause varies, and treatment depends on the cause. A TENS unit is one option some clinicians discuss, but there is no promise that it helps. Ask your clinician before you try one. Read [TENS for sciatica, knee and foot pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/guides/tens-for-sciatica-knee-foot-pain).

## Related terms

-   [Sciatic nerve](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/sciatic-nerve)
-   [Lumbar spine](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/lumbar-spine)
-   [Chronic pain](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/chronic-pain)
-   [TENS unit](https://analgesic.multisites.ai/glossary/tens-unit)

## Sources

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

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