Sciatica is a term used to describe the pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body. Sciatica is not a condition in itself but a symptom of an underlying medical issue that affects the sciatic nerve.

ScleritisScleritis is a serious and potentially sight-threatening inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune disorders, infections, or trauma. Scleritis can lead to complications like vision loss if not treated promptly and effectively.

Scleroderma is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin and connective tissues to become thickened and hardened. The term "scleroderma" comes from the Greek words sclero (meaning hard) and derma (meaning skin). It primarily affects the skin but can also involve internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. The disease is caused by an overproduction of collagen, which leads to fibrosis (scarring) in the affected tissues.

Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). It typically presents as a painful rash with blisters on one side of the body or face. While chickenpox is the initial infection, the virus can remain dormant in nerve tissue and reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

Sjögren’s Disease (Sjögren’s Syndrome)Sjögren’s disease (also known as Sjögren’s syndrome) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the exocrine glands, which are responsible for producing moisture in the body. The most commonly affected glands are the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to dryness in the mouth (xerostomia) and eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), but it can also affect other organs and tissues throughout the body.

Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quality, timing, and duration of sleep, leading to disruptions in a person's ability to sleep well and feel rested. These disorders can have a significant impact on overall health, well-being, and daily functioning. Sleep disorders can range from difficulty falling asleep to experiencing frequent awakenings or feeling excessively tired during the day, despite having the opportunity to sleep at night.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last for a few seconds to minutes and can occur multiple times throughout the night. Sleep apnea can lead to poor sleep quality, fatigue, and other serious health problems if left untreated.

Smoking cessation refers to the process of quitting smoking and stopping the use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco. It involves a range of strategies, treatments, and lifestyle changes aimed at helping individuals overcome nicotine addiction and reduce the health risks associated with smoking.

A sports injury refers to any injury that occurs during physical activity, typically during sports or exercise. These injuries can involve muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, or other parts of the body and can range from mild to severe. Sports injuries often happen due to overuse, improper technique, or trauma during physical activity, but they can also be the result of poor conditioning, inadequate warm-up, or an accident.

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by stiffness, muscle spasms, and abnormal postures. It primarily affects the muscles in the trunk and limbs, but can also lead to significant disability over time. The condition is also known as stiff-man syndrome, although the term "stiff person syndrome" is preferred.

Stress is a natural physical and emotional response to challenges, demands, or threats. It is the body's way of reacting to any kind of demand or pressure, and it can arise from both positive and negative experiences. Stress can affect an individual’s mind, body, and behavior in various ways. While stress is a normal part of life, excessive or chronic stress can lead to health problems and affect overall well-being.

Susac's syndrome is a rare and complex autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small blood vessels in the brain, retina (the back of the eye), and inner ear. This disease is characterized by the formation of tiny blood clots (microthrombi) that can obstruct blood flow in these areas, leading to a range of neurological, visual, and auditory symptoms.

Sympathetic Ophthalmia (SO)Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a rare, bilateral (affecting both eyes) inflammatory eye disease that typically occurs after trauma to one eye. It is a type of autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the unaffected eye after the other eye has been injured, usually in a penetrating injury or surgical procedure. The condition can lead to serious complications, including permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Takayasu's ArteritisTakayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the large arteries, especially the aorta and its major branches. This condition is classified as a vasculitis, meaning that it involves inflammation of the blood vessels. The inflammation can lead to narrowing, thickening, and scarring of the affected arteries, which can disrupt normal blood flow and lead to various complications.

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis (GCA), is an inflammatory condition that affects the blood vessels, specifically the large and medium-sized arteries, including the temporal arteries (located on the sides of the head). This condition is more common in individuals over the age of 50 and can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including permanent vision loss.

Tendinosis, tendinitis, and tendinopathy are terms used to describe conditions affecting the tendons, the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of tendon injury or degeneration.

Tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow become damaged or overworked. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players; it can affect anyone who repetitively uses their forearm muscles.

Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a rare but serious blood disorder characterized by a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and the formation of small blood clots throughout the body. These blood clots can obstruct the small blood vessels, leading to organ damage and other severe complications. TTP can be either acquired or inherited, with the acquired form being more common.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening blood disorder that is characterized by the formation of small blood clots (thrombi) in small blood vessels throughout the body, leading to low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and organ damage.It is a form of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, meaning the blood clots damage the red blood cells as they pass through the small blood vessels, leading to fragmented cells, which can further contribute to the condition.

Thyroid Nodules are abnormal growths or lumps that form within the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and other important functions.

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves' orbitopathy or Graves' eye disease, is an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes and is associated with thyroid disease, particularly hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which is most commonly caused by Graves' disease. TED occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues around the eyes, leading to inflammation and swelling. This can cause a range of symptoms, often affecting the appearance and function of the eyes.

Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS) is a rare disorder characterized by painful ophthalmoplegia, which is the combination of severe eye pain and weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control eye movement. It is caused by inflammation in the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure, areas located near the base of the skull. The syndrome is typically idiopathic, meaning its exact cause is unknown, although it is believed to be related to a nonspecific inflammatory process

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), also known as Red Skin Syndrome (RSS), is a condition that can occur after the prolonged or inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. When a person stops using the steroids, the skin can undergo a severe rebound reaction, leading to intense symptoms.

Transverse MyelitisTransverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. The inflammation typically occurs across a section of the spinal cord, affecting both sides of the body at the level of the inflammation. This condition can damage the spinal cord, leading to various physical and neurological symptoms depending on the location and extent of the inflammation.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. The condition is characterized by sudden, severe, and stabbing pain, often described as one of the most excruciating types of pain a person can experience. This pain usually occurs on one side of the face and can be triggered by even mild stimuli, such as touch, chewing, speaking, or brushing teeth.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the lining of the colon, leading to a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the colon and rectum. It is a type of autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD)Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is a condition in which a person experiences symptoms of a connective tissue disorder but does not fully meet the criteria for a specific autoimmune connective tissue disease. These diseases typically affect the body's connective tissues, which include the skin, joints, blood vessels, and organs like the heart and kidneys. In UCTD, individuals may have overlapping symptoms that resemble those of diseases like lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), but they do not fulfill the full diagnostic criteria for any of these conditions.

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, red, itchy welts or bumps on the skin. These welts may vary in size and shape and can appear anywhere on the body. Urticaria occurs due to an allergic reaction or other triggers, causing the release of histamine and other chemicals from skin cells, leading to inflammation and the formation of welts.

Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in or on the muscular wall of the uterus. They are common in women of reproductive age, particularly during the 30s and 40s. Fibroids can vary greatly in size, from small, pea-sized growths to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus.

UveitisUveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. The uvea consists of the iris (the colored part of the eye), ciliary body (which produces aqueous humor), and the choroid (the layer of blood vessels beneath the retina). Uveitis can affect one or more parts of the uvea and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild irritation to severe vision loss.

Vasculitis is a group of rare disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the walls of affected blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) to thicken, weaken, narrow, or scar. As a result, blood flow can become restricted, potentially leading to organ and tissue damage.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment in patches on the skin, hair, or mucous membranes. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color), are destroyed or stop functioning. The exact cause of this destruction is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to autoimmune processes.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) DiseaseVogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a rare, systemic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the eyes, skin, hair, and central nervous system. It is characterized by inflammation of these areas, particularly the eyes, leading to vision problems and other systemic symptoms.

Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (WAIHA)Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. In WAIHA, this destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) occurs at body temperature (around 37°C or 98.6°F), hence the term "warm."

Weight gain refers to an increase in body weight, which can occur due to a variety of factors, including changes in diet, exercise habits, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Weight gain is typically defined as an increase in total body mass, which may involve an increase in fat, muscle, or water retention.

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking motion of the head, usually as a result of a rear-end car collision or other trauma, such as a sports injury or physical assault. The rapid forward-and-backward motion of the head puts strain on the neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes long-term issues if not properly managed.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of one or more tumors, known as gastrinomas, in the pancreas, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), or other areas of the digestive tract. These tumors secrete excessive amounts of the hormone gastrin, which leads to overproduction of stomach acid. This, in turn, causes severe peptic ulcers and other gastrointestinal symptoms.