If you’ve ever felt pain shooting down your leg, you’ve probably wondered:“ Is this just a pulled muscle—or something more serious?” This is one of the most common questions we hear in the clinic. The answer matters because the right treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Let’s break it down in a simple way. What Is Sciatica? Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back down through your