The Truth About Sciatica: It's Not A Leg Injury (Here's Why)

Sciatica explained: understand what is really causing your shooting leg pain and how to address the underlying compression. Many people mistake intense radiating pain for a simple leg injury, but the root cause is often a biological alarm triggered within the spine. This video breaks down the anatomy of your nerve pathways to help you visualize why this happens and how your body signals distress when a nerve is under pressure. Learn the most common causes of sciatica (herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome), two simple self-tests that hint at where the pressure is coming from, and the warning signs that mean you need to see a doctor right away. CHAPTERS 0:00 Why sciatica feels like an electric shock 0:30 The sciatic nerve: your body's longest nerve 1:15 Herniated disc and spinal stenosis: pressure at the spine 2:14 Piriformis syndrome: the sciatica look-alike 2:45 Two self-tests: spine or muscle? 3:26 Numbness, tingling and foot weakness explained 4:19 How to relieve the pressure and when to see a doctor WATCH NEXT ▶ 10-Minute Lower Back Pain Relief Routine (Follow Along):    • Lower Back Pain Relief You Can Feel: 10-Mi...   ▶ Epidural Steroid Injections Explained:    • Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections EXPLAIN...   Created by an Ivy League–trained, board-certified pain medicine physician. This video is for education only and is not medical advice. If you have sudden leg weakness, can't lift your foot, or lose bladder or bowel control, seek emergency care. Subscribe for a new pain relief video every Sunday. What does your sciatica feel like? Tell us in the comments.