Sciatic Pain

Diagnosis
Sciatica is leg pain or lower back pain generally caused by a pinched or inflamed nerve in the lower back this can be due to a herniated disk. It is usually felt in only one leg and can present itself as shooting pain right down the length of the leg to the foot.
The Sciatic nerve runs under or in some cases through the Piriformis muscle which is a muscle found deep in the Glutes.
Prevention
If you are working at a desk try to take a break every hour for 2-3 minutes this will take pressure from the spine. Try doing some hip opener exercises such as sitting on the floor cross your legs with your knees raised, place your hands around the bottom leg and gently pull the leg towards you. This will help to stretch the Piriformis muscle and relax the pressure on the Sciatic nerve.
Treatment
The symptoms of Sciatica normally clear up within 6 weeks however this can be speeded up with a course of treatment. To help speed up the process sit on the floor with knees raised place a spiky ball under the Glutes on the side of the bad leg. Gently roll around on the ball until you find a tender area; hold that position until the muscles start to relax around the ball. This will help to release any muscular trigger points that may have developed.