Sciatica is leg pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back. The sciatic nerve sits underneath a muscle called the piriformis, which is located beneath the glutes. When the piriformis muscle gets tight, it pinches the sciatic nerve, causing tingling and numbness down into the leg. A Massage Therapist can help eliminate the pain by applying pressure to irritated and inflamed areas, or trigger points, in the piriformis muscle, as well as in muscles in the lower back and glutes. Moving is usually the last thing people want to do when they have sciatica pain, but it’s important to be physically active. Exercise increases blood flow to the disk and the nerve, helping to get rid of the chemicals causing the inflammation. Take 15- to 20-minute walks. If that hurts too much, give swimming or water aerobics a try; there’s not as much pressure on the back when you’re in the water.