Benefits of the foam roller
Recently I hear an increasing number of people complain about their "sciatica". It's almost like sciatica is the new designer injury spot: everyone with lower back pain has got to have it. As someone who has also experienced pain in the sciatic area I would like to offer some advice: try some gentle stretching. I've found that many people I know complaining of sciatica really experience relief by regularly taking the time to stretch their glutes and hamstrings.
I blame sitting all day for any tension I feel in the lower back. I've been using a foam roller regularly over the last 3 years to work on my flexibility; mostly using it for self massage. I find the most relieving movements to be when I roll my glutes and hamstrings across it. This video demonstrates the same movements I do for myself. If you work out frequently and you're a desk jockey, go spend $30-$40 on a good quality, firm foam roller.