A past member of both the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, Dr. Grace Walker is a dedicated retired occupational and physical therapist and past director of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center, which she led for 40 years. Dr. Grace Walker is also the author of the book "Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache.

Sciatica results from inflammation of one or more nerves located inside the spinal canal, which is enclosed by the vertebrae. The inflammation could be a complication of nerve pinching (when tissue presses on a nerve) or excess pressure on the nerve due to an abnormally narrow spinal canal.

Sciatica can cause numbness in the back and legs. Other symptoms include a tingling sensation in the legs and pain.

Pain from sciatica often feels like an electric shock or a burning sensation. The pain can also radiate down the leg. Often sporadic, the pain comes and goes. When it appears, it may linger for days or even weeks. People who are affected by sciatica also complain of pain when sneezing, coughing, lifting their legs, or even lying on their back.

Sciatica is rife in the US. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 40 percent of the US population has experienced at least one form of sciatica at some point in their lives.

When left untreated, even mild sciatica pain can make simple tasks difficult or intolerable. Pain from sciatica can improve with non-invasive treatments that aim to improve quality of life. In severe cases of sciatica, surgery may be necessary. Severe sciatica can also cause urinary or bowel incontinence.