Table 5 Prognostic factors reported in 3 or more studies and their association with poor outcome
From: Prognostic factors in non-surgically treated sciatica: A systematic review
| Prognostic factor studied | Positive association with poor outcome | No association |
|---|---|---|
| Socio-demographic/individual | ||
| Older age | 0 | 6 [12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19] |
| Gender | 0 | 5 [12–14, 18, 19] |
| Previous sciatica | 0 | 3 [12, 13, 18] |
| Smoking | 0 | 4 [12, 14, 18, 19] |
| Higher BMI/obesity (15% overweight) | 0 | 3 [12, 15, 18] |
| Clinical (symptoms & signs) | ||
| Longer duration of symptoms | 1 [18] | 3 [12, 13, 15] |
| Baseline pain/symptom severity | 1 [13*] | 2 [12, 18] |
| Neurological deficit | 1 [12] | 3 [14, 15, 18] |
| Nerve root tension signs | 1 [18] | 2 [12, 14] |
| Clinical (radiological findings) | ||
| Level of disc herniation | 0 | 5 [12–16] |
| Smaller disc prolapse | 1 [15] | 3 [12–14] |
| Occupational | ||
| Heaviness of work | 0 | 3 [14, 15, 19] |
