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] |