Abstract:Sciatica is a painful and function-limiting condition that profoundly affects physical functioning, emotional well-being, social participation, and economic productivity. It typically arises from irritation or compression of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots, most commonly due to intervertebral disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Symptoms include radiating leg pain, sensory disturbances, weakness, and impaired mobility, often leading to substantial reductions in daily functioning and quality of life. Although many individuals recover within the initial months, a considerable proportion continue to experience persistent or recurrent symptoms that may progress to chronic sciatica. The severity and duration of symptoms strongly predict disability, healthcare utilization, and productivity loss.
The physical impact of sciatica includes pain, reduced mobility, avoidance of physical activity, and increased dependence on healthcare services. Psychological consequences such as stress, anxiety, and depression are common, often exacerbated by persistent pain, lifestyle disruption, and fear-avoidance behaviors. Coping strategies vary widely, ranging from adaptive behavioral modifications to maladaptive patterns that may further reduce activity and social engagement. Social implications include strained relationships, reduced participation in social roles, and increased social isolation, all of which influence pain perception and recovery trajectories.
Sciatica also imposes significant economic burdens. Healthcare expenditure, frequent medical consultations, physiotherapy, and adherence to treatment recommendations contribute substantially to direct costs. Indirect costs arise from absenteeism, presenteeism, and long-term loss of productivity, with chronic cases generating costs nearly ten times higher than short-duration episodes. Despite this, integrated preventive and early intervention models remain limited. Emerging preventive strategies-such as GP-based screening using the Sciatica Screen and Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire-may help identify high-risk individuals earlier and guide timely interventions.
Overall, sciatica is a multidimensional condition requiring comprehensive clinical, psychological, social, and economic consideration. Improved preventive screening, patient-centered management, and targeted rehabilitation strategies are essential for reducing chronicity and its far-reaching impacts.
