Knowledge and Attitude of Sciatica Pain and Treatment Methods among Adults in Saudi Arabia

Knowledge and Attitude Toward Sciatica Pain and Treatment Methods Among the Population of Qassim in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sciatica, a pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, can cause significant suffering and functional limitations. Understanding individual populations' knowledge and attitudes about sciatica pain is crucial for designing targeted interventions and enhancing healthcare delivery, especially in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude toward sciatica pain and treatment methods among the population of Al-Qassim in Saudi Arabia. Methods and materials:This online cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, with numeric data presented as mean ± SD and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Correlation analyses included the Chi-squared test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The study received 398 responses, from mostly female (n=305, 76.6%) and Saudi adults aged under 30 (n=248, 62.3%). Most participants sought treatment for sciatica pain from a specialist doctor (n=28, 56.0%) or a general doctor (n=10, 20.0%). Physical therapy was the most common self-treatment method (n=11, 32.4%), followed by painkillers and muscle relaxants (n=10, 29.4%). Knowledge and attitude toward sciatica were generally low (mean score: 3.54 ± 2.61 out of 9), with only 70 (17.6%) showing good knowledge. Most respondents recognized practices like spinal imaging, surgery as a last resort, and exercise/sitting habits as impacting sciatica outcomes. Traditional therapies like massage, cupping, acupuncture, and cautery were considered beneficial. Educational level significantly impacted knowledge scores, with higher mean scores among postgraduate education holders and bachelor's degree holders (mean scores: 4.06 ± 2.48 and 3.98 ± 2.53, respectively). Age, gender, occupation, nationality, and region showed no significant differences in mean knowledge scores. Attitude scores were similar across sociodemographic spectra, with younger respondents having slightly more positive attitudes.  Conclusion: The study showed poor knowledge, influenced by education levels, and neutral attitudes about sciatica among residents of Al-Qassim. Therefore, educational programs and engagement of healthcare stakeholders are recommended to raise awareness and improve knowledge and attitudes.

Risk Factors, Prevention, and Primary and Secondary Management of Sciatica: An Updated Overview

Sciatica is a chronic condition causing crippling low back pain radiating down to the sciatic nerve innervation area, which is the posterior thigh. It remains a major public health problem worldwide with significant socio-economic, physical, and psychological impacts. Studies suggested different diagnostic methods due to the lack of consensus on diagnostic and treatment guidelines. When it comes to the management and treatment, there is ambiguous evidence about the use of painkillers, surgical interventions, and alternative options and their effectiveness, with most studies contrasting one another in addition to the lack of high-quality trials. This review presents the available data on the current understanding of sciatica covering clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment modalities, prognosis, and complications since a disagreement is observed in the scientific community regarding sciatica, starting with a definition of sciatica, its epidemiological characteristics, to the management and treatment. Our review would help raise knowledge and awareness about sciatica in the health professional community and the general public since the prevalence of low back pain is high in most parts of the world and there is insufficient knowledge of sciatica in the literature.