Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Sciatica: Prevalence and Related Factors

Abstract

Aim: To assess the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) in patients with sciatica and to determine the associated factors with increased incidence of neuropathic component in sciatica. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 80 patients with sciatica from a rheumatology outpatient Hospital. Pain severity was measured us­ing the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The prevalence of NP was assessed according to the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4). Statistical analysis was performed to find the factors closely related with NP. Results: A total of 70% of the participants were classified as having NP. The DN4 score≥4 was not significantly cor­related with VAS, but was significantly associated with gender (sex ratio=0.9; p=0,013), low educational level (p=0,008), illiteracy (p=0,012), chronic disease (p=0,019) and facet joint osteoarthritis (p=0,06). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only chronicity of the disease remained an independent factor associated with NP in sciatica (OR=5,8). Conclusion: In the present study, NP was a major contributor to sciatica and the DN4 scale was a practical and rapidly administered screening tool for distinguishing the relative contributions of neuropathic component. The knowledge of the associated factors with NP in sciatica may improve the management of NP when these factors can be modified and targeted for treatment.