Sciatica (cont.)

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What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with sciatica?

Depending on the precise cause of the sciatica and the duration of symptoms, the outlook for recovery from sciatica ranges from excellent to having long-term chronic symptoms.

Can sciatica be prevented?

Sciatica can be prevented to some extent by avoiding low back trauma injuries.

REFERENCES:

Koopman, William, et al., eds. Clinical Primer of Rheumatology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.

Patrick, C.A.J. Vroomen, Marc C.T.F.M. de Krom, Jan T. Wilmink, D.M. Arnold, J. Kester, and Andre Knottnerus. "Lack of Effectiveness of Bed Rest for Sciatica." N Engl J Med 340 (1999): 418- 423.

Ruddy, Shaun, et al., eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 2000

Additional resources from WebMD Boots UK on Sciatica


Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD on 1/30/2013

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