Sciatica pain in Saudi population: Knowledge and awareness assessment

Background: Sciatica defined as a pain that radiates, the sciatic nerve travels from the lower back to the back of the thigh and down to the leg. Sciatica most commonly caused by compression or irritation of lumbosacral nerve root. Aim: To evaluate Saudi citizens' knowledge and awareness regarding sciatica. Methods: A questionnaire (online survey), a research project was carried among the Saudi population. The study was involved both male and female with age of 18 and older. The questionnaire was used to assess public knowledge and awareness of sciatica symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications and treatment. Data will be collected through medical students. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science Software (SPSS). Results: Among 2269 respondents, 62.7% was female and 37.3% being male. Regarding sciatica pain, 66.9% of participants defined it as discomfort in the lower-back that extends to the leg and foot, whereas just 5.7% had a history of sciatica. A family history of sciatica affects 25.8% of the population. Sciatica was known to 83.7% of the respondents and 36% were aware that the majority of cases of sciatica are caused by a herniated disc in one of the spine's vertebrae. Conclusion: Saudi populations have moderate knowledge of sciatica, its causes and the nature of pain. Patient education is crucial to treating sciatica. Sciatica can have a variety of reasons. Most instances of sciatica are treated most effectively with conservative measures unless there is an immediate compression of the spinal nerves.