Clinical presentation of sciatica in South Indian population

Abstract

Background: Lumbar disc herniation is a multi-factorial problem and its etiology is still an enigma. Patients with lumbar disc herniation are commonly seen in day to day clinical practice and it has been suggested that the probability of symptoms resolving with conservative treatment decreases progressively with time. The present study was carried out to clinically evaluate the pattern of presentation of lumbar disc herniation. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among 50 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation based on symptomatology and clinical evaluation. Radiological confirmation of the diagnosis was made. The participants were grouped into three categories based on the duration of illness. Results: Majority of the participants belonged to the age group of 36.89 years. The duration of symptoms was <6 months for 38% of the participants. Overall, pain was the most prominent symptom among all the participants, followed by altered sensation and then with weakness. Severe pain was witnessed among those with >12 months of symptoms. At all times of clinical presentation, L4-L5 segment were commonly involved. Conclusion:The present study has documented increase in the complications like sensory and motor deficits with prolonged duration of symptoms. It is therefore essential that due awareness be created among the occupational sections so as to minimize the need for surgical interventions.