Estado funcional de pacientes com quadro crônico de ciatalgia: Functional status of patients with chronic sciatica

Introduction: Persistent back pain and sciatica are common complaint in the general population. Back pain is widely studied, but the functional status of sciatica patients is poorly described. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the functional status of patients with sciatica. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 44 sciatica patients. The patients filled a Numeric Rating Pain Scale (NRPS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A physical examination was performed with clinical examination and functional tests: ten meters walk test (TWT) and Lumbar Movement Impairment. A descriptive statistics and variables correlation was performed. Results: The mean age observed was 58.1 years, with a high intensity (NRPS = 7.57) and duration (31.22 months) of pain levels. Self-perceived disability average was 32.79% and lower walking speed was observed on 97.7% of the sample. Pain intensity, lifting, standing, and siting section were the most impaired sections. The most prevalent lumbar syndrome was rotation with extension (48.6%). Body mass index and gait performance were correlated. Conclusion: The walking speed and functional capacity are affected in patients with sciatica.