Reddington, M. orcid.org/0000-0001-8139-2103, Baxter, S. orcid.org/0000-0002-6034-5495 and Walters, S.J. orcid.org/0000-0001-9000-8126 (2021) A qualitative exploration of patient experiences of medication for sciatica. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 55. 102419. ISSN 2468-8630
Abstract
Background
Sciatica is often a painful and disabling condition, with medication routinely the first line of management. It is important to describe patients experiences of taking medication for sciatica, the reasons for commencing and reasons for cessation, the effects of the medication in symptom management and any other potential positive or deleterious effects.
Objectives
To describe patient experiences of medication for the relief of symptoms of sciatica.
Study design
Qualitative analysis of data from a mixed-methods randomised controlled pilot study.
Methods
A total of 46 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 consenting participants (19 female) recruited from 14 GP practices. A purposive sampling strategy ensured a range of age, severity of pain and disability. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to thematic analysis, which aimed to identify the important, interesting or divergent views within the data.
Findings
Participant experiences of pain were often severe with significant disability and fear. The use of a combination of medications was common, including the use of opioids and other medication inconsistent with national (NICE) guidance. Most participants found medication ineffective and reported significant side-effects, often necessitating cessation of the drugs or the use of alternatives. Despite the regularity of participants stopping all medication for sciatica, their pain levels still significantly eased over the 6-month period of the study.
Conclusions
The study highlighted a lack of perceived effectiveness for prescribed medication, often with concomitant side-effects. Clinicians should be cognisant of the fears that patients hold in terms of the cause and severity of sciatica, as well as fears of prescribed medication.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd. |
Keywords: | Analgesia; Pain; Qualitative; Radiculopathy; Sciatica; Side-effects |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Health and Related Research (Sheffield) > ScHARR - Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number National Institute for Health Research NIHRDH-CDRF-2014-05-046 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 01 Sep 2021 08:01 |
Last Modified: | 01 Sep 2021 08:01 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier BV |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102419 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:177594 |