Table 5.
Prognostic factors reported in 3 or more studies and their association with poor outcome
| Prognostic factor studied | Positive association with poor outcome | No association |
|---|---|---|
| Socio-demographic/individual | ||
| Older age | 0 | 6 [12,13,15,16,18,19] |
| Gender | 0 | 5 [12-14,18,19] |
| Previous sciatica | 0 | 3 [12,13,18] |
| Smoking | 0 | 4 [12,14,18,19] |
| Higher BMI/obesity (15% overweight) | 0 | 3 [12,15,18] |
| Clinical (symptoms & signs) | ||
| Longer duration of symptoms | 1 [18] | 3 [12,13,15] |
| Baseline pain/symptom severity | 1 [13*] | 2 [12,18] |
| Neurological deficit | 1 [12] | 3 [14,15,18] |
| Nerve root tension signs | 1 [18] | 2 [12,14] |
| Clinical (radiological findings) | ||
| Level of disc herniation | 0 | 5 [12-16] |
| Smaller disc prolapse | 1 [15] | 3 [12-14] |
| Occupational | ||
| Heaviness of work | 0 | 3 [14,15,19] |