MUSCLES: Measuring and Understanding Sciatica and Leg Weakness Study

WHAT IS SCIATICA? 

Sciatica is a broad term used to describe nerve pain travelling down the leg, although the pain is in the leg the cause is often irritation of the nerves in the lower back. 

AND LEG WEAKNESS? 

Many people with sciatica also experience weakness in their affected leg. We also know from previous studies that this feeling of leg weakness can persist for at least 2 years in some people. 

WHAT WILL THIS STUDY DO? 

This PhD study has 2 separate studies. 

1. An interview study with people who have sciatica and leg weakness to understand their experience. 

2. A profiling study of people with sciatica and leg weakness to measure accurately the possible components of weakness. 

When we understand both the experience and the accurate measurement of leg weakness in people with sciatica we may be able to offer personalised treatments to people depending on their profile. 

I WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED, WHAT NEXT? 

If you have sciatica and leg weakness and you would like to take part in either study, contact us. 

We are also organising a patient advisory group, to guide the research and to communicate the findings in the best possible way. Please contact us to find out how to contribute. 

Email: muscles@ndcn.ox.ac.uk

Phone: 01865 618948