Pain radiating from the spine into the leg is commonly referred to as ‘sciatica’. ‘Sciatica’ is associated with reduced quality of life, significant suffering and socio-economic burden. Two of the main challenges associated with a diagnosis of ‘sciatica’ relate to the inconsistent use of terminology for the diagnostic labels ‘sciatica’/radicular pain/painful radiculopathy, and the identification of neuropathic pain. These challenges hinder collective clinical and scientific understanding and clarity regarding these conditions, impact effective clinical communication and care planning, prevent clear interpretation of the scientific literature related to the condition, and ultimately may contribute to the limited efficacy and personalisation of care for people living with ‘sciatica’.

In this workshop, we will highlight these challenges from a clinical, research and lived experience perspective. We will summarise the outcome of a working group commissioned by the Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG) of the International Association for the Study of Pain which includes recommendations on the terminology as well as an adaptation of the neuropathic pain grading system in the context of spine-related leg pain. These recommendations will facilitate common language in clinical practice and research and assist the initiation of more specific management for this patient population.