OASIS is a research study about sciatica being run by the University of Sydney.
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The OASIS study is a clinical trial that tests whether oral steroid medicines reduce pain in people who have recently developed sciatica.
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It is open to eligible participants accross Australia. Travel is not required.
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The study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
To check your eligibility
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a lumbar condition characterized by pain radiating down the back of the leg, in the distribution of a spinal nerve root, and may be accompanied by changes in strength, sensation (e.g. pins and needles) and reflex activities of the leg.
What is the cause?
Sciatica can be caused due to pressure on a major nerve that supplies the leg, the sciatic nerve, such as:
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Bulging or herniated disc in the lower spine (the most common cause)
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Spine degeneration (usually more common in older individuals )
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Piriformis syndrome (tightness of the piriformis muscle)
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Any traumatic injury that places pressure on lower spine
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Inflammation from arthritis, sprains, joint slippage or infection
Why
steroid medicines?
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A class of steroid medicines, corticosteroids or glucocorticoids, have anti-inflammatory actions, and may target the inflammation associated with pressure on the nerve. It is thought that the inflammation can cause the symptoms and signs of sciatica.
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People with sciatica have few effective treatment options and often experience significant pain or limitations in function.
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Clinical trials suggest that steroid medicines may be effective in treating sciatica – but this needs further confirmation.