Oral steroids in sciatica: The OASIS Randomised Controlled Trial

Sciatica is a sharp, often debilitating pain that radiates down the leg — usually caused by a compressed or irritated nerve root in the lower back. It can make standing, walking, and sleeping very difficult. While many cases improve on their own, the pain can be severe in the short term, and finding treatments that provide rapid relief is important. This randomised controlled trial, called OASIS, is testing whether a short course of oral prednisolone (a corticosteroid, or steroid anti-inflammatory tablet) taken for up to 13 days can meaningfully reduce leg pain compared to a placebo. Steroids work by reducing the inflammation around the compressed nerve, which is believed to be a key driver of sciatica pain. You may be eligible if you are an adult who has had sciatica for 6 weeks or less, with at least moderate leg pain, and signs of nerve involvement (such as pain going below the knee, numbness, or weakness). People with serious spinal conditions, who have already had recent spinal injections or surgery, have diabetes, active infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of stomach ulcers, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible.