Supporting sciatica: a qualitative evidence synthesis of the needs and preferences of people with lumbar radicular pain when self-managing their condition

Purpose To synthesise qualitative evidence on the self‑management needs, preferences and coping strategies of adults living with lumbar radicular pain (LRP), and to identify content for supported self‑management.Materials and methods A systematic qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and the ConQual approach. MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 26 December 2025, with additional citation searching. Eligible peer‑reviewed qualitative studies included adults with clinically diagnosed LRP and reported self‑management needs, preferences, coping strategies or rehabilitation‑relevant experiences. Study findings and participant quotations were extracted and synthesised thematically.Results Nine studies involving six UK NHS cohorts and 117 participants were included. Six interconnected themes described self‑management experiences: making symptoms predictable, coping day‑to‑day, adapting to physical limits, managing emotional burden, optimising sleep and evolving a new identity.Conclusion People with LRP need self‑management support that goes beyond generic activity advice. Effective interventions should help individuals understand fluctuating pain and neurological symptoms, create personalised flare‑up and medication strategies, modify daily activities and work demands, address sleep disruption, and receive support for emotional distress and identity changes. These findings can guide clinical practice and inform the design and content of future self‑management interventions.