A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Pain, Neck Disability, Functional Performance, and Quality of Life in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis.

Background/

Objectives

Cervical spondylosis is a cause of recurrent neck pain, disability, and poor quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to examine the relationships among pain intensity, neck disability, functional performance, body mass index, and quality of life in individuals with cervical spondylosis.

Methods

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study on 111 participants (33 males and 78 females). Data were collected using different assessment tools such as Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (Part A). Independent t-tests and ANOVA assessed group differences, whereas correlations and multiple linear regression examined the association of QoL and function. Data from 107 out of 111 participants were further analysed due to missing data.

Results

No significant gender- or activity-based differences were observed for pain, disability, function, or QoL (p > 0.05). However, negative correlations were found to be significant between NDI and both PSFS (r = -0.41, p < 0.001) and QoL (r = -0.52, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified NDI, pain intensity, BMI, and PSFS as significant independent correlates of QoL (Adj. R2 = 0.426, p < 0.001), although BMI alone was associated with functional ability (Adj. R2 = 0.141, p = 0.008). Higher neck disability, pain, and BMI were associated with poorer functional and QoL outcomes. Functional ability occurred as a positive determinant of QoL.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for integrated management focusing on pain reduction, functional rehabilitation, and weight optimisation to improve quality of life in patients with cervical spondylosis.