Comparisons of Body Awareness, Physical, and Cognitive Components and Relationships in Patients with Chronic Neck, Back, and Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between body awareness, body image, and physical and cognitive components in patients with neck, back, and low back pain. The secondary aim was to compare body awareness across these spine pain groups.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients with non-specific chronic spine pain were included, distributed among neck (n = 22, 28.18 ± 9.54 years), back (n = 21, 30.71 ± 12.26 years), and low back (n = 23, 38.43 ± 12.64 years) pain groups. Measurements included visual analogue scale for pain, Body Awareness Questionnaire, Stunkard Body Figure Scale, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, waist-hip circumference, waist and hip ratio), one-leg stand test, Y balance test, New York Posture Analysis Scale, Melbourne Decision Making Scale, and Stress Coping Scale. Correlations were analyzed using Pearson/Spearman methods and compared with Kruskal Wallis/ANOVA tests according to their normal distribution.

RESULTS

Resting pain levels were 4.23 ± 2.66 cm (neck), 4.68 ± 2.62 cm (back) and, 4.32 ± 2.84 cm (low back). Body awareness was correlated with weight, body mass index, waist, and hip circumference in neck pain group (r = 0.610/p = .003; r = 0.569/p = .006, r = 0.498/p = .018; r = 0.445/p = .038). In the back pain group, as body awareness level increased, the level of coping with stress increased (r = 0.442/p = .045). No difference was found in intergroup comparisons (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The study showed that body awareness and body image were associated with physical components (anthropometric measurements and balance) and cognitive components (stress coping skills). However, when comparing neck, back, and low back pain, no significant differences were found between any of the components.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A holistic approach addresses both physical and cognitive components for more balanced and effective care.