Relationship of pain intensity with sleep quality, disability and depression in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain

Abstract

Aims: Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) affects individuals by causing functional limitations. However, the impact of pain intensity is not known. This study aimed to compare sleep, disability, and depression levels in individuals with CNSNP with varying degrees of pain. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, and 55 individuals with CNSNP were included. Patients were divided into two groups: mild (n=24) and moderate/severe (n=31) pain based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Individuals' disability level (Neck Disability Index (NDI)), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), and depression levels (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)) were assessed. Results: The demographic characteristics of the groups were similar (p>0.05). The moderate/severe pain group had statistically significantly higher NDI, PSQI, and BDI scores than the mild pain group (p<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between VAS and the NDI (r=0.758, p<0.001), PSQI (r=0.482, p<0.001), and BDI (r=0.583, p<0.001). Additionally, increased duration of symptoms correlated with increased VAS scores (r= - 0.314, p=0.019). Conclusion: Individuals with CNSNP who experience more pain have more functional disability and poorer sleep quality, and higher levels of depression. Furthermore, these symptoms increase as pain intensity increases. Therefore, the pain levels of individuals with CNSNP should be carefully assessed and rehabilitated with appropriate approaches.