Investigation of Functional Disability, Pain, And Quality of Life in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy by Gender

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare pain, functional limitation, disability, and quality of life in females and males with cervical radiculopathy and to evaluate their relationship. Material and Method: A total of 111 patients of both genders, 81 (72.98%) females and 30 (27.02%) males, were included in the study. Pain and numbness of the patients were evaluated with the Numeric rating scale (NRS), neck disabilities with the Neck disability index (NDI), and quality of life with the EuroQol Five-Dimensions– 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L). Functional limitation caused by cervical radiculopathy was assessed with the Cervical radiculopathy impact scale (CRIS). Results: The average age of the patients was 45.59±11.00. While the severity of neck and arm pain was similar between genders (p>0.05), numbness radiating to the arm and hand was more severe in females (p=0.027). Also, female's quality of life outcomes was worse than males (p<0.05). However, there was no difference between genders in CRIS subheading scores (p>0.05). This study determined a moderate negative correlation between CRIS symptoms and quality of life parameters and a moderate-weak correlation between CRIS symptoms with pain and numbness (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study determined that female's disability and quality of life were worse. In addition, the severity of numbness females feel in the upper extremities is higher. Additionally, functional limitation is associated with pain and quality of life in patients with cervical radiculopathy.