Research Article
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The Relationship between Chronic Neck Pain and Psychological and Physical Activity Levels

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 65 - 69, 28.01.2026
https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between neck pain, disability, depression, anxiety, stress and physical activity
in patients with chronic neck pain.
Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study included 74 patients. 58 of the patients were female and 16 were
male. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), neck disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), psychological status
using the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS 21), and physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
Correlations between variables were calculated using Pearson's test. The significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between VAS and BDI and between BDI and all DASS-21 parameters (p<0.05). No
significant correlation was found between physical activity parameters and pain and disability (p>0.05). A low level statistically significant
negative correlation was found between stress and walking MET values (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the impact of psychological factors on neck disability. Therefore, treatment approaches should consider
not only physical but also psychosocial factors. In addition, regular walking habits may be beneficial in reducing stress levels.

References

  • Nunes AMP, Moita JPAM, Espanha MMMR, Petersen KK, Arendt‐Nielsen L. Pressure pain thresholds in office workers with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Pain Pract. 2021;21(7):799-814.
  • Cohen SP, Hooten WM. Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. BMJ. 2017;358.
  • Jensen I, Harms-Ringdahl K. Strategies for prevention and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Neck pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2007;21(1):93-108. Epub 2007/03/14. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2006.10.003. PubMed PMID: 17350546.
  • Treleaven J, Chen X, Bahat HS. Factors associated with cervical kinematic impairments in patients with neck pain. Man Ther. 2016;22:109-15.
  • Soysal M, Bilge K, Arda MN. Assessment of physical activity in patients with chronic low back or neck pain. Turk Neurosurg. 2013;23(1):75-80.
  • Demirbüken İ, Özgül B, Kuru Çolak T, Aydoğdu O, Sarı Z, Yurdalan SU. Kinesiophobia in relation to physical activity in chronic neck pain. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2016;29(1):41-7.
  • Cheung J, Kajaks T, Macdermid J. The relationship between neck pain and physical activity. Open Orthop J. J. 2013;7(4):521-9.
  • Alsalhe TA, Aljaloud SO, Chalghaf N, Guelmami N, Alhazza DW, Azaiez F, et al. Moderation effect of physical activity on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and general distress: A pilot case study in Arabic countries. Front Psychol. 2020;11:570085.
  • Linton SJ. A review of psychological risk factors in back and neck pain. Spine. 2000;25(9):1148-56.
  • Andias R, Silva AG. Psychosocial variables and sleep associated with neck pain in adolescents: a systematic review. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2020;40(2):168-91.
  • Delgado DA, Lambert BS, Boutris N, McCulloch PC, Robbins AB, Moreno MR, et al. Validation of digital visual analog scale pain scoring with a traditional paper-based visual analog scale in adults. JAAOS Global Research & Reviews. 2018;2(3):e088.
  • Aslan E, Karaduman A, Yakut Y, Aras B, Simsek IE, Yaglý N. The cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of neck disability index in patients with neck pain: a Turkish version study. Spine. 2008;33(11):E362-E5.
  • Vernon H. The Neck Disability Index: state-of-the-art, 1991-2008. anipulative Physiol Ther. 2008;31(7):491-502.
  • Saglam M, Arikan H, Savci S, Inal-Ince D, Bosnak-Guclu M, Karabulut E, et al. International physical activity questionnaire: reliability and validity of the Turkish version. Percept Mot Skills. 2010;111(1):278-84.
  • Lovibond PF, Lovibond SH. The structure of negative emotional states: Comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behav Res Ther. 1995;33(3):335-43.
  • Yılmaz Ö, Boz H, Arslan A. Depresyon Anksiyete Stres Ölçeğinin (DASS 21) Türkçe kisa formunun geçerlilik-güvenilirlik çalişmasi. FESA. 2017;2(2):78-91.
  • Hayran M. Sağlık araştırmaları için temel istatistik: Omega Araştırma; 2011.
  • Alsaqr AM. Remarks on the use of Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients in assessing relationships in ophthalmic data. AVEH. 2021;80(1):10.
  • Kaka B, Ogwumike OO, Adeniyi AF, Maharaj SS, Ogunlade SO, Bello B. Effectiveness of neck stabilisation and dynamic exercises on pain intensity, depression and anxiety among patients with non-specific neck pain: a randomised controlled trial. Scand J Pain. 2018;18(2):321-31.
  • Akkan H, Gelecek N. The effect of stabilization exercise training on pain and functional status in patients with cervical radiculopathy. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(2):247-52.
  • Moon K-Y, Shin D. Correlation between psychosocial stresses, stress coping ability, pain intensity and degree of disability in patients with non-specific neck pain. Physiol Behav. 2024;275:114433.
  • Stenneberg MS, Scholten-Peeters GG, den Uil CS, Wildeman ME, van Trijffel E, de Bie RA. Clinical characteristics differ between patients with non-traumatic neck pain, patients with whiplash-associated disorders, and pain-free individuals. Physiother Theory Pract. 2022;38(13):2592-602.
  • Al-Ghamdi S, Shubair MM, Angawi K, Al-Zahrani J, Khormi AAM, Alshammari RF, et al. Combined’Neck/Back pain and psychological distress/morbidity among the Saudi population: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychol. 2022;13:870600.
  • Juan W, Rui L, Wei-Wen Z. Chronic neck pain and depression: the mediating role of sleep quality and exercise. Psychol Health Med. 2020;25(8):1029-35.
  • Elbinoune I, Amine B, Shyen S, Gueddari S, Abouqal R, Hajjaj-Hassouni N. Chronic neck pain and anxiety-depression: prevalence and associated risk factors. Pan Afr Med J. 2016;24(1).
  • Blozik E, Laptinskaya D, Herrmann-Lingen C, Schaefer H, Kochen MM, Himmel W, et al. Depression and anxiety as major determinants of neck pain: a cross-sectional study in general practice. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2009;10:1-8.
  • Myrtveit SM, Sivertsen B, Skogen JC, Frostholm L, Stormark KM, Hysing M. Adolescent neck and shoulder pain—the association with depression, physical activity, screen-based activities, and use of health care services. J Adolesc Health. 2014;55(3):366-72.
  • MacDowall A, Robinson Y, Skeppholm M, Olerud C. Anxiety and depression affect pain drawings in cervical degenerative disc disease. Ups J Med Sci. 2017;122(2):99-107.
  • Daher A, Halperin O, editors. Association between psychological stress and neck pain among college students during the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Healthcare (Basel). 2021;9:1526.
  • Ortego G, Villafañe JH, Doménech-García V, Berjano P, Bertozzi L, Herrero P. Is there a relationship between psychological stress or anxiety and chronic nonspecific neck-arm pain in adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res. 2016;90:70-81.
  • Sayilir S. Daytime sleepiness, functionality, and stress levels in chronic neck pain and effects of physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies on these situations. North Clin Istanb. 2018;5(4):348-52.
  • Valera-Calero JA, Varol U. Correlation among Routinary Physical Activity, Salivary Cortisol, and Chronic Neck Pain Severity in Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. Biomedicines. 2022;10(10):2637.
  • Vikat A, Rimpelä M, Salminen JJ, Rimpelä A, Savolainen A, Virtanen SM. Neck or shoulder pain and low back pain in Finnish adolescents. Scand J Public Health. 2000;28(3):164-73.
  • Øverås CK, Villumsen M, Axén I, Cabrita M, Leboeuf‐Yde C, Hartvigsen J, et al. Association between objectively measured physical behaviour and neck‐and/or low back pain: A systematic review. Eur J Pain. 2020;24(6):1007-22.

Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 65 - 69, 28.01.2026
https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, kronik boyun ağrısı olan hastalarda boyun ağrısı, dizabilite, depresyon, anksiyete, stres ve fiziksel aktivite düzeyleri
arasındaki ilişkileri incelemektir. Araştırma, kesitsel tanımlayıcı bir çalışmadır.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırma, kesitsel tanımlayıcı bir çalışmadır. Çalışmaya, 74 hasta dahil edildi. Hastaların 58’i kadın, 16’sı erkekti. Hastaların
Vizüel Ağrı Skalası (VAS) ile ağrı şiddeti, Boyun Dizabilite İndeksi (BDİ) ile boyun dizabilitesi, Depresyon-Anksiyete-Stres Ölçeği (DASS 21) ile
psikolojik durumları ve Uluslararası Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi (IPAQ) ile fiziksel aktivite düzeyleri değerlendirildi. Değişkenler arası korelasyonlar
Pearson testi ile hesaplandı. Anlamlılık değeri p<0.05 olarak belirlendi.
Bulgular: VAS ve BDİ arasında ve BDİ ile tüm DASS-21 parametreleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ilişki saptandı (p<0,05). Fiziksel aktivite
parametreleri ile ağrı ve dizabilite arasında anlamlı ilişki tespit edilmedi (p>0,05). Stres ile yürüme MET değerleri arasında negatif yönde düşük
düzeyde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ilişki bulundu (p<0,05).
Sonuç: Bu çalışmada psikolojik faktörlerin boyun dizabilitesi üzerine etkisi gösterilmiştir. Bu nedenle, tedavi yaklaşımlarının sadece fiziksel değil,
psikososyal faktörleri de göz önünde bulundurması gerekmektedir. Ayrıca, düzenli yürüyüş alışkanlığı stres düzeylerini azaltmada faydalı olabilir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Anksiyete, depresyon, fiziksel aktivite, kronik boyun ağrısı, stres.

Ethical Statement

Çalışmanın etik kurul kapsamında onayı Tarsus Üniversitesi Girişimsel Olmayan Klinik Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu’nda 04.07.2023 tarih ve 2023/36 karar numarası ile alındı. Çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden hastalara değerlendirme parametreleri açıklanmış ve bilgilendirilmiş onam alınmıştır. Çalışma Helsinki bildirgesine uygun olarak gerçekleştirilmiştir.

References

  • Nunes AMP, Moita JPAM, Espanha MMMR, Petersen KK, Arendt‐Nielsen L. Pressure pain thresholds in office workers with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Pain Pract. 2021;21(7):799-814.
  • Cohen SP, Hooten WM. Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. BMJ. 2017;358.
  • Jensen I, Harms-Ringdahl K. Strategies for prevention and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Neck pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2007;21(1):93-108. Epub 2007/03/14. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2006.10.003. PubMed PMID: 17350546.
  • Treleaven J, Chen X, Bahat HS. Factors associated with cervical kinematic impairments in patients with neck pain. Man Ther. 2016;22:109-15.
  • Soysal M, Bilge K, Arda MN. Assessment of physical activity in patients with chronic low back or neck pain. Turk Neurosurg. 2013;23(1):75-80.
  • Demirbüken İ, Özgül B, Kuru Çolak T, Aydoğdu O, Sarı Z, Yurdalan SU. Kinesiophobia in relation to physical activity in chronic neck pain. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2016;29(1):41-7.
  • Cheung J, Kajaks T, Macdermid J. The relationship between neck pain and physical activity. Open Orthop J. J. 2013;7(4):521-9.
  • Alsalhe TA, Aljaloud SO, Chalghaf N, Guelmami N, Alhazza DW, Azaiez F, et al. Moderation effect of physical activity on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and general distress: A pilot case study in Arabic countries. Front Psychol. 2020;11:570085.
  • Linton SJ. A review of psychological risk factors in back and neck pain. Spine. 2000;25(9):1148-56.
  • Andias R, Silva AG. Psychosocial variables and sleep associated with neck pain in adolescents: a systematic review. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2020;40(2):168-91.
  • Delgado DA, Lambert BS, Boutris N, McCulloch PC, Robbins AB, Moreno MR, et al. Validation of digital visual analog scale pain scoring with a traditional paper-based visual analog scale in adults. JAAOS Global Research & Reviews. 2018;2(3):e088.
  • Aslan E, Karaduman A, Yakut Y, Aras B, Simsek IE, Yaglý N. The cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of neck disability index in patients with neck pain: a Turkish version study. Spine. 2008;33(11):E362-E5.
  • Vernon H. The Neck Disability Index: state-of-the-art, 1991-2008. anipulative Physiol Ther. 2008;31(7):491-502.
  • Saglam M, Arikan H, Savci S, Inal-Ince D, Bosnak-Guclu M, Karabulut E, et al. International physical activity questionnaire: reliability and validity of the Turkish version. Percept Mot Skills. 2010;111(1):278-84.
  • Lovibond PF, Lovibond SH. The structure of negative emotional states: Comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behav Res Ther. 1995;33(3):335-43.
  • Yılmaz Ö, Boz H, Arslan A. Depresyon Anksiyete Stres Ölçeğinin (DASS 21) Türkçe kisa formunun geçerlilik-güvenilirlik çalişmasi. FESA. 2017;2(2):78-91.
  • Hayran M. Sağlık araştırmaları için temel istatistik: Omega Araştırma; 2011.
  • Alsaqr AM. Remarks on the use of Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients in assessing relationships in ophthalmic data. AVEH. 2021;80(1):10.
  • Kaka B, Ogwumike OO, Adeniyi AF, Maharaj SS, Ogunlade SO, Bello B. Effectiveness of neck stabilisation and dynamic exercises on pain intensity, depression and anxiety among patients with non-specific neck pain: a randomised controlled trial. Scand J Pain. 2018;18(2):321-31.
  • Akkan H, Gelecek N. The effect of stabilization exercise training on pain and functional status in patients with cervical radiculopathy. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(2):247-52.
  • Moon K-Y, Shin D. Correlation between psychosocial stresses, stress coping ability, pain intensity and degree of disability in patients with non-specific neck pain. Physiol Behav. 2024;275:114433.
  • Stenneberg MS, Scholten-Peeters GG, den Uil CS, Wildeman ME, van Trijffel E, de Bie RA. Clinical characteristics differ between patients with non-traumatic neck pain, patients with whiplash-associated disorders, and pain-free individuals. Physiother Theory Pract. 2022;38(13):2592-602.
  • Al-Ghamdi S, Shubair MM, Angawi K, Al-Zahrani J, Khormi AAM, Alshammari RF, et al. Combined’Neck/Back pain and psychological distress/morbidity among the Saudi population: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychol. 2022;13:870600.
  • Juan W, Rui L, Wei-Wen Z. Chronic neck pain and depression: the mediating role of sleep quality and exercise. Psychol Health Med. 2020;25(8):1029-35.
  • Elbinoune I, Amine B, Shyen S, Gueddari S, Abouqal R, Hajjaj-Hassouni N. Chronic neck pain and anxiety-depression: prevalence and associated risk factors. Pan Afr Med J. 2016;24(1).
  • Blozik E, Laptinskaya D, Herrmann-Lingen C, Schaefer H, Kochen MM, Himmel W, et al. Depression and anxiety as major determinants of neck pain: a cross-sectional study in general practice. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2009;10:1-8.
  • Myrtveit SM, Sivertsen B, Skogen JC, Frostholm L, Stormark KM, Hysing M. Adolescent neck and shoulder pain—the association with depression, physical activity, screen-based activities, and use of health care services. J Adolesc Health. 2014;55(3):366-72.
  • MacDowall A, Robinson Y, Skeppholm M, Olerud C. Anxiety and depression affect pain drawings in cervical degenerative disc disease. Ups J Med Sci. 2017;122(2):99-107.
  • Daher A, Halperin O, editors. Association between psychological stress and neck pain among college students during the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Healthcare (Basel). 2021;9:1526.
  • Ortego G, Villafañe JH, Doménech-García V, Berjano P, Bertozzi L, Herrero P. Is there a relationship between psychological stress or anxiety and chronic nonspecific neck-arm pain in adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res. 2016;90:70-81.
  • Sayilir S. Daytime sleepiness, functionality, and stress levels in chronic neck pain and effects of physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies on these situations. North Clin Istanb. 2018;5(4):348-52.
  • Valera-Calero JA, Varol U. Correlation among Routinary Physical Activity, Salivary Cortisol, and Chronic Neck Pain Severity in Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. Biomedicines. 2022;10(10):2637.
  • Vikat A, Rimpelä M, Salminen JJ, Rimpelä A, Savolainen A, Virtanen SM. Neck or shoulder pain and low back pain in Finnish adolescents. Scand J Public Health. 2000;28(3):164-73.
  • Øverås CK, Villumsen M, Axén I, Cabrita M, Leboeuf‐Yde C, Hartvigsen J, et al. Association between objectively measured physical behaviour and neck‐and/or low back pain: A systematic review. Eur J Pain. 2020;24(6):1007-22.
There are 34 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Physiotherapy
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Abdulkadir Göz 0000-0002-4017-9098

Evrim Göz 0000-0002-0651-3005

Submission Date February 20, 2025
Acceptance Date July 20, 2025
Publication Date January 28, 2026
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 11 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Göz, A., & Göz, E. (2026). Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 11(1), 65-69. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809
AMA Göz A, Göz E. Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi. İKÇÜSBFD. January 2026;11(1):65-69. doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809
Chicago Göz, Abdulkadir, and Evrim Göz. “Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik Ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri Ile İlişkisi”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11, no. 1 (January 2026): 65-69. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809.
EndNote Göz A, Göz E (January 1, 2026) Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11 1 65–69.
IEEE A. Göz and E. Göz, “Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi”, İKÇÜSBFD, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 65–69, 2026, doi: 10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809.
ISNAD Göz, Abdulkadir - Göz, Evrim. “Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik Ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri Ile İlişkisi”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi 11/1 (January2026), 65-69. https://doi.org/10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809.
JAMA Göz A, Göz E. Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026;11:65–69.
MLA Göz, Abdulkadir and Evrim Göz. “Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik Ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri Ile İlişkisi”. İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 11, no. 1, 2026, pp. 65-69, doi:10.61399/ikcusbfd.1643809.
Vancouver Göz A, Göz E. Kronik Boyun Ağrısının Psikolojik ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi. İKÇÜSBFD. 2026;11(1):65-9.



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