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.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Brain and Nerve Surgery (Neurosurgery)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Bülent Bozyiğit
0000-0001-5038-2260
Türkiye
Hakan Kına
0000-0002-9741-7720
Türkiye
Parvin Akbarov
0000-0002-0617-8972
Azerbaijan
Publication Date
March 12, 2026
Submission Date
August 5, 2025
Acceptance Date
September 10, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 1