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Do cervical degenerative changes in women with chronic neck pain affect function?
Matti Nykänen1, Jari Ylinen, Arja Häkkinen
1Kruunupuisto Punkaharju Rehabilitation Centre, Punkaharju, Finland. matti.nykanen@fimnet.fi
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|June 6, 2007
Summary
Degenerative changes in the cervical spine are not strongly linked to neck pain or function in female office workers. Radiographic findings showed little correlation with reported symptoms or evaluated neck mobility and strength.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Previous research indicates a weak link between clinical and radiographic findings in spinal degeneration.
- The relationship between cervical degenerative changes and neck function remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between radiographic degenerative changes in the cervical spine and neck function in female office workers with chronic neck pain.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 179 female office workers (aged 25-53) with chronic neck pain.
- Evaluated cervical spine radiographs, neck function (isometric muscle strength, passive range of motion), and self-reported pain and disability.
Main Results:
- 59% of participants showed degenerative changes, correlating with older age.
- Neck pain, disability, and most function measures were comparable between groups with and without degenerative changes.
- A reduced rotational range of motion was observed in women with degenerative changes.
Conclusions:
- Cervical spine degenerative changes on plain films appear poorly related to symptom severity or overall neck function in sedentary female workers with chronic neck pain.
- Radiographic findings alone may not accurately reflect functional limitations or pain levels in this population.
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