The Association Between Cervical Radiculopathy and Quality of Life in Patients With Cervical Spondylosis

To determine the association between cervical radiculopathy and quality of life (QoL) in patients with cervical spondylosis.

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 273 patients in five hospitals in Lahore within 3 months from April to June 2021. The Spurling test was used to measure cervical radiculopathy. The participants were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The Spurling test was used to measure cervical radiculopathy and its symptoms. The World Health Organization quality of life scale (WHOQoL) was used to evaluate the QoL of patients suffering from cervical spondylosis. 

Of 273 patients, 42.9% were male and 57.1% female. Their Mean±SD age was 42±11.9 years. Also, 70.3% had positive Spurling test, and 29.7% had negative results. Their Mean±SD physical health score was 11.70±1.74 (out of a total of 20), and their Mean±SD psychological health score was 11.75±1.78 (out of a total of 20). The Mean±SD social relationships score was 11.19±2.98 (out of a total of 20), and their Mean±SD environment health score was 11.13±3.08 out of a total of 20. P indicates a significant difference in the QoL between patients with positive and negative Spurling tests. Patients with negative Spurling tests had higher QoL scores. Greater scores denote a higher QoL

There is a significant association between cervical radiculopathy and QoL in patients with cervical spondylosis. These results will help us in the future to design educational programs or modify the lifestyle of those patients with cervical radiculopathy. This research concluded that there is a significant difference in the QoL among patients with positive and negative Spurling tests. Patients with negative Spurling tests have higher QoL scores. Hence there is a significant association between diagnosed cervical radiculopathy and QoL.