Pain, coping, emotional state and physical function in patients with chronic radicular neck pain. A comparison between patients treated with surgery,physiotherapy or neck collar - blinded, prospective randomized study

Citation
Lcg. Persson et A. Lilja, Pain, coping, emotional state and physical function in patients with chronic radicular neck pain. A comparison between patients treated with surgery,physiotherapy or neck collar - blinded, prospective randomized study, DISABIL REH, 23(8), 2001, pp. 325-335
Citations number
47
Categorie Soggetti
Rehabilitation
Journal title
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
ISSN journal
09638288 → ACNP
Volume
23
Issue
8
Year of publication
2001
Pages
325 - 335
Database
ISI
SICI code
0963-8288(200105)23:8<325:PCESAP>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Purpose : To describe and explore the relationships between pain, emotional state and coping strategies in patients with chronic radicular neck pain b efore and after surgery or conservative treatments. Methods : We randomize 81 consecutive patients with cervical radicular pain and nerve root compression, verified by MRI, to either surgical decompress ion with fusion or physiotherapy or neck collar. Emotional state was both m easured with Mood Adjective Check List, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Sca le and with a Coping Strategies Questionnaire. Pain was measured with VAS a nd function with Disability Index Rating. Measurements were made before tre atment, and follow ups after 3 and 12 months post treatment. Results : We found generally a low emotional state with anxiety, depression and sleep-disturbances not only connected to pain. Pain improved faster in the surgery group but after one year no differences were seen. Surgery and physiotherapy improved function with heavy work compared to collar after 3 months. Many patients used active coping before treatment, but after treat ment more passive coping strategies were found. Conclusion : We recommend a multidisciplinary rehabilitation with cognitive behavioural therapy and psychological interventions.