Relationship between body mass index and pain, peripheral muscle strength, disability and quality of life in patients with cervical radiculopathy

Background: The aim of this study was to compare pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), peripheral muscle strength, disability, and quality of life according to body mass index (BMI) in individuals with cervical radiculopathy (CR) and to examine the relationship with BMI. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 patients (mean age: 44.20 +/- 8.31) diagnosed with CR. Patients were divided into two groups according to BMI: normal and overweight/obese. Pain (visual analog scale (VAS)), cervical joint range of motion, shoulder and grip muscle strength, disability, and quality of life were evaluated. Results: The severity of neck and arm pain, and disability scores, were significantly higher in the overweight/ obese group in CR patients than in the normal group (p < 0.05). Also, cervical ROM and grip muscle strength were statistically lower in the overweight/obese group (p < 0.05), but shoulder flexor and abductor muscle strength were similar (p > 0.05). Physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, and general health sub-parameter scores of quality of life were significantly higher in the normal group (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between BMI and VAS (p < 0.05). Also, a negative correlation was found between BMI and cervical ROM, grip muscle strength, and quality of life subparameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with CR with overweight/obese BMI experience more severe pain and more limited cervical ROM. Also, increased BMI in patients with CR is associated with decreased grip muscle strength and quality of life and increased disability. Therefore, BMI should be considered when managing symptoms in patients with CR.