Association Between Sleep Disturbance and Cervical Radicular Pain in Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: The neurological condition known as cervical radiculopathy, rather prevalent. When nerves from cervical spine compressed it causes radiculopathy and pain in neck. Good sleep quality has been acknowledged as a crucial factor in both physical and mental health and well-being, making it an essential physical requirement for a healthy life.
Objective: To find out the association between sleep disturbance and cervical radicular pain.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months in Karachi, Pakistan, involving 377 male and female patients (aged 30–50 years) diagnosed with acute or sub-acute cervical radicular pain. Data were collected from various public and private hospitals and clinics using non- probability convenience sampling. The study assessed sleep disturbances in these patients through bio-data questionnaires, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 to evaluate the relationship between cervical radicular pain, disability levels, and sleep quality
Result: Among 377 participants with cervical radicular pain, a significant association was observed between sleep disturbance and neck disability (p = 0.010), age (p = 0.025), and working duration (p = 0.007) among patients with cervical radicular pain. Moderate disability was most prevalent (35.5%), followed by mild (27.9%) and severe (22.8%) disability. Sleep disturbances were common, with 41.1% reporting moderate and 33.2% severe difficulty. Females and participants aged 30–40 years exhibited higher sleep disturbance levels. Prolonged working hours showed a significant association with poorer sleep quality (p = 0.007).
Conclusion: Cervical radicular pain is significantly associated with neck disability and sleep disruption, predominantly affecting female individuals aged 30–40 years. Prolonged working hours and postural stress were major contributing factors.
Keywords: Disability, Pinched Nerve, PSQI, Radiculopathy, Sleep Disturbance.
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