Association of segmental body composition with cervical spine mobility in adults with nonspecific neck pain

Abstract In order to assess the pain phenomenon, a pilot cross-sectional study was conducted. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between segmental body composition and cervical spine mobility in individuals with nonspecific neck pain (NSNP). Forty-six individuals aged 18–75 were recruited for the study. After completing the cervical spine safety test, participants completed a socio-medical survey, assessed their pain level using a 10-point VAS scale, quality of life using the SF-36, assessed their total and segmental body mass (upper limbs) using a Tanita BC-418 body composition analyzer, and assessed their active range of motion (AROM) using the CROM system (Performance Attainment Associates, Roseville, MN, USA). Descriptive statistics (median and quartiles) were used to evaluate the obtained results, and nonparametric tests (no normal distribution of the studied variables) were used to compare the results between groups. The results showed that NSNP was associated with job type, stress level, and time spent using a smartphone. Pain severity increased with age, BMI, and increased fat mass. AROM was within the normal range (SFTR system for measuring angles in human joints according to the International Standards for Orthopaedic Measurements) for flexion-extension, right and left rotation, and was slightly lower for right and left lateral flexion. No statistically significant differences in AROM were observed depending on pain levels (p = 0.628-p = 0.869). Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that NSNP is associated with lifestyle. Pain intensity was observed to be accompanied by a decrease in AROM in all areas examined. Cervical spine pain levels also increased with age, BMI, and total and segmental fat content. It was noted that AROM does not always correlate with pain intensity, warranting further research. The results indicate that patients consult a physiotherapist with long-term pain. At the same time, lifestyle factors exacerbate pain symptoms, ambiguously affecting AROM, which requires further investigation.