Health-related quality of life deviations from population norms in patients with lumbar radiculopathy: associations with pain, pain cognitions, and endogenous nociceptive modulation

Purpose The primary goal of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with lumbar radiculopathy to age- and sex-adjusted population norms. Additionally, it aimed to explore the associations between the HRQoL difference scores and measures related to pain cognitions, pain intensity, and endogenous nociceptive modulation. Methods Using answers from the Short Form 36-item Health Survey and UK population norms, SF-6D difference scores were calculated. A one-sample t test was used to assess the SF-6D difference scores. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the associations between SF-6D difference scores and pain intensity [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain], pain cognitions [Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ)], and correlates for endogenous nociceptive modulation using quantitative sensory testing. Results One hundred and twenty people with lumbar radiculopathy scheduled for surgery were included in this study. The mean SF-6D difference score of − 0.26 [SD = 0.09] was found to be significantly less than 0 [95%CI: − 0.27 to − 0.24]. Univariate analyses showed a significant influence from PCS, TSK, and PVAQ on the SF-6D difference scores. The final multivariate regression model included PCS and PVAQ, with only PCS maintaining a statistically significant regression coefficient [b = − 0.002; 95% CI: − 0.004 to − 0.001]. Conclusion People diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy report significantly lower HRQoL scores when compared with age- and sex-adjusted UK norm values. Even though all examined pain cognitions were found to have a significant association, pain catastrophizing showed the most significant relation to the SF-6D difference scores. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No. NCT02630732. Date of registration: November 25, 2015.