Loss of cervical lordosis in chronic neck pain patients with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Some interrelationships among fibromyalgia (FM), loss of cervical lordosis (LCL), and headache have been reported. Thus, it is sensible to examine LCL as a factor underlying FM and headache.

OBJECTIVE:

In this study we aimed to assess LCL in chronic neck pain patients (CNPP) with FM and its association with headache features and FM severity.

METHODS:

CNPP with ( $n=$ 55; mean age 40.0 $\pm$ 8.5; range 20 to 55 years) and without FM ( $n=$ 55; mean age 38.5 $\pm$ 8.9; range 20 to 55 years) were included in the study. Cervical lordosis was assessed by measuring the Cobb angle on the lateral cervical radiographs. The patients were asked about headache features within the last month. In addition, the CNPP with FM were evaluated by the Turkish version of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.

RESULTS:

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index, working status, and neck pain duration ( $p>$ 0.05 for each). The CNPP with FM had significantly reduced cervical lordosis angle compared with those without. The CNPP with FM had significantly higher headache frequency than those without ( $p=$ 0.008). There was statistically significant negative correlation between cervical lordosis angle and headache frequency in the CNPP with FM (r: $-$ 0.336; $p=$ 0.012).

CONCLUSION:

According to the results of this study, LCL may be associated with FM and headache frequency in the CNPP with FM.