Burden and Treatment Patterns of Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy

Aim: To characterize the impact of neuropathic pain (NeP) related to cervical radiculopathy (CR) on health and employment status and outpatient healthcare utilization, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 81 patients with CR-related NeP in general practice in six European countries.Methods: Patients and physicians completed a one-time survey. Physicians recorded demographic and treatment information. Patients provided information on CR-related NeP, health impact and utilization.Results: Mean age was 57.0 ñ13.3 years. The mean Pain Severity Index was 5.2 ñ 1.8, and 89% reported moderate or severe pain. Patients reported moderate levels of pain-related interference with health domains (mean 4.7 ñ 2.0) despite 94% of patients receiving prescription medications for NeP. Prescriptions were predominantly for standard analgesics (79%), and multiple physician visits for NeP was common. Disruption in employment occurred in 62% of patients. Increasing pain severity was associated with reduced health valuation (P < 0.001) and increased functional interference (P < 0.001).Conclusions: NeP in CR is associated with substantial patient burden. Improved management strategies and physician education may reduce this burden. Additional research is needed to better understand this pain condition.