Application of algometry in patients with cervical and lumbar radiculopathy.

Background: Algometry, as a highly sensitive method, provides an objective insight into the degree of pain, while the use of questionnaires can estimate the patient's psychological status in a simple way.

Objective: This study was conducted in order to measure the pressure pain threshold in patients with cervical and lumbar radiculopathy and to find a possible association of pain with the anxiety and depression.

Methods: The study examined 60 hospitalized patients with cervical radiculopathy and 60 patients with lumbar radiculopathy before starting and after finishing kinesitherapy. The research was conducted using the digital algometry device and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in algometric values between the patients with cervical radiculopathy and the patients with lumbar radiculopathy. The program of rehabilitation did not lead to significant improvement in the level of pain. Females have a lower pressure pain threshold than males. Psychological factors greatly affect the pain.

Conclusions: The applied methods will provide the implementation of appropriate therapy and would achieve better verification of the results in a rehabilitation program. Radiculopathy in conservative therapy should be treated in cervical-thoracic and lumbar region together. Rehabilitation period for patients with radiculopathy have to be longer.