Information is power: a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of patients with degenerative cervical radiculopathy

Degenerative cervical radiculopathy (DCR) can lead to severe pain, paraesthesia, and/or motor weakness, resulting in significant morbidity, disability, and reduced quality of life. Typically, individuals suffer from prolonged symptoms, with time to complete recovery spanning months to years. Little is known about the impact DCR has on peoples' lives. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the everyday experiences of individuals living with DCR. A qualitative study was conducted through an interpretivist lens exploring the experiences of participants. Participants were purposefully recruited and interviewed with 2 research team members. Transcripts were independently analyzed by 2 reviewers and coding was finalized by consensus. Analysis was performed using an interpretative phenomenological approach, with emergent themes mapped onto the 5 domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. Eleven participants were interviewed between December 2021 and April 2022. Three themes emerged: the biopsychosocial impact of DCR, role of the health care provider, and uncertainty surrounding DCR. Pain and paraesthesia were the most common symptoms experienced by participants, leading to significant psychological distress and impact to daily activities, most notably driving, housecleaning, sleep, and ability to work. Participants described the uncertainty they experienced as a result of the unpredictable nature of DCR and the important role that health care providers play in their journey with DCR. Health care providers were seen acting as either a facilitator or a barrier to their recovery. The findings from this study can be used by clinicians providing patient-centered care to better understand the experiences of people with DCR.