Physical Inactivity Amplifies the Link Between Anxiety, Depression, and Neck Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer can cause significant changes in both physical and mental health, leading to conditions such as low back pain, neck pain (musculoskeletal pain), anxiety, and depression. Women with this diagnosis tend to subsequently decrease their levels of physical activity, which can contribute to the emergence of musculoskeletal dysfunction. With this in mind, the aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between physical activity levels (active vs. inactive), neck and low back pain in women breast cancer survivors in association with anxiety and depression. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 128 women breast cancer survivors. The prevalence of neck pain stratified by anxiety and depression status was higher in women physically inactive than in active women; however, there was no statistically significant difference. Results: Symptoms of anxiety and depression were associated with neck pain only in physically inactive women. No associations were observed between anxiety and depression and low back pain regardless of physical activity levels. Conclusions: This study demonstrates significant results for the association between physical activity level, anxiety and depression, and neck pain in women breast cancer survivors. However, the same association was not found for low back pain.

Keywords: anxiety; breast cancer; depression; low back pain; neck pain; physical activity.

Figure 1

Prevalence of neck and low back pain stratified by anxiety and depression status in physically inactive and active breast cancer survivors.