Comparison Between Effect of Posterior Cervical Weighting and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercise on Forward Head Posture

One of the most common postural deformities in the neck region is forward head posture seen in 66% of the population according to the American Physical Therapy Association. The use of computers and smartphones and long readings, which are the result of today's technological lifestyle, is one of the most common causes of FHP, causing the body to lean forward for hours. Maintaining the reverse neck posture also forces the body into many bad postures that damage the spine. Although forward head posture is experienced unconsciously at first, this unbalanced posture will accompany various degrees of advanced head posture, which turns into deformity, symptoms and complications.

FHP is an anterior translation of the head characterized by the extension of the upper cervical vertebra C1 and 2 and the bending of the lower cervical vertebra. According to Kapandji, each inch (2.54 cm) of the head forward equals the extra 4.5 kg on the neck extensor muscle, which leads to muscle fatigue and weakness, resulting in an unbalanced head posture with an abnormal bow in the neck. Immunohistochemical studies conducted by Satoshi Inami and colleagues showed that there is damage to the synovial folds containing nociceptive nerve endings as a result of compression of the facet joints in the forward head posture.

Aim of the work The aim of this study is to present a neck orthosis to correct neck posture and to see how posture correction will reflect on balance and plantar pressure distribution in individuals with forward head posture. This study can help answer questions about changes in gait level and mechanics between the spine and peripheral levels.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years and over willing to attend the study.
• Individuals with craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 48 degrees for those participating in forward head posture (FHP).
• Young adults without known problems will be divided into groups by evaluating their craniovertebral angle value. (As individuals below 48 degrees).
• Mechanical neck pain experienced / felt in the last 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

• Spine trauma, surgery, bone pathology, arthritis, etc. Having a history of illness.
• Kyphotic deformity types are rounded back, Scheuermann's disease, hunched back, flat back and Dowager hump.
• Any spinal deformity, bone abnormality, postural deformity, and disc herniation with / without peripheral symptoms.
• Body mass index (BMI)> 30, which is an indicator of obesity.
• Suffering from balance problems, coordination problems, and other neurological or vestibular diseases that affect body balance and posture.
• Any orthopedic or neurological disease affecting the body joints or the integrity of the musculoskeletal system.
• Use of any medication that can cause dizziness or drowsiness in the last months.