Effects of Artificial Forward Head and Neck Posture on Shoulder Rotation Range and Strength in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Abnormal neck posture, such as forward head posture (FHP), is a common cause of cervical and shoulder pain, affecting approximately two-thirds of people at least once in their lifetime. 1 FHP is characterized by forward head position and hyper-extended upper cervical joints. 2,3 Although many factors affecting the progression of FHP are known, excessive monitor work, mobile phone use, and the lack of neck and shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength exercises are known to be the major causes of FHP. 4,5 FHP progression leads to musculoskeletal dysfunction, such as intervertebral disc herniation, stenosis of the various vertebral foramen, deformation of the ligament flavum, neck pain, and osteoarthritis of the cervical facet joints. [6][7][8][9] In addition, if abnormal head and neck posture such as FHP is not managed, it can result in height reduction, decreased quality of life, limited neck motion, shoulder pain, chronic