The association between forward head posture and non-specific neck pain: A cross-sectional study

Bahat, Hilla; Levy, A; Yona, Tomer

doi:10.1080/09593985.2022.2044420

Cited by 12 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 47 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Physical therapists and healthcare practitioners frequently conduct craniocervical alignment analyses as part of their screening tests, which can provide valuable insights into the presence of NSNP [ 5 , 24 ]. Recent studies, aligning with our results, have shown weak, non-significant correlations between CCA and clinical measures of pain and disability, challenging the historical emphasis on FHP as a primary cause of neck pain [ 3 – 5 ]. In line with these recent studies, our study could not confirm a significant correlation between neck pain and craniocervical alignment and movement, or significant differences in craniocervical alignment and movement between individuals with and without NSNP.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This aligns with some studies suggesting a complex and not always straightforward relationship between cervical posture, movement, and NSNP. These findings suggest that the etiology of NSNP, particularly in Cluster 2, might not be primarily driven by observable postural deviations or specific movement patterns but rather by a complex interaction of factors, including age-related changes, muscle function, and perhaps other not yet fully understood biomechanical or physiological factors [ 5 , 29 , 30 ]. The lack of significant difference of CCA data between Cluster 2 and healthy controls underscores the imperative for a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for NSNP.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, a growing body of evidence suggests a more complex and nuanced connection between craniocervical alignment and neck pain, with some studies finding no clear distinction in CCA between individuals with and without neck pain. This has led to skepticism about the utility of FHP as a primary diagnostic criterion for neck pain [ 3 – 5 ], indicating that the significance of posture in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain may not be as straightforward as previously believed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Unsupervised machine learning for clustering forward head posture, protraction and retraction movement patterns based on craniocervical angle data in individuals with nonspecific neck pain

Hwang,

Kwon,

Kim

2024

BMC Musculoskelet Disord

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objectives The traditional understanding of craniocervical alignment emphasizes specific anatomical landmarks. However, recent research has challenged the reliance on forward head posture as the primary diagnostic criterion for neck pain. An advanced relationship exists between neck pain and craniocervical alignment, which requires a deeper exploration of diverse postures and movement patterns using advanced techniques, such as clustering analysis. We aimed to explore the complex relationship between craniocervical alignment, and neck pain and to categorize alignment patterns in individuals with nonspecific neck pain using the K-means algorithm. Methods This study included 229 office workers with nonspecific neck pain who applied unsupervised machine learning techniques. The craniocervical angles (CCA) during rest, protraction, and retraction were measured using two-dimensional video analysis, and neck pain severity was assessed using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). CCA during sitting upright in a comfortable position was assessed to evaluate the resting CCA. The average of midpoints between repeated protraction and retraction measures was considered as the midpoint CCA. The K-means algorithm helped categorize participants into alignment clusters based on age, sex and CCA data. Results We found no significant correlation between NPQ scores and CCA data, challenging the traditional understanding of neck pain and alignment. We observed a significant difference in age (F = 140.14, p < 0.001), NPQ total score (F = 115.83, p < 0.001), resting CCA (F = 79.22, p < 0.001), CCA during protraction (F = 33.98, p < 0.001), CCA during retraction (F = 40.40, p < 0.001), and midpoint CCA (F = 66.92, p < 0.001) among the three clusters and healthy controls. Cluster 1 was characterized by the lowest resting and midpoint CCA, and CCA during pro- and -retraction, indicating a significant forward head posture and a pattern of retraction restriction. Cluster 2, the oldest group, showed CCA measurements similar to healthy controls, yet reported the highest NPQ scores. Cluster 3 exhibited the highest CCA during protraction and retraction, suggesting a limitation in protraction movement. Discussion Analyzing 229 office workers, three distinct alignment patterns were identified, each with unique postural characteristics; therefore, treatments addressing posture should be individualized and not generalized across the population.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Unsupervised machine learning for clustering forward head posture, protraction and retraction movement patterns based on craniocervical angle data in individuals with nonspecific neck pain

Hwang,

Kwon,

Kim

2024

BMC Musculoskelet Disord

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Although a decrease in range of motion does occur, UCS alone has not been demonstrated to cause pain. 47 , 48 This unsubstantiated belief that UCS causes pain in adolescents might lead to pain through a nocebo effect. 49 In fact, adolescents in families with experiences of pain are at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal pain.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%