The efficacy of forward head correction on nerve root function and pain in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: a randomized trial

Abstract

Forward head posture correction using a posture corrective exercise programme in addition to ultrasound and infrared radiation decreased pain and craniovertebral angle and increased the peak-to-peak amplitude of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials for C6 and C7 in cases of lower cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

The addition of upper cervical manipulative therapy in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial

“…There is no clear explanation for these findings, but we speculate that sustained postural imbalances can result in the establishment of a state of continuous asymmetric loading. Once this state is established and maintained beyond critical weight and time threshold, degenerative changes in the muscles, ligaments, bony structures, and neural elements increase [47,48]. Most important, when the asymmetry is reversed, and the unbalanced loading is thereby corrected by restoring normal posture, and the reversible of these degenerative changes or even their improvement requires some time.…”

Evidence-Based Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Strategies for Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy Due to Disc Herniation

“…A combination of therapeutic ultrasound, infrared radiation, and an exercise program for the correction of forward head posture was used in a randomized controlled trial (Jadad score: 4) in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, where the group with the exercise program showed significantly better reduction in pain and improvement in electrophysiologic parameters. The improvement of pain also in the ultrasound and infrared group after 10 weeks of treatment in this study may have implications on possible beneficial effects of ultrasound (30). A study comparing groups of patients receiving cervical spine isometric exercises + TENS + therapeutic ultrasound and patients receiving sham ultrasound in addition to the former two therapies in patients with neck pain without the exclusion criteria for discogenic neck pain showed similar effects in both groups regarding some functioning properties, such as concentration, reading, sleep, car driving, and work, therefore not supporting any additive value of ultrasound (31).…”

The Effect of Smartphone Addiction on Craniovertebral Angle and Depression Status Among University Students

“…The primary cause for forward head posture (low CVA) is the muscle imbalance due to weakness of short deep cervical flexors, rhomboids, serratus anterior, middle and lower trapezius and tightness of the cervical extensors and pectorals [26][27][28]. In many instances, decrease in CVA is associated with headache, neck pain, rounded shoulders, thoracic kyphosis, myofacial pain syndrome and TMJ disorders [17,29]. Based on the study results, the percentage of normal and mild depression status were higher in regular user group than heavy user group.…”

“…This angle is considered to be a valid and reliable assessment tool to assess the forward head posture. Its measurement using the lateral photography method in seated position reliably can measure natural head/neck posture in the sagittal plane [16][17][18][19][20]. …”