The Role of Forward Head Posture in Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Poor posture is traditionally associated with various musculoskeletal disorders. Consequently, postural evaluation has become an integral part of the musculoskeletal assessment. Forward head posture (FHP) is often assessed in individuals with neck pain, however evidence in support of this relationship remains scarce. This study investigated the relationship between FHP and pain intensity, disability, and kinematics in 43 volunteers aged 19-62.

FHP was assessed by measuring cranio-vertebral angle on profile photographs. Secondary outcome measures included pain intensity (VAS), Neck disability index (NDI), neck motion velocity and accuracy, quantified using a neck virtual-reality system.

There were no significant differences in FHP between participants with and without neck pain. FHP was not correlated to kinematics, NDI, or VAS. In contrast, participants with neck pain demonstrated slower and jerkier cervical motion.

Our results suggest that FHP does not play a central role in neck pain.