Association between Thoracic Kyphosis, Head Posture and Cervical Range of Motion in Adults with and without Cervical Spine Dysfunction

Background: Altered postural behaviours result in Forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis making it amenable to correction. The biomechanical strain, in presence of reduced strength of the core stabilizing musculature, in particular, if it is repeated or prolonged, is the predominant explanation for symptoms associated with forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis i.e., neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the effect of postural awareness and conventional exercises on the cervical range of motion in patients with thoracic kyphosis and forward head posture. Methodology: This experimental study was conducted on 60 subjects both male and female of age group 20-35yrs. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups consisting of 30 subjects each. Group A received hot pack and postural advice and Group B received hot pack and stretching and strengthening exercises. All the subjects received a total intervention of 4 days (alternate days) per week for 4 weeks. Results: Intra-group significant differences were obtained between pre- and post-treatment for all evaluated variables (p˂0.01) in both groups. The inter-group comparison showed significant differences (p˂0.01) between post-treatment variables of Group A and Group B where, Group B showed greater improvement than Group A. Conclusion: The treatment given to both the groups together can be used to improve cervical range of motion, thoracic kyphosis, and forward head posture. This study may serve as a guideline for physiotherapists when making decisions regarding possible interventions. KEY WORDS: Cervical range of motion, Craniovertebral angle, Forward head posture, Kyphosis index, Neck disability index, Thoracic kyphosis.

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Effects of thoracic kyphosis and forward head posture on cervical range of motion in older adults

Manual Therapy ◽

10.1016/j.math.2012.07.005 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 65-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 84

Author(s):

June Quek ◽

Yong-Hao Pua ◽

Ross A. Clark ◽

Adam L. Bryant

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Thoracic Kyphosis ◽

Forward Head Posture ◽

Head Posture ◽

Cervical Range Of Motion

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Comparison of the efficacy of three cervical collars in restricting cervical range of motion: A randomized study

Hong Kong Journal of Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1177/1024907918809499 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 24-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jae Guk Kim ◽

Sung Hwan Bang ◽

Gu Hyun Kang ◽

Yong Soo Jang ◽

Wonhee Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Cervical Spine Injury ◽

Axial Rotation ◽

The Other ◽

Spine Injury ◽

Cervical Range Of Motion ◽

Flexion Extension ◽

Cervical Immobilization ◽

The Difference

Background: The cervical collar has been used as a common device for the initial stabilization of the cervical spine. Although many cervical collars are commercially available, there is no consensus on which offers the greatest protection, with studies showing considerable variations in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. The use of the XCollar (Emegear, Carpinteria, CA) has been known to decrease the risk of spinal cord injury by minimizing potential cervical spinal distraction. We compared XCollar with two other cervical collars commonly used for adult patients with cervical spine injury to evaluate the difference in effectiveness between the three cervical collars to restrict cervical range of motion. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the difference between the three cervical collars in their ability to restrict cervical range of motion. Method: A total of 30 healthy university students aged 21–25 years participated in this study. Participants with any cervical disease and symptoms were excluded. Three cervical collars were tested: Philadelphia® Collar, Stifneck® Select™ Collar, and XCollar. A digital camera and an image-analysis technique were used to evaluate cervical range of motion during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. Cervical range of motion was evaluated in both the unbraced and braced condition. Results: XCollar permitted less than a mean of 10° of movement during flexion, extension, bilateral bending and bilateral axial rotation. This was less than the movement permitted by the other two cervical collars. Conclusion: XCollar presented superior cervical immobilization compared to the other two commonly used cervical collars in this study. Thus, when cervical collar is considered for an adult patient with cervical spine injury, XCollar might be one of the considerate options as a cervical immobilization device.

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Increased Forward Head Posture and Restricted Cervical Range of Motion in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy ◽

10.2519/jospt.2009.3058 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 39 (9) ◽

pp. 658-664 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Ana I. De-La-Llave-Rincón ◽

César Fernández-De-Las-PeÑas ◽

Domingo Palacios-CeÑa ◽

Joshua A. Cleland

Keyword(s):

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Carpal Tunnel ◽

Forward Head Posture ◽

Head Posture ◽

Cervical Range Of Motion ◽

Tunnel Syndrome

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Examining the Range of Motion of the Cervical Spine: Utilising Different Bedside Instruments

Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 100-105

Author(s):

Aiman Asyraf Ahmad Sukari ◽

Sarwinder Singh ◽

Muhammad Hafiz Bohari ◽

Zamzuri Idris ◽

Abdul Rahman Izaini Ghani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Clinical Examination ◽

Lateral Flexion ◽

Range Of Movement ◽

Cervical Range Of Motion ◽

Accuracy And Precision ◽

Flexion Extension ◽

Measuring Tape ◽

Examination Techniques

Background: This paper outlines a summary of examination technique to identify the range of movement of the cervical spine. Due to common difficulties in obtaining tools for cervical examination within the district, a standardised compilation of easy-to-replicate examination techniques are provided using different tools. Methods: Bedside instruments that can be used includes a measuring tape, compass, goniometer, inclinometer and cervical range of motion (CROM) instrument. Discussion: Cervical flexion-extension, lateral flexion and rotation will be assessed with bedside instruments. This would aid in increasing accuracy and precision of objective measurement while conducting clinical examination to determine the cervical range of motion.

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Neck Active Movements Assessment in Women with Episodic and Chronic Migraine

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10173805 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (17) ◽

pp. 3805

Author(s):

Carina F. Pinheiro ◽

Anamaria S. Oliveira ◽

Tenysson Will-Lemos ◽

Lidiane L. Florencio ◽

César Fernández-de-las-Peñas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Angular Velocity ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Chronic Migraine ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Cervical Range Of Motion ◽

Movement Parameters ◽

Neck Disability ◽

Asymptomatic Control ◽

Muscular Activation

We aimed to compare movement parameters and muscle activity during active cervical spine movements between women with episodic or chronic migraine and asymptomatic control. We also assessed the correlations between cervical movement measures with neck-related disability and kinesiophobia. Women with episodic (n = 27; EM) or chronic (n = 27; CM) migraine and headache-free controls (n = 27; CG) performed active cervical movements. Cervical range of motion, angular velocity, and percentage of muscular activation were calculated in a blinded fashion. Compared to CG, the EM and CM groups presented a reduced total range of motion (p < 0.05). Reduced mean angular velocity of cervical movement was also observed in both EM and CM compared to CG (p < 0.05). Total cervical range of motion and mean angular velocity showed weak correlations with disability (r = −0.25 and −0.30, respectively; p < 0.05) and weak-to-moderate correlations with kinesiophobia (r = −0.30 and −0.40, respectively; p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between headache features and total cervical range of motion or mean angular velocity (p > 0.05). No differences in the percentage of activation of both flexors and extensors cervical muscles during active neck movements were seen (p > 0.05). In conclusion, episodic and chronic migraines were associated with less mobility and less velocity of neck movements, without differences within muscle activity. Neck disability and kinesiophobia are negative and weakly associated with cervical movement.

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Direction-Specific Impairments in Cervical Range of Motion in Women with Chronic Neck Pain: Influence of Head Posture and Gravitationally Induced Torque

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0170274 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. e0170274 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Thomas Rudolfsson ◽

Martin Björklund ◽

Åsa Svedmark ◽

Divya Srinivasan ◽

Mats Djupsjöbacka

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Chronic Neck Pain ◽

Head Posture ◽

Cervical Range Of Motion

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Cervical Spine Joint Hypermobility: A Possible Predisposing Factor for New Daily Persistent Headache

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01187.x ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 26 (10) ◽

pp. 1182-1185 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

TD Rozen ◽

JM Roth ◽

N Denenberg

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Joint Hypermobility ◽

New Daily Persistent Headache ◽

Beighton Score ◽

Predisposing Factor ◽

Cervical Range Of Motion ◽

Persistent Headache

The objective of this study was to suggest that joint hypermobility (specifically of the cervical spine) is a predisposing factor for the development of new daily persistent headache (NDPH). Twelve individuals (10 female, 2 male) with primary NDPH were evaluated by one of two physical therapists. Each patient was tested for active cervical range of motion and for the presence of excessive intersegmental vertebral motion in the cervical spine. All patients were screened utilizing the Beighton score, which determines degree of systemic hypermobility. Eleven of the 12 NDPH patients were found to have cervical spine joint hypermobility. Ten of the 12 NDPH patients had evidence of widespread joint hypermobility with the Beighton score. Based on our findings we suggest that joint hypermobility, specifically of the cervical spine, may be a predisposing factor for the development of NDPH.

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Impact of Cervical Spine Rehabilitation on Temporomandibular Joint Functioning in Patients with Idiopathic Neck Pain

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/6886373 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Łukasz Oleksy ◽

Renata Kielnar ◽

Anna Mika ◽

Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szymańska ◽

Dorota Bylina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Temporomandibular Joint ◽

Clinical Condition ◽

Rehabilitation Programme ◽

Cervical Region ◽

Head Posture ◽

Tmj Pain

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 3-week rehabilitation programme focusing only on the cervical region, pain intensity, range of motion in the cervical spine, head posture, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functioning in subjects with idiopathic neck pain who did not report TMJ pain. Design. A parallel group trial with follow-up. Methods. The study included 60 participants divided into 2 groups: experimental: n = 25 , 27-57 years old, experiencing idiopathic neck pain and who underwent a 3-week rehabilitation programme, and the control, n = 35 , 27-47 years, who were cervical pain-free. At baseline and after 3 weeks of treatment in the experimental group and with a 3-week time interval in the control group, pain intensity, head posture in the sagittal plane, range of motion in the cervical spine, and TMJ functioning were evaluated. Results. After 3 weeks of rehabilitation, there was a significant decrease in pain intensity, improved range of motion of the cervical spine and head posture, and improved clinical condition of TMJ in participants with idiopathic neck pain who did not report TMJ pain. Conclusion. The study suggested that idiopathic neck pain is associated with limited range of motion in the cervical spine, incorrect head posture, and TMJ dysfunction. Our data suggests that therapy focusing only on the cervical region may improve the clinical condition of the TMJ in subjects with idiopathic neck pain who do not report TMJ pain. These observations could be helpful in physiotherapeutic treatment of neck and craniofacial area dysfunctions. This trial is registered with ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14511735.

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