Posture-Correction Interventions for Neck Pain
Physiotherapy
Effectiveness Of Posture-Correction Interventions For Mechanical Neck Pain
Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common postural deviation of the upper back. It is believed to be one of the predisposing factors for the development of mechanical neck pain (MNP). Mechanical neck pain’, also referred to as ‘non-specific neck pain’, is a commonly seen condition associated with head and neck posture. ‘Pain primarily confined to the area on the posterior aspect of the neck that can be exacerbated by neck movements or by sustained postures. Multiple factors are known to be associated with the pathomechanics of mechanical neck pain, including structure and functions of related body parts primarily that of the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper) spine. Excessive forward positioning of the head and/or reduced mobility of thoracic spine affects the cervical spine by altering mobility or affecting the key postural muscles. Neck pain, in general, causes considerable morbidity and affects activities of daily living and that of your occupation. It is not uncommon for individuals with acute neck pain to eventually experience chronic or recurrent pain.
There are various treatment modalities used for the improvement of forward head posture and mechanical neck pain. For forward head posture, the interventions to improve posture include stretching of some specific muscle groups around the neck, strengthening of the neck musclulature, posture re-education techniques, workplace modifications, biofeedback techniques and application of external appliances to maintain the posture. Interventions primarily targeted to improve mechanical neck pain include mobilisation techniques, manipulation techniques, soft tissue massage, mechanical and manual traction, electrotherapy modalities, stabilisation exercises, acupuncture, heat therapy and cryotherapy. These interventions can be provided for a long duration in isolation or in combination to improve posture. Posture-correction interventions may improve forward head posture, which as a result, lead to an improvement in mechanical neck pain.
Prolonged and/or end range sitting posture, poor flexibility of muscles, muscle weakness and imbalance, and reduced mobility of joints are the immediate underlying factors associated with forward head posture. These factors may in turn be associated with an individual’s occupation or lifestyle (eg, prolonged end range sitting posture) and age. Posture-correction interventions are the strategies that are designed to address the predisposing factors of forward head posture or mechanical neck pain itself. These interventions may help by altering sitting posture, improving muscle flexibility, and changing the muscle strength and imbalance or mobility of joints. Change in forward head posture by these interventions may alter the mechanical loading and tissue irritation resulting in improvement in mechanical neck pain. The relief from forward head posture and mechanical neck pain may help in extending the individual’s activities, reducing work absenteeism and subsequently improving quality of life.
