Factors Affecting Neck Posture in Academicians With Non-specific Neck Pain
Condition: Craniovertebral Angle; Neck Pain; Work-Related Condition
MeSH terms: Neck Pain
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      There is evidence showing that musculoskeletal problems in the cervical and thoracic region
      are common among academicians and with it, compared to other musculoskeletal pain the pattern
      and physical risk factors for neck pain was at the highest percentage.

      One of the most common postural disorders in the neck and shoulder girdle occurs when the
      position of the head is displaced to forward relation to the point of support, which is
      called forward head posture (FHP).

      The aim of the present study is to investigate factors affecting neck posture in academicians
      with non-specific neck pain.

      Investigators investigated whether there is a correlation between craniovertebral angle (CVA)
      and joint position sense, deep cervical muscle strength and endurance in academicians with
      chronic non-specific neck pain.
    

Detailed description: 
      Chronic non-specific neck pain is one of the most important common musculoskeletal problem
      which has considerable impact on personal and financial costs. Because of physical work
      factors, neck pain is significantly associated with holding the neck in a prolonged forward
      posture and performing repetitive movements.

      Proper posture is deﬁned as a musculoskeletal balance which involves a minimal amount of
      stress and strain on the body. Postural assessment is one of the most important parts of the
      physical examination process. Although correct posture is desired, many people do not exhibit
      good posture.

      Forward head posture(FHP) is the most common cervical postural fault in the sagittal plane
      that is found with different severity levels in almost all populations.

      One of the most common postural disorders in the neck and shoulder girdle occurs when the
      position of the head is displaced to forward relation to the point of support, which is
      called forward head posture (FHP). The craniovertebral angle (CVA) is a widely used method
      for the objective measurement of FHP severity. A smaller CVA indicated a greater FHP and a
      CVA less than 48-50 is defined as FHP .

      It has been reported that approximately 61.3% of adults who work using a computer and have
      neck pain have an anterior tilt posture of the head. This postural disorder is caused by
      various factors like sleeping with the head too high, prolonged computer use, weak back
      muscles, etc. In recent years, the widespread use of computers in offices has caused people
      to use their personal computers too much in their daily life. These changes can cause a bad
      posture and accompanying neck pain.

      Long-term work in front of a computer requires a static posture of the upper body. To
      maintain the static posture, the neck, shoulder and upper extremity muscles are overloaded
      and consequently injured. Uncomfortable posture, especially depending on the viewing angle of
      the screen and the position of the chair and table, can shorten soft tissues and cause muscle
      tension, weakness and muscle fatigue. Some researchers reported that the muscle tension and
      stress that occurs in shortened structures, this condition can cause pain and this can
      develop a vicious cycle of muscle tension-pain-increased tension-increased pain.

      From the point of view of biomechanics, FHP causes changes in the muscle tendon unit length
      of the cervical extensors and flexors and the atlanto-occipital joint.

      The tendency to stay seated for long periods of time is increasing as is the percentage of
      the population that use a personal computer or smart phone.

      This can cause changes in the alignment of the spine, leading to improper posture, such as a
      rounded shoulder or forward head posture (FHP) . The CVA is a widely used method for the
      objective measurement of FHP.

      The cervical vertebra plays role in proprioceptive sensory input. The proprioceptive
      perception of the cervical vertebra carry information to correct malalignment and has an
      important role in postural control. It also reacts sensitively for proper movement of the
      head by acting in coordination with the sensory feedback from the vestibular system.

      FHP can produce problems such as increasing stress on the posterior cervical elements,
      restriction in range of cervical motion, muscular activity level and impair cervical
      proprioception.

      Academicians may have to be standing position for a long time, use a computer in a static
      posture, and work in a stressful mood caused by academic progress anxieties.

      Accordingly, in a study the academicians reported the upper back and neck regions, as most
      common musculoskeletal problems.

      Researchers found that in academicians compared to other musculoskeletal pain the pattern and
      physical risk factors for neck pain was at the highest percentage.

      To our knowledge, there is no study evaluating factors affecting neck posture in academicians
      with non-specific neck pain.

      The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between neck posture and neck pain and
      the factors affecting neck posture among academicians.
    

Intervention name(s): Assessment of neck posture.
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): pain, pain threshold, CVA angle, muscle strenght test, joint position sense test
Observational model: Case-Only
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Fifty volunteer individual from academic staff diagnosed with nonspecific chronic neck-pain
        patients agedbetween 22 and 65 years
      
Keywords: craniovertebral angle; Neck Pain; Work-Related Condition