Cervicogenic Headache among Subjects with Forward Head Posture: A Correlational Cross–Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

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The Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology* and Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University**

10.21608/mjcu.2025.464464

Abstract

Background: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a common type of headache that arises from cervical spine pathology, of-ten exacerbated by postural issues such as forward head pos-ture (FHP). Aim of Study: To investigate the correlation between FHP and the prevalence of CGH among young adults. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 343 patients aged 18–26 years with abnormal posture. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) was assessed using classification and confirmation criteria. Cervical posture was measured using craniovertebral angle and flexion rotation tests (FRT). Group comparisons and correlations were analyzed us-ing t-tests, ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation. Results: 15.2% of participants were CGH-positive, and 11.4% had confirmed CGH. No significant differences were found between CGH groups in age, BMI, or craniovertebral angle (p>0.05). However, CGH-positive and confirmed CGH groups had significantly reduced right and left FRT values (p=0.0001). Flexion rotation tests showed strong correlations with CGH status. CGH classification had strong positive cor-relations with FRT (r=0.621 and 0.591), while CGH confirma-tion had strong negative correlations (r=–0.594 and -0.563). Craniovertebral angle showed no significant correlation. Conclusion: CGH is strongly associated with limited cer-vical rotation but not with craniovertebral angle. Flexion ro-tation tests are valuable in evaluating CGH in patients with abnormal posture.

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