Correlation between Forward Head Posture and Spinal Sagittal Balance

Abstract Background: Forward head posture and other forms of spinal sagittal imbalance at nowadays are a major cause of pain and disability among patients presenting to the spine clinic in daily practice. However, it is unclear if there are correlation between forward head posture and whole spinal balance or no therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between FHP and spinal sagittal balance. Aim of Study: This current study was planned to measure the correlation between FHP and spinal sagittal balance. Material and Methods: This study was carried at El-Sheikh Zayed Specialized Hospital out patient clinic of Physical Therapy. From December 2017 to April 2019. 30 subject aged between 25-35 years old from both sexes with radiological CVA <70' are included in this study, standard full-length lateral radiographs performed in all participant. FHP was assisted by CVA and we assess C7 plumb line for total spinal balance, Co-C2 angle for upper cervical lordosis, C2-C7 (SVA) and C2-C7 angle for lower cervical lordosis, T1 sagittal tilt, T4-T12 angle for thorathic kyphosis, L1-S1 angle for lumber lordosis and Sacral Slope (SS). Correlation analysis was used to identify the direction and strength of the relationship between forward head posture and spinal sagittal balance variables. Results: Forward head posture angle is negatively strong correlated to C2-C7 SVA and has a negative intermediate correlation with T1 tilting and C0-C2 angle but it has aweak positive correlation with C7-S 1 SVA, on the other hand it has an no correlation with C2-C7 angle, sacral slope, lumber lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. Conclusion: Increasing in forward head posture angle leads to increase in C7-S1 SVA and decrease in C2-C7 SVA, T1 tilting and C0-C2 angle. While it has no effect on C2-C7 angle, sacral slope, lumber lordosis and thoracic kyphosis.