Relationship between forward head posture and headache related disability in migraine

Abstract

Background. Migraine is the most common disorder that affects the population extensively and leads to significant disability in employment, domestic work, and social activities. Postural assessment is one of the important constituents of the clinical analysis of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Incorrect posture can cause stress on the structures of neck and continuous stress that leads to FHP (forward head posture) and headache. The purpose of the study was to find out the relationship between forward head posture and headache related disability in migraine patients. Methods. The prospective correlational study was carried out to explore the relationship between forward head posture and headache related disability in migraine. 55 participants were recruited in this study examined by photographic method. The forward head posture was measured by craniovertebral angle. Various photographs were taken from the subjects and were uploaded on the Kinovea 08.15 software to measure the craniovertebral angle. Results. The results shows that negative correlation was found between forward head posture and headache related disability. Statistical analysis was done by using Pearson correlation test. Results also showed that lower the CVA (forward head posture), greater the headache related disability either sitting or standing position in migraine patient experienced more headache. Conclusion. FHP with headache related disability in migraine showed moderate to good negative correlation. This study concluded that subjects with migraine headache had more FHP. In migraine patients; CV angle was small as compared to normal subjects. So, CV angle showed negative correlation with migraine.