Correlation of Forward Head Posture with Neck Pain and Hyperkyphosis among Geriatric Population

Background: Forward head posture is a typical postural displacement in which the head extends forward from the sagittal plane and appears positioned in front of the body. It is more likely to occur in elderly and female populations. In modern society, it has become increasingly usual to have an FHP. The neck protrusion, which is linked to higher spinal flexions from overwork and their work environment, causes pain in the neck and the surrounding areas. Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship of forward head posture, with neck pain and hyperkyphosis in the geriatric population. Methodology: A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 129 participants was conducted. The participants were recruited via convenient sampling from the Holistic Old Age Home, Begum Belques Nazir Old Age Home, Bahria Town Old Age Home, and Happy Homes (Senior Citizens) Old Age Home located in Lahore and Gujranwala, Pakistan. After obtaining written consent, the researcher assessed the demographic information, head, neck, shoulder, and upper back items of the ReedCo Posture Assessment, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Occiput to Wall Distance Test (OWD test) in the sample. Results: The mean age of participants was 64.47±5.787 years. Out of 129, 71 (55%) participants were male and 58 (45%) were females. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that RPA of the head neck, shoulder, and upper back had a statistically significant moderately positive correlation with the occiput to wall distance test (r=0.52, p<0.001) and a statistically significant very strongly negative. Correlation with NPRS neck pain score (r=-0.85, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a statistically significant correlation between forward head posture, neck pain, and hyperkyphosis among older adults between the ages of 50 to 80 years. Our knowledge of the relationship between these three factors is limited by the available data. The causal relationship between these three postural abnormalities in the geriatric population is not entirely understood.