Impact of cranio-vertebral angle on the severity of cervicogenic dizziness and cervical proprioception in cervical radiculopathy patients: a case controlled study

Abstract Background Forward head posture (FHP) that affects on the degree of cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) is the problem of the era. Cervicogenic dizziness is unsteadiness combined with neck pain. Cervical radiculopathy is a common disabling disease affecting the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) on the severity of the cervicogenic dizziness and cervical proprioception in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Fifty patients with cervical radiculopathy from both genders participated in this study after approving a consent form. The patients were allocated into two equal groups: the study group (A), represented by patients with forward head posture (CVA < 49°), and the control group (B), represented by patients without forward head posture (CVA ≥ 55°); their ages ranged from 35 to 50 years. Outcome measures were recorded and included an assessment of cranio-vertebral angle, severity of cervicogenic dizziness, and cervical proprioception by cervical joint position error (JPE) through neutral head repositioning (NHR) and target head-repositioning (THR) tests. Results The study group (A) exhibited higher scores on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and JPE through (NHR and THR) tests compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant strong correlation between degree of CVA and scores of DHI, JPE (NHR and THR), and disease duration. Conclusion Patients who have cervical radiculopathy and exhibit forward head posture experience cervicogenic dizziness and impairment in cervical proprioception. Therefore, postural correction exercises and proprioceptive training should be considered in the treatment plan for these patients to enhance their quality of life and to reduce the incidence of cervicogenic dizziness.