Incidence of Forward Head Posture and Associated Problems in Desktop Users

Background: Forward head posture is a postural problem that is caused by several factors including sleeping with the head elevated too high, extended use of computers, laptops & cell phones, lack of developed back muscle strength and lack of nutrients. It is identified by measuring craniovertebral angle. Measurement of craniovertebral angle is from C7 spinous process to tragus of ear. Normal craniovertebral angle is 49.9 degrees. The reliability of photographic postural analysis is >0.972. It is cost effective, gives accurate angle and has less errors. Early diagnosis of forward head posture will help to minimise the consequences. The objective of this study was to find the percentage of forward head posture in laptop users in adults using MB ruler and to find the associated problems of forward head posture in desktop users on Visual Analogue Scale and Cervical Range of Motion. Age group of 30-40 years both males and females were included. 100 individuals were included. Results: Means of Range of Motion and Visual Analogue Scale were compared. Spearman’s Correlation Test and Chi Square Test were applied. In all variable the P>0.05 was considered to be not significant. This showed that, Forward Head Posture was not associated with Pain and Cervical Range of Motion. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is no relation between forward head posture and pain, and forward head posture and range of motion of cervical spine.