Correlation of Craniovertebral Angle with Neck Pain in Undergraduate Students- Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is a common disorder characterized by pain, discomfort or soreness experienced in the region between the inferior margin of the occipital bone and T1. It is one of the commonest problems in young adults due to their repetitive use of computers, laptops, cell phones, TV, improper sitting posture leading the body to exhibit a bad posture. Bad posture is a serious health problem which causes more musculoskeletal disorders with age. One of the common result of poor posture is Forward head posture (FHP), the prevalence of which is very also significant in young adults. Method: In this Cross-sectional study 133 male and female students between the age group of 17-25 years were included by using Convenience sampling technique. Their Craniovertebral Angle was assessed using Surgimap software and Neck pain was assessed using NPRS. Individuals with spinal deformities, recent fracture of the spine, cervical tumor or any other medical conditions were excluded from the study. Result: Out of 133 students assessed 91 had FHP. Neck pain was not very significant among the students with about 74% of population showing mild, 27% moderate and 8% having severe neck pain. Spearman’s correlation test was used to find the correlation of CVA with neck pain, in which the r value was found to be [r= -0.157] indicating a clinically negative correlation. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a weak correlation of Craniovertebral Angle with Neck Pain in Undergraduate students. Key words: Craniovertebral angle, Forward head posture, Students, Neck Pain, Surgimap Software.