The correlation between forward head posture and trigger points in trapezius muscle in subjects with chronic neck pain

Neck pain is a common cause for referral to physiotherapy. Neck pain may be related to prolonged static posture in head، neck، and shoulder during daily activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between Forward head posture (FHP) and neck pain in subjects with chronic neck pain and healthy individuals (aged 20-60 years old).

This study had a case-control design. Thirty one subjects with chronic neck pain and thirty one healthy people were recruited in this research. Images were obtained from right lateral view for all participants using a digital camera. Then they were analyzed by ImageJ software to measure head and shoulder forward postures. T-test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data.

Patients with chronic neck pain had significantly more forward head and round shoulder postures compared with normal subjects (P < 0. 0001). Chronic neck pain was prominently correlated with trigger points in trapezius muscle (P < 0. 0001).

Chronic neck pain is associated with forward head posture and rounded shoulder. Therefore، it is important to address these faulty postures and correct them in treatment sessions. Also، it is more critical to find trigger points in surrounding neck muscles and treat them for pain management.