Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: July-September | Volume: 7 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 4-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20220702
Relationship Between Neck Pain, Disability and Head Posture in Women Six Months Post Delivery
Moksha N Doshi1, Dr. Anukshaya Bangera2, Dr. Ajay Kumar3
1B.P. Th, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane, Maharashtra, India.
2M.P. Th, Assistant Professor, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane.
3Principal, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane.
Corresponding Author: Moksha N Doshi
ABSTRACT
Background: In pregnancy and post-partum period, there are different structural, hormonal and physiological changes occurring in women’s body. The musculoskeletal changes women undergo are ligamentous and collagenous connective tissue changes that lead to increased joint laxity and hypermobility. Usually, these hormonally mediated changes return to their normal pre-pregnant state by six months post-delivery. During the postpartum period, women have to deal with emotional and ergonomic stress due to increased responsibilities such as breastfeeding, nappy changing, maneuvering the baby causing a number of postural changes in them leading to pain which can cause disability and other musculoskeletal discomfort to perform daily activities.
Aim and Objectives: To assess the relationship between neck pain, disability and head posture in women six months post delivery.
Method: Sixty subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) Questionnaire was used to evaluate neck pain and disability. The forward head posture was measured via craniovertebral (CV) angle by using Marcus Brader (MB) Ruler Software. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between NPRS, NDI and CV angle were determined.
Result: NPRS was positively correlated with NDI (r = 0.9072, p= <0.0001) and negatively correlated with CV angle (r = -0.3643, p=0.0036). No significant correlation was shown between NDI and CV angle.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that women with small craniovertebral angle have a greater forward head posture, and the greater the forward head posture the greater is the pain and disability.
Keywords: Correlation, neck pain, neck disability, craniovertebral angle.