Forward Head Posture and its Negative Impact on Respiratory Function: A Review Study

Abstract

Background: Forward head posture is one of the most reported musculoskeletal affections in general population. It has a tremendous impact on health and quality of life of the individual and on the society. These patients are primarily managed with a musculoskeletal perspective and that is the first treatment of choice and there is almost little or no emphasis to the changes observed in the respiratory system. There is a scarcity of literature evaluating the need for respiratory assessment in these patients.

Main Body: All relevant published literature related to respiratory dysfunction in patients with forward head posture were critically reviewed in this study. Patients having forward head posture were found to have alterations in respiratory biomechanics and they were associated with changes in posture. Each muscle involved in respiration is deeply impacted by Forward head posture thus leading to breathing difficulties.

Conclusion: There is limited literature relating to respiratory dysfunction and its management in forward head posture patients. Therefore, both respiratory and musculoskeletal assessments should be incorporated so that their treatment outcomes will enhance.