Improvement of Cervical Lordosis and Reduction of Forward Head Posture with Anterior Head Weighting and Proprioceptive Balancing Protocols
- Stephen Saunders,D.C.; Dennis Woggon, B.S., D.C.; Christian Cohen, B.S., D.C.; David H. Robinson, Ph.D.
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ April 27, 2003 ~ Pages 1-5
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Evidence of the kinesiopathological component of the vertebral subluxation complex is frequently apparent in observation and assessment of posture. Postural distortion from loss of the normal cervical lordosis has been referred to as forward head posture (FHP) and may precipitate pain, decreased ranges of motion and other health problems. FHP can be quantified by measurement of neutral lateral cervical radiographs. The objective of this study was to determine if the use of head weighting and balancing protocols could improve the cervical curvature and head carriage.
Methods: One hundred and thirty one patients from six Chiropractic clinics in the United States, two in Canada and one in the Russian Federation participated in the study. Study participants were randomly selected and assessed with neutral lateral cervical radiographs. These patients performed motion activities while wearing three or five pounds of weight on the front of their heads for five minutes then a weighted stress lateral cervical film was taken.
Results: A comparison of the measured results from the two films was made considering the cervical lordosis and FHP. Average improvements in the cervical lordosis of 34% (p < .0001) and in FHP 14mm (p < .0001) were noted after the head weighting protocol was preformed with five pounds. Improvement of cervical lordosis of 31% (p < .001) and in FHP 18mm (p < .0001) was recorded in a group using three pounds of weight.
Conclusion: Head weighting may prove to be a useful therapeutic tool in addressing FHP and the concurrent loss of the normal cervical lordosis. Key words: cervical lordosis, forward head posture, anterior head weighting, proprioceptive retraining, wobble chair, vertebral subluxation.
