Exploring the link between cervicogenic headaches and forward head posture

Cervicogenic Headache Among Subjects With Forward Head Posture: a Correlational Cross-sectional Study.

Observational Cairo University · NCT04722913

This study is trying to see if there's a connection between forward head posture and cervicogenic headaches to help physical therapists treat patients better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Giza)
Trial IDNCT04722913 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between cervicogenic headaches (CGH) and cervical posture, particularly focusing on forward head posture (FHP). By assessing the craniovertebral angle and conducting specific tests, the study seeks to provide physical therapists with evidence that supports the assessment and treatment of abnormal posture in patients experiencing CGH. The prevalence of CGH is notably high among certain populations, and understanding its connection to posture could lead to improved therapeutic strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are university students who exhibit forward head posture and experience cervicogenic headaches.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical conditions affecting the cervical spine or those with a history of cervical injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance treatment approaches for patients suffering from cervicogenic headaches by emphasizing the importance of proper cervical posture.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between posture and headaches has been explored, this specific investigation into cervicogenic headaches and forward head posture is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects with Craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 50 degrees. (Gavin Morrison, 2018).
2. University students who were taking consecutive lectures for 3 hours and who worked forward for 3 hours or more on laptop (Arfa Naz et al, 2018).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of significant medical conditions that might be potential contraindications to physical examination of the cervical spine, including known cancer, osteoporosis, nerve root symptoms, inflammatory or infectious diseases affecting the neck instability of the cervical spine, or reported potential vertebrobasilar insufficiency symptoms (Peter K. Farmer et al, 2015).
2. History of cervical spine injures (fracture, sprain, strain, whiplash), cervical spondylosis, obvious spinal deformities, neurological and neuromuscular disorders, TMJ dysfunction, cervicothoracic and lumbar kyphoscoliosis, rheumatic disease, torticollis, and balance disorders (B. Shaghayegh fard et al, 2015).

Where this trial is running

Giza

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cervicogenic Headache
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.