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Effect of Myofascial Release and Postural Correction in Cervicogenic Headache Associated with Forward Head Posture: A Single Case Study


Authors : Racho Kanya; Tage Sepi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/kak2we54

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/muy557mb

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May2159

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Abstract : Background: Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache arising from dysfunction of the cervical spine and associated musculoskeletal structures. Forward head posture is commonly associated with cervicogenic headache and may contribute to increased mechanical stress on cervical muscles, reduced craniovertebral angle, pain, muscle tightness, and functional disability. Physiotherapy interventions such as myofascial release and postural correction exercises are commonly used to improve symptoms and posture.  Case Presentation: A 26-year-old female presented with cervicogenic headache associated with forward head posture. The patient complained of bilateral headache shifting from right to left side, neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty maintaining prolonged sitting posture for the past 5 years. Symptoms increased during prolonged studying, mobile/ laptop use. Assessment revealed forward head posture, rounded shoulders, reduced craniovertebral angle, tenderness, reduced cervical mobility, and functional disability. The patient underwent physiotherapy intervention for 4 weeks consisting of myofascial release for upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles along with postural correction exercises including chin tuck exercise, scapular retraction exercise, and pectoralis stretching.

Keywords : Cervicogenic Headache, Forward Head Posture, Myofascial Release, Postural Correction, Craniovertebral Angle, Physiotherapy, Case Study.

References :

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Background: Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache arising from dysfunction of the cervical spine and associated musculoskeletal structures. Forward head posture is commonly associated with cervicogenic headache and may contribute to increased mechanical stress on cervical muscles, reduced craniovertebral angle, pain, muscle tightness, and functional disability. Physiotherapy interventions such as myofascial release and postural correction exercises are commonly used to improve symptoms and posture.  Case Presentation: A 26-year-old female presented with cervicogenic headache associated with forward head posture. The patient complained of bilateral headache shifting from right to left side, neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty maintaining prolonged sitting posture for the past 5 years. Symptoms increased during prolonged studying, mobile/ laptop use. Assessment revealed forward head posture, rounded shoulders, reduced craniovertebral angle, tenderness, reduced cervical mobility, and functional disability. The patient underwent physiotherapy intervention for 4 weeks consisting of myofascial release for upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles along with postural correction exercises including chin tuck exercise, scapular retraction exercise, and pectoralis stretching.

Keywords : Cervicogenic Headache, Forward Head Posture, Myofascial Release, Postural Correction, Craniovertebral Angle, Physiotherapy, Case Study.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - June - 2026

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