Evaluation of forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis in migraine

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the forward head posture (FHP), thoracic kyphosis and their relationships between individuals with migraine and healthy controls using the DIERS Formetric 4D motion imaging system.

In this observational case-control study, a total of 39 migraine patients and 44 healthy subjects were enrolled. FHP and thoracic kyphosis were assessed by using the 4D Formetric DIERS system. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to evaluate neck pain and neck disability. Headache status were evaluated through Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) questionnaires.

The fleche cervicale (57.72 ± 13.72 mm vs. 40.00 ± 4.75 mm; p < 0.001) and kyphotic angle (57.39 ± 8.76° vs. 38.21 ± 5.67°; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with migraine compared to control group. When NDI categories were compared, the migraine group showed significantly increase in the number of patients with moderate or severe disability (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between fleche cervicale and thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.71, p < 0.001).

This study revealed that patients with migraine exhibited a greater FHP and thoracic kyphosis compared to the control group. A 3-dimensional objective measurement may be a reliable diagnostic tool to evaluate posture analysis in clinical practice in the future.