Craniovertebral angle
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The craniovertebral angle is identified as the intersection of a horizontal line passing through the C7 spinous process and a line joining the midpoint of the tragus of the ear to the skin overlying the C7 spinous process[1].Measurement of cranio vertebral angle, (CVA) is one of the common methods in assessing head posture.
Craniovertebral angle is also referred to as cervical angle and forward head angle.[2]
Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Craniovertebral Angle and Neck Pain[edit | edit source]
Forward head posture is characterized as pathologic when the craniovertebral angle (CVA) is ≥50° (even though such cutoffs lack rigorous validity). The greater the CVA the more the head is forward relative to the neck.[2]
In a study conducted by Kim et al, it was reported that forward head posture measurement according CVA can be used as a significant index in determining the resulting functional disability of the neck.[3]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Wilmarth M, Hilliard T. Measuring head posture via the craniovertebral angle.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sheikhhoseini R, Shahrbanian S, Sayyadi P, O’Sullivan K. Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise on forward head posture: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 2018 Jul 1;41(6):530-9.
- ↑ Kim EK, Kim JS. Correlation between rounded shoulder posture, neck disability indices, and degree of forward head posture. Journal of physical therapy science. 2016;28(10):2929-32.
