Authors :
Dr. Abhas Pratyush; Dr. Samarth Gupta; Dr. Madhurima Saha
Volume/Issue :
ICVDRS 2026
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/5f4ceaxv
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/59c9848x
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1597
Abstract :
Background:
Forward Head Posture (FHP), commonly recognized in modern clinical language as "Tech Neck," represents a
pervasive postural deviation that has reached epidemic proportions among university students. This demographic is
uniquely susceptible due to academic environments that demand prolonged screen time, high psychological stress, and
inherently poor ergonomic setups. While standard physical therapy effectively addresses localized musculoskeletal pain
through a biomedical lens, isolated tissue-level interventions often fail to secure long-term functional recovery. Utilizing the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework is essential for managing the broader,
interconnected functional, environmental, and academic limitations imposed by this condition.
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of a simplified, highly accessible, home-based Deep Cervical Flexor
(DCF) training and scapular stabilization protocol on pain reduction, craniovertebral angle (CVA) restoration, and the
return to functional academic participation in a highly symptomatic collegiate student.
Case Description:
A 21-year-old female undergraduate architecture student presented to the university clinic with chronic, non-specific
mechanical neck pain (NPRS 7/10), severely reduced CVA (42 degrees), and a functional inability to participate in prolonged
academic drafting sessions without experiencing severe discomfort and tension headaches.
Intervention:
A comprehensive 4-week protocol was implemented. To ensure maximum compliance and accessibility, the intervention
avoided advanced modalities and relied strictly on fundamental craniocervical flexion exercises (chin tucks), accessible
bodyweight scapular strengthening, and highly specific behavioural and environmental ergonomic modifications mapped to
the ICF framework.
Results:
Post-intervention at Week 4, the patient reported a near-complete resolution of movement-related pain (NPRS 1/10),
and the CVA improved significantly to 51 degrees. Her Neck Disability Index (NDI) score decreased from a state of moderate
disability to no disability, enabling a full return to unrestricted academic participation.
Conclusion:
The early implementation of fundamental, conservative postural exercises effectively restores cervical alignment and
mitigates nociceptive pain. More importantly, embedding these interventions within the ICF framework provides a comprehensive clinical roadmap that successfully bridges the critical gap between mechanical musculoskeletal recovery and
meaningful, sustained academic participation.
Keywords :
Forward Head Posture, Tech Neck, ICF Framework, Deep Cervical Flexors, Scapular Stabilization, Ergonomics, Collegiate Health, Postural Orthopedics.
Background:
Forward Head Posture (FHP), commonly recognized in modern clinical language as "Tech Neck," represents a
pervasive postural deviation that has reached epidemic proportions among university students. This demographic is
uniquely susceptible due to academic environments that demand prolonged screen time, high psychological stress, and
inherently poor ergonomic setups. While standard physical therapy effectively addresses localized musculoskeletal pain
through a biomedical lens, isolated tissue-level interventions often fail to secure long-term functional recovery. Utilizing the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework is essential for managing the broader,
interconnected functional, environmental, and academic limitations imposed by this condition.
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of a simplified, highly accessible, home-based Deep Cervical Flexor
(DCF) training and scapular stabilization protocol on pain reduction, craniovertebral angle (CVA) restoration, and the
return to functional academic participation in a highly symptomatic collegiate student.
Case Description:
A 21-year-old female undergraduate architecture student presented to the university clinic with chronic, non-specific
mechanical neck pain (NPRS 7/10), severely reduced CVA (42 degrees), and a functional inability to participate in prolonged
academic drafting sessions without experiencing severe discomfort and tension headaches.
Intervention:
A comprehensive 4-week protocol was implemented. To ensure maximum compliance and accessibility, the intervention
avoided advanced modalities and relied strictly on fundamental craniocervical flexion exercises (chin tucks), accessible
bodyweight scapular strengthening, and highly specific behavioural and environmental ergonomic modifications mapped to
the ICF framework.
Results:
Post-intervention at Week 4, the patient reported a near-complete resolution of movement-related pain (NPRS 1/10),
and the CVA improved significantly to 51 degrees. Her Neck Disability Index (NDI) score decreased from a state of moderate
disability to no disability, enabling a full return to unrestricted academic participation.
Conclusion:
The early implementation of fundamental, conservative postural exercises effectively restores cervical alignment and
mitigates nociceptive pain. More importantly, embedding these interventions within the ICF framework provides a comprehensive clinical roadmap that successfully bridges the critical gap between mechanical musculoskeletal recovery and
meaningful, sustained academic participation.
Keywords :
Forward Head Posture, Tech Neck, ICF Framework, Deep Cervical Flexors, Scapular Stabilization, Ergonomics, Collegiate Health, Postural Orthopedics.
