Effect of Bruegger's Exercise in Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain With Forward Head Posture

Forward head posture, head-on-trunk misalignment, leads to increased lordosis of the lower cervical spine as well as rounded shoulders accompanied by increased kyphosis of the thoracic spine. These musculoskeletal disorders change the balance of the muscles around the neck.

Bruegger's postural relief position is one such self-care exercise that works in order to reverse Forward head posture (FHP) by strengthening the scapular retractors meanwhile stretching the protractors. This exercise helps in aligning the spine in correct position through isometric co-contraction of scapular muscles, thereby improving scapular stabilization. The exercise helped in strengthening the weak deep cervical flexor muscles since it includes isometric contraction of neck muscles through chin tuck.

Although Bruegger's exercises has been widely suggested or advised clinically by the physiotherapists, there is a lack of research-based evidence/data which proves regarding its effect in the correction of FHP. Hence, it was hypothesized that the Bruegger's exercises will show favorable results in the correction of FHP and craniovertebral angle (CVA).

This study may benefit physical therapists by providing a new and easy approach in treating FHP.