Investigating the relationship between upper crossed syndrome and functional disability in teachers with chronic non-specific low back pain

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) and functional disability in teachers with chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Thirty school teachers from Tehran were assessed using digital photogrammetry to quantify key postural deviations of UCS-forward head posture, shoulder protraction, and thoracic kyphosis-while functional disability was measured via the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results revealed significant, strong positive correlations between all measured postural deviations and disability scores. Specifically, increased thoracic kyphosis (r=۰.۹۵), forward head posture (r=۰.۹۴), and shoulder protraction (r=۰.۸۹) were associated with higher levels of self-reported disability (all p=۰.۰۰). The findings suggest that the characteristic postural imbalances of UCS are closely linked to greater functional limitations in this occupational group. This indicates that upper body postural dysfunction may be an important contributing factor to the severity of NSLBP-related disability among teachers, potentially through altered spinal biomechanics and compensatory movement patterns. The study concludes that comprehensive assessment and management of NSLBP in teachers should consider upper quadrant postural alignment. Future research should explore causal relationships and evaluate the efficacy of targeted postural correction and neuromuscular rehabilitation strategies to reduce disability in this vulnerable population.

کلیدواژه ها:

Upper Crossed Syndrome ، Low Back Pain ، Teachers