EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHRONIC NECK PAIN AND HEAD-EYE COORDINATION IMPAIRMENTS IN THE GENERAL POPULATION

Abstract

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impacts daily functioning and quality of life. Beyond physical discomfort, CNP is increasingly recognized to cause sensorimotor disturbances, including deficits in proprioception, balance, and visual coordination. The cervical spine plays a critical role in integrating sensory input for coordinated head and eye movements. Altered proprioceptive input due to pain or dysfunction may impair head-eye coordination, leading to reduced postural control and functional stability.

Purpose: To analyse the correlation between chronic neck pain and head-eye coordination impairments in the general population.

Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 40 participants aged between 25–55 years at the Department of Physiotherapy, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (SVMCH&RC). Participants were assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to evaluate the severity of neck-related disability and the Head-Eye Movement Control Test (HEMCT) to measure coordination impairments. Data were statistically analysed using Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient to
determine the strength and direction of the relationship between variables.

Results: The mean NDI score was 36.05, indicating moderate neck disability, while the mean HEMCT score was 1.57, suggesting impaired head-eye coordination. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between chronic neck pain and coordination deficits, with a calculated r value of 0.4743, indicating a moderate relationship.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a significant positive association between neck disability and head-eye coordination impairment. Chronic neck pain is linked with broader sensorimotor dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of incorporating targeted assessment and rehabilitation strategies focusing on proprioception and head-eye coordination in clinical management.