Prevalence of Neck Dysfunction in Women Using High Heeled Footwear Working in I.T. Profession

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, high heels are very commonly used in all age groups. And in some of the I.T companies it is compulsory to wear high heels for min 8 hours per day. Therefore, its negative impact seen on women health. While wearing high heels it is difficult to maintain the balance and Center of Gravity. Therefore, postural changes seen in women during standing and walking there is increase lumbar lordosis to compensate that there is increase in cervical lordosis. These change in spinal curvature will result into the neck dysfunction. Objective: To find out prevalence of neck dysfunction in women using high heeled footwear working in IT profession. Methodology: An observational study was carried out using a cross sectional study design. The study was conducted in the in and around Karad, Maharashtra. Study was conducted using sample size of 95 [ n- 4pq/ L2 ] using high heeled footwear working in IT companies for period of 6 months. The inclusion criteria were age group 20-35 years using high heels regularly for more than 8 hours and height of footwear more than 5 cm. and exclusion criteria was women underwent recent spine surgery including cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, any congenital deformity of spine. Any recent trauma to spine, musculoskeletal deformity e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis of cervical spine or osteoarthritic condition. Result: The women those are wearing high heeled footwear for more than 8 hours/day with height of footwear >5cm suffering from mild to moderate neck disability and it is significantly seen in age group of 25-35 years. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that the women wearing high heels footwear for more than 8 hours/day suffering from mild to moderate neck dysfunction