Impact of Driving Habits and Biomechanical Factors on Cervicogenic Headaches Among Professional Drivers

Hafiza Sana Ashraf; Amir Sohail; Muhammad Noman Tasawer; Uzra Batool; Sharain Zaib; Akasha

doi:10.61919/6gcr0a68

Authors

Hafiza Sana Ashraf University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Amir Sohail University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Muhammad Noman Tasawer Bakhtawar Amin College of Allied Health Sciences, BAM&DC, Multan, Pakistan Author
Uzra Batool University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Sharain Zaib Bakhtawar Amin College of Allied Health Sciences, BAM&DC, Multan, Pakistan Author
Akasha Department of Physical Therapy, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/6gcr0a68

Keywords:

Cervicogenic headache; Neck pain; Professional drivers; Driving habits; Biomechanical factors; Whole-body vibration.

Abstract

Background: Professional drivers are exposed to prolonged sitting, constrained cervical posture, repeated jerky movements, and vehicle-related vibration, which may contribute to neck pain and cervicogenic headache. Evidence remains limited regarding the association of driving habits and biomechanical symptoms with cervicogenic headache among professional drivers. Objective: To determine the prevalence of cervicogenic headache and examine its association with driving habits and biomechanical factors among professional drivers. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 104 professional drivers recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, physical assessment, and observational evaluation of driving-related factors. Variables included age, sex, driving experience, vehicle type, pain intensity, history of jerky trauma, seat adjustment, perceived vibration area, and neck and shoulder muscle symptoms. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were calculated, and associations were examined using chi-square testing, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 41.08 ± 17.46 years, and 81 participants (77.9%) were male. Cervicogenic headache was present in 49 drivers (47.1%). Significant associations were observed with driving experience, vehicle type, jerky trauma, perceived vibration area, aching, fatigue, and twitching of neck and shoulder muscles (p<0.05). Seat adjustment was not associated with cervicogenic headache. Conclusion: Cervicogenic headache was common among professional drivers and was associated with selected driving-related and biomechanical symptom variables. Findings should be interpreted as unadjusted cross-sectional associations

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