Forward Head Posture treatment
Forward Head Posture is now becoming one of the most common postural problems of “modern” society. We say it over and over again – all of the diseases and conditions we suffer from are simply diseases of civilization. It is the modern lifestyle that is responsible. Forward head posture is the result of repetitive forward head movement or the carrying of your head in a “flexed” forward position.
How does Forward Head Posture develop?
Proper postural alignment is when your ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and ears all falling along the same line. Poor head posture or poor positioning of the head leads to fatigues muscles around the neck as well as loss of the cervical curve resulting in forward head posture.
What are the symptoms of Forward Head Posture?
Forward Head Posture (FHP) is easliy identified the positioning of the ear being forward when compared to the shoulder, rather than sitting directly over it. Forward Head Position which is one of the most common causes of neck, head and shoulder tension and pain. This can be a result of long term habits of “slumping” at the computer, whilst driving, sitting poorly on the couch, or poor sleeping posture. These habits can be worsened if strains and sprains of the neck have occurred in the past which has weakened the neck muscles.
For every inch your head posture sits forward, the head gains 4.5kgs (10 pounds) in weight. This forces the muscles in your upper back and neck to work much harder to keep the head (chin) from dropping forwards onto your chest. With your muscles in constant contraction to achieve this, pressure is added to the nerves at the base of the skull, which can cause headaches.
Forward Head Posture is a very common postural issue, and it is estimated to occur in between 66% and 90% of the population.
An increased forward head posture has been strongly associated with decreased respiratory muscle strength in patients, which can affect the ability to breath and reduce lung capacity by as much as 30%.
Forward head posture has also been linked to tension-type headaches, with the degree of forward head posture having a direct correlation with duration and frequency of headaches, as well as increased blood pressure Long term forward head posture leads to neck pain, back pain, muscle strain, disc herniations, arthritis, pinched nerves and instability. Abnormal neck posture has also been associated with headaches, abnormal functions of the eyes and the ears, and psychological and mental disorders.
What are treatments for Forward Head Posture?
Conventional medical treatments help relieve the symptoms of Forward Head Posture but they do not address the root cause of the problem. Traditional treatments include the use of over the counter medications, prescription medications, steroid injections and physical therapy.
Physical therapy or the strengthening of the functional weaknesses in the back, can help to alleviate postural problems. However, true correction can only occur when both the structure (spine alignment) and function (muscular weakness and imbalances) have been restored.
Think Corrective Chiropractic may be for you? Call us!
To experience Family Health Chiropractic for yourself or your family, schedule a consultation via email or call us at 512-347-8881.
Family Health Chiropractic is a full-time natural medicine doctor’s office. We have successfully treated all of the conditions we write about. The difference is in the care, technique, and experience you get with Dr. Daniel and his team at Family Health Chiropractic.