When a person has good posture, their head is vertically aligned with their spine. In the Forward Head Posture (FHP), a person leans forward out of neutral spine alignment. It’s a position in which your neck slants anteriorly, putting the head an inch or more forward of the body’s atlas (first neck vertebra).
When the head is not aligned correctly, it can create several difficulties, including neck stiffness, discomfort, and balance disorders.
In this blog, we will define FHP, explain how it happens, and discuss treatment possibilities.
What is Forward Head Posture (FHP)?
Forward head posture puts more strain on many of the muscles connected to the cervical spine, responsible for holding the head erect. Forward head posture can cause muscular imbalances over time as the body attempts to adjust and discover accurate ways to hold the head erect for straight-ahead vision. Some muscles develop longer and weaker, while others become shorter and tighter.
Causes of FHP
- Spend too much time on the phone
- Spend too much time on the computer
- Spend too much time driving
- Carrying a large backpack
- Sleeping with the head too elevated
- Neck injuries
- Weak neck muscles
- Improper breathing
- Engaging in sports favors one side of the body (like baseball, golf, etc.)
- Slouching
- Sewing
- Arthritis and bone degeneration
Side Effects of FHP
FHP causes a variety of unpleasant neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular adverse effects.
Short-Term Side Effects
- Kyphosis
- Muscle spasms
- Chronic fatigue
- Restricted breathing
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the arms and hands
Long-Term Side Effects
- Decreased shoulder mobility
- Osteoporosis
- Cervical spine arthritis
- Bulging discs
The muscles, joints, and nerves of the neck and back are overworked, resulting in upper back discomfort, shoulder pain, and neck pain. The rounding of the shoulders also adds strain to the lower back, increasing the risk of ruptured discs. Learn more here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSHEuYkBOso
3 Simple & Easy Treatment for FHP
Three lifestyle modifications can help to rectify forward head position:
- Use Suitable Pillow
Select a sleeping pillow that supports the neutral curve position of your neck.
- Ergonomic Working Station
Choose a chair-desk combination that allows you to sit with your feet firmly planted on the ground and place your computer screen 18-24 inches away from your head, with the top of the monitor at eye level.
- Use Suitable Backpack
Select a backpack that is appropriate to your body. Likewise, eliminate unnecessary stuff from within your bag or place heavier objects near the middle of your backpack to decrease strain on your shoulders. Furthermore, avoid carrying your bag with only one strap to prevent putting too much stress on one side of your neck.
Massage Rx Can Help Treat Your FHP!
Our chiropractic treatments at Massage Rx are helpful when it comes to spine alignment or posture issues. We can assist in restoring posture and natural mobility by continually correcting particular joints in the spine and neck. Check it here:
Have peace of mind knowing that we have been in the wellness industry for so many years now, providing quality, fast, and accurate therapy and treatment for all body pains, such as follows, so you know you are in great hands:
Combining our neck remedies with regular chiropractic visits will tremendously assist your quest for greater health and well-being. To get started, purchase our Postural Correction Training Program here!
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