Has anyone recently told you that your head is just forward? Have you noticed when you are in a photo that your head is jutting forward? Unfortunately, Forward Head Posture (FHP) has become very prevalent due to extended periods of cellphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer use.
Forward head posture, also known as “text neck” or “tech neck,” is a condition characterized by the anterior positioning of the head in relation to the shoulders. It occurs when the head consistently leans or juts forward, putting extra strain on the neck, upper spine, and supporting muscles. This misalignment can result from prolonged periods of looking down at screens, poor posture habits, or muscular imbalances.
Dr. Adalbert Kapanji’s research found that for every inch your head shifts forward, it places an additional 10 pounds of pressure on your lower neck and upper back. An aggressive forward head posture of 3 inches forward can place up to 42 pounds of pressure on your lower neck!
Over time, forward head posture may lead to neck pain, headaches, neck tension, shoulder tension, mid-back pain, spinal degeneration, spinal osteoarthritis, cervical spine disc bulge, disc herniation, or disc degeneration if not addressed.
Posture correction and of FHP can be achieved in most cases with proper diagnosis, exercises, treatment, and lifestyle changes. Watch my video below to learn about the best exercise to retrain your neck and upper back muscles to help correct your FHP. You should also contact a chiropractor trained in postural correction to have an examination with cervical X-rays to help diagnose the cause of your FHP.
Gratefully serving,
Dr. Rob
