Forward Head Position
Many of you know people with that big hump on their back and their head positioned way forward. This could be affecting them more than they realize. Here’s why:
- For every inch of forward head position, your head will weigh 10 lbs extra on your back. That is why people get such a large hump on their upper back;
- As your head moves forward your center of gravity changes and many people become more prone to tripping and falling;
- As your head moves forward the chest cavity begins to collapse putting pressure on your heart and lungs. This can restrict the ability of the heart to beat. It would be like having somebody squeeze your arm muscle (bicep) and then asking you to try and flex that muscle. It would be hard to do. This is what forward head position does to your major organs—the organs are squeezed and cannot expand to there fullest capacity.
The Different Phases of Forward Head Position
Normal
At this stage a person will keep their posture and alignment with Maintenance Care, which includes Chiropractic Adjustments and Pressure Point Therapy. Also, a good exercise program would be necessary.
Phases 1 and 2
In the first and second phase the head begins to move forward. The is caused by a misalignment of the neck and upper back leading to poor posture, neck pain, upper back pain, etc. This condition can be fully corrected with Chiropractic Adjustments, Pressure Point Therapy and specific spinal strengthening exercises.
Phases 3 and 4
Phase 3 and 4 can both be stabilized and in most cases the condition can be improved. Usually at this point though full correction would not be possible.
Find out if you have Forward Head Position
To find out if you have Forward Head Position just have somebody stand to your side. Then find the opening to the ear and trace that line down to the shoulder. That line should end up in the center of the shoulder. If the line is forward of the center of the shoulder you have Forward Head Position. This needs to be corrected with chiropractic adjustments, trigger point therapy and exercises.
If you have Forward Head Position call our office on (314) 963-9050 and make an appointment with Dr. Mattingly, D.C.
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