Causes of Forward Head Posture
The old adage about holding your head tall and straight is good for more than your pride. Carrying the head in a forward position actually creates more strain on the back and neck. It is estimated that for every inch forward the head is carried, it essentially adds ten pounds of weight to the muscles in the back and neck. The muscles have to work harder to keep the chin from falling forward to the chest and puts a constant strain on the rest of the body.
Forward head posture is a condition that will contribute to frontal headaches and can eventually cause the Dowager Hump that exists when there is constant pressure on the upper thoracic vertebra. It can interfere with your sleep, create sore muscles throughout your body and can even cause numbness or tingling in the hands or arms. Knots will form in the back of the neck and the shoulders as you go through your day with your head in the incorrect position. Moving around with your head in this uncomfortable position is the equivalent of carrying a twenty pound watermelon hung around your neck.Forward head posture is not a conscious decision. It results from several normal activities. The habit of looking down while typing or reading can cause the head to gradually crane forward. Driving with your head a few inches away from the headrest can also impact your posture. Heavy purses and backpacks are also notorious for altering posture and causing back problems.
Chiropractic Bellevue can help relieve the pain and misery of FHP. In addition to providing spinal adjustments that will help straighten the back, the chiropractor will also provide you with valuable exercises and stretches that can be used to help bring the head back to its correct position. Making the effort to keep your head tall and straight will help you avoid a great deal of back and neck pain.
