Head-forward posture is one of the most common postural problems. Ideally, your head should sit directly over your shoulders, like a golf ball sits on a tee. Since your head weighs as much as a bowling ball, holding it forward out of alignment puts a strain on your neck and upper back muscles. How much?
Renee Cailliet, M.D., a well-credentialed expert in the field of posture and health, reports that if the head weighs 10 pounds and the center of the ear sits directly over the center of the shoulder, the load on the spine and tissues is only 10 pounds. However, every inch the head moves forward of the shoulder increases the weight of the head 10 pounds. In other words, if the center of the ear is three inches forward from the center of the shoulder, the weight of the head on the spine, its discs, joints, muscles and nerves becomes 30 pounds. What do you think happens when the neck and shoulders carry this additional weight all day — every day — over time? The neck muscles lose blood, get damaged, fatigue and strain. Neck nerves become irritated from the misaligned vertebrae.This may produce no pain initially. However, over time this can result in headaches, neck and back pain, burning, fibromyalgia, and shoulder, arm and hand problems such as tingling, numbness and weakness. Head-forward posture has been shown to flatten the normal neck curve, resulting in disc compression, increased susceptibility to injury and premature arthritis.The Mayo Clinic Health Letter reported that head-forward posture “leads to long term muscle strain, disc herniations, arthritis, and pinched nerves.” Head-forward posture also causes tension in the jaw joint, leading to pain, headaches and bite problems.
Some of the most common causes of head-forward posture are: texting, positioning the computer screen too low, watching TV/reading in bed, close work bending forward (dentists and jewelers), backpacks, nursing a baby, flat feet, irritated spinal nerves, neck injuries and being very tall.
Head-forward posture is relatively easy to detect.You can screen someone by standing to the side of them. Have them bend their head down at the floor, then up at the ceiling, then forward, as if they are speaking to someone their own height. Find the center of their shoulder. Project an imaginary line from the center of the shoulder straight upward.That line should go through the ear hole. If the ear hole is in front of the imaginary line, that person has head-forward posture.
Head-forward posture can signal impending problems if left uncorrected and maintained.This is especially important in children.As the expression goes, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” If you suspect your child or you may have head-forward posture, schedule a checkup with me to find out.A checkup is relatively fast, painless and inexpensive. With 35 years of experience helping people with postural problems, we can measure your body’s alignment to determine if you have head-forward posture, and the effect it is having throughout your body. If I can help you, I’ll explain the shortest, most affordable route to the best, most long-lasting results. If you have a condition that requires medical intervention, we will discuss your options. If necessary, I will refer you to an excellent doctor to help you right away.
If I can help you, I offer a wide range of chiropractic adjusting techniques to fit all preferences and clinical needs, from the traditional, hands-on approach, to those involving absolutely no twisting, popping or cracking of the spinal joints. In addition, I also offer customized programs of self-help therapeutic exercises and stretches, and products to improve the effectiveness of our care, speed better results, and save you money. Call to schedule a private consultation at no charge or obligation. Discover what sets this office apart from many others, and how our approach may be the best fit for you.
Contact Dr. Freedman at 732-254- 6011, or e-mail him at [email protected]. Freedman Chiropractic Center is located at Brier Hill Court D-6, East Brunswick. Visit www.FreedmanChiropracticCenter.com.