Is Your Head Posture to Blame for Neck Pain?

Dealing with frequent neck or shoulder pain? We can help you regain proper head posture.

You feel exhausted at the end of the day. Your neck always hurts. You have frequent headaches, and maybe even fibromyalgia. Have you wondered if head posture could be the cause?

All About Forward Head Carriage

When your head is positioned correctly, the opening to your ear is centered over your shoulder. If your ear opening is off center and is located to the front of the shoulder, you have forward head posture, also known as forward head carriage. For every inch that your head is off center, extra unnecessary weight is exerted on the muscles in your neck and upper back, making them work harder just to keep your head up!

Unfortunately, today’s lifestyle contributes to this condition far too often. Workers hunched over their computers all day, children watching television and playing video games, cradling the phone between your ear and your shoulder and driving in the car for long periods of time can all cause forward head posture. Left untreated, this condition can cause disc compression and poor health.

How You Can Help Yourself

Consider the following when it comes to correcting forward head posture.

• First get spinal x-rays to see if it is just your head leaning forward or if you have lost the curvature in your neck as well.
• Receive regular chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care has shown to be effective in reversing forward head posture, reducing pain and preventing further deterioration of the spine.
• Get up and stretch every 15-20 minutes if you sit at a desk during the day.
• Limit the amount of time you spend watching television or playing video games with looking down.
• Focus more on your posture, making sure you are sitting up straight with your head in an upright position and eyes level.
• Sleep on a cervical pillow to maintain the proper curve in your cervical spine.

If you’re concerned about forward head posture and you have neck or back pain, headaches, muscle weakness, or fatigue, consider contacting us for an appointment. At your exam we will assess your posture but more importantly take spinal x-rays on site to determine where you head is sitting relative to your shoulders and make sure you have the proper curve in your neck.

If you have friends or family members that need to get checked first please have them call the office to set up an appointment.