Know Someone With Forward Head Posture?

Forward head posture

Neck pain, fatigue, carpel tunnel syndrome, TMJ syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches ~ can how you hold your head be the cause of all these conditions? If you, or someone you know, suffers from forward head posture, and an estimated 90% of the population do, then the answer is definitely yes!

With correct head posture, the ear is centered over the shoulder. If the ear is off center to the front of the shoulder, this is known as forward head posture. For every inch the head is forward of this center position, it exerts an additional 10 pounds on the muscles in your neck and upper back, causing them to work harder to keep your head erect and your chin up!

But how do you get into the habit of a forward head posture? Today’s use of computers, television and video games may contribute to this condition which ultimately compresses discs and causes extensive damage.


Here are several ways to help correct this condition:
  • Receive regular chiropractic adjustments
  • Make sure your child’s backpack doesn’t exceed 15% of his/her body weight
  • Take regular breaks from sitting at the computer

It may be hard to believe, but how you hold your head may be an important key to your health!

Dr. Michelle Asks some important questions of interest to Encinitas residents - Chiropractor Encinitas Dr. Michelle Asks...

What's the difference between chiropractic and medicine?
Medical treatment focuses on the disease or the symptom. Chiropractic focuses on the person with the disease or the symptom. Medical treatment usually involves changing blood chemistry. Chiropractic involves restoring nervous system integrity. Medical doctors prescribe medicine. Chiropractors adjust the spine—a common source of nervous system interference.
Are aches and pains good or bad?
While aches or pains may be unpleasant, they're merely warning signs. As a Encinitas chiropractor, I see this all the time. The pain is not the problem! It just means a limitation has been reached and something needs to change. That's when we get to work correcting the underlying cause.