Forward Head Posture

Forward Head Posture

http://www.roundtownnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31452&Itemid=38

Most people do not think about good posture but know that is good for us. If our muscles are working correctly, our posture should remain correct. With long hours spent on the computer, using too many pillows, whiplash injuries and long commutes, the muscles can become weak and less resilient and lead to poor posture.

The most common change is a gradual shift forward of the head and shoulders, with the chest curled inward, and the spine crunches from a normal S-curve to an unhealthy C-curve. This forward head tilt is called Dropped Head Syndrome. For every inch of forward head tilt, the load on the cervical spine is increased by up to 10 pounds. Forward head tilt can cause headaches, shoulder and neck pain, stiffness and eventually the common hunched back seen in the elderly. The lack of mobility in Dropped Head Syndrome also diminishes the stimulation to the nerve system and is believed to lead to more serious conditions like dementia and Alzheimers.

Dr. Roger Sperry (Nobel prize recipient for brain research) found that 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine. A healthy posture is therefore important in preserving brain function.

The development of Forward Head Tilt is related to function more than aging. It is important to become aware of your posture to keep it as normal as possible to prevent problems with your health. This is another reminder that ergonomics is something to take seriously.