What is Forward Head Posture?

Smartphones and computers, which have become increasingly popular, often lead to incorrect postures caused by frequent use. Forward head posture is a poor ergonomic posture of the neck. The condition often occurs alongside Upper Crossed Syndrome.

Forward head posture is defined by-

  • The upper cervical vertebrae are hyperextended, as well as the cervical vertebrae are translated forward.
  • Thoracic kyphosis is the condition of a curved upper back and slouched forward shoulders.
  • The imbalance of the neck muscles can cause pain, as well as compress the cervical vertebrae-the uppermost part of the spine that protects the spinal cord and supports the head.

Forward Head Posture can cause the following types of problems:

  • Headaches
  • Neck discomfort
  • Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
  • Discomfort in the mid-back
  • Also, Chest pain
  • Last but not the least, arm and hand numbness, pain, and pins & needles

Cause of Forward head posture include:

  • Occupational postures: forward or backward leaning of the head for prolonged periods of time, slouching or relaxed sitting, bad posture while using a computer or screen.
  • Effect of gravity: slouching, poor ergonomic alignment.
  • Also faulty postures of the pelvis and lumbar spine.
  • Sleeping with the head elevated too high.
  • Poor posture maintained for long durations.
  • In addition, Lack of development of back muscle strength.

Physiotherapy Management of FHP:

  • To Decrease Pain:
    • Physiotherapists use modalities such as
    • Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS).
    • Therapeutic exercises For example aerobic exercise, resistance/strength training.
    • Examples of strength exercises are-
    • Neck isometric exercises,
    • craniocervical flexion with 10-second contraction for 10 repetitions with 10-second hold in between,
    • cervical flexion endurance exercise of head lift in supine was performed for 3 sets of 10 reps with 30-second rest in between sets (each rep lasted for 3 seconds with a 2-second interval between reps).
    • Manual therapy for pain management include-
    • Firstly, Traction
    • Secondly, Soft tissue massage
    • Thirdly, Trigger point therapy
    • Then, Active release techniques
    • Stretches of muscle, joints, neural tissue, and fascia.
    • Joint manipulation & mobilization.
    • Also, physiotherapists use Kinesio taping for pain management.
  • Postural alignment:
    • Cervical retraction
    • Scapular retraction
    • Also, Balance training
    • Super Inductive System (SIS)
  • Range of motion, joint mobility, and flexibility:
    • Cervical ROM exercise
    • Shoulder ROM exercise
    • Cervical tension
    • Thoracic Manual Techniques and exercises
    • Also, Exercises to stretch tight structures - Pectoralis Major and Minor, Trapezius, SCM, Scalenes.
  • To reduce Spasm:
    • Myofascial release
    • Ischemic Compression
    • Then, Positional release technique (to relieve tension headaches)
    • TR-Therapy
    • Hot Therapy
    • Dry needling
    • In addition, Cupping therapy
  • Muscle Strength and Endurance:
    • Strengthening exercises for the cervical spine progress from isometric to isotonic to dynamic.
    • As well as, Scapular retractors (Rhomboids, middle trapezius) strengthening exercises.
  • Ergonomic Advice:
    • Correct the number of pillows used
    • Postural corrections.