Do you regularly feel exhausted at the end of the day? Is your neck constantly hurting? Are you suffering from constant headaches, and maybe even fibromyalgia? Here's something to consider: your head posture might be to blame!
All About Forward Head Carriage:
When your head is in the correct position, the opening of your ear should be centered over your shoulder. If the opening of your ear is off center and located to the front of your shoulder, you have forward head posture (also known as forward head carriage). For every inch that your head is off center, your muscles are exerting extra effort to support the unnecessary added weight being forced on them. Your muscles are working overtime just to keep your head up!
Unfortunately, today's lifestyle often contributes to this condition. Office workers spend hours hunched over their desks 5 days a week, many children spend far too much time watching TV or playing video games, cell phones are regularly cradled between the ear and shoulder, and long hours spent on the road can all contribute to forward head posture. When this issue is ignored, it can lead to disc compression and negatively effect your health.
How To Help Yourself
Here are our tips for correcting forward head posture:
If you work a desk job, be sure to get up and stretch your legs and back every 45 minutes.
Be aware of the time you spend watching TV or playing video games, and put a limit on the amount of time you allow your children to do those activities.
Pay attention to your posture. Are you holding your head in an upright position? Are you sitting up straight?
Try sleeping on a cervical pillow to maintain the proper curve in the cervical spine.
Make regular chiropractic appointments with us. Chiropractic has proven to be an effective treatment for reversing forward head posture, relieving pain, and preventing further spine deterioration.
If you are concerned that forward head posture might be causing you neck or back pain, headaches, muscle weakness, or fatigue, call us for a consultation!
