Forward Head Posture- A Painful Neck Posture

This is the most common postural alignment today. The reason is because of the positions we regularly put ourselves in. If we are always looking down for example, the body gets used to that. Over time this shifts tour head downward. Also, as degeneration and arthritis sets in we tend to lose some disc height and curvature in our spine. This breakdown and straitening in the spine will show in our posture. Lastly, whiplash type injuries will cause us to lose normal neck alignment and therefore posture. When we think "whiplash", we think of a car accident, but you can get this injury playing sports, a nasty fall, or other trauma to the neck.

These days it is more common than ever. More and more of us work on the computer, then take a break only to text, and then go home and work with a laptop in our lap, then read in bed with our head propped on three pillows. Notice that everyone of these things put us in forward head posture!

Sometimes you can even see it from the front if it's bad. The easiest way is to have someone look at you from the side. The shoulder shoulder should line up with the ear, if not then you may have forward head. Another trick is to get a picture of yourself from the side. You can have one taken, or look at some old picture you have.

• Difficulty breathing
  
• neck pain
  
• Stiff neck
  
• Difficulty sleeping or getting into a comfortable position
  
• headaches
  
• limited range of motion in the neck
  
• shoulder pain and tightness
  
• upper back pain
  

• People who work on the computer
  
• Students
  
• People who do a lot of driving
  
• History of whiplash type of accident
  
• Bad Sleeping Posture
  
• Sleeping with too many pillows at night
  

Yes, use a neck pillow to not only support the neck but to start to correct neck alignment. A good one will support your spine but also, over time, mold the neck curvature. For faster results or severe forward head carriage you may want to use a cervical traction unit. Postural exercises and seeing a chiropractor can help as well.

• The best thing is to be aware of your posture.
• Take breaks after long hours of computer work or working with your head down.
• Limit awkward positions you may put your neck in as well.
• Do regular neck stretches and exercises to keep your neck relaxed.
• A good idea is to use a support pillow to support your neck curvature.


• Change up your workstation; set up your computer station so that it is ergonomically positioned so to prevent bad neck postures