Tips to Correct Forward Head Posture
By Sara Butler
A common problem many chiropractors see in the computer age is forward head posture. If you work a desk job or spend a lot of time on electronic devices such as tablets or smartphones, then you are probably guilty of this posture. But what is it and how can it impact you and your overall health?
What is Forward Head Posture?
Forward head posture is when you lean your head forward, placing the weight of your head over the front of your body. This requires the muscles in the neck to work harder to support the weight of your head, which also happens to effectively increase the farther forward your head goes. This can lead to some chronic problems such as:
- Neck tension
- Headaches
- Jaw problems
- Shoulder pain
- Hunchback
- Tilting of the pelvis
- Lower back pain
Do You Have Forward Head Posture?
So, how can you determine if you are a victim of forward head posture? Well, there’s an easy way to find out, all you have to do is the wall test. To do this, you should:
- Stand with your head and back against the wall, keeping your heels six inches from the wall.
- Place as many fingers as you can between the wall and the back of your neck.
If you can fit three fingers (or more!) between your neck and the wall, then you probably have forward head posture. And you’re certainly not alone. The American Chiropractic Association says that about 90 percent of adults suffer from this issue. When you consider just how much time the average person spends in front of the computer or driving in a car, it’s an easy statistic to believe.
What You Can Do
There are some things you can do to help minimize neck pain and correct forward head posture. You should:
- Adjust the computer screen to eye level
- Lift your chest when sitting
- Perform some corrective exercises such as chin retractions and a chin tuck
- Buy an ergonomic chair to better support your body
- Use a neck pillow
- See the chiropractor regularly
The chiropractors at The Joint can help you determine if forward head posture is a problem for you, as well as help head off complications at the pass to restore health and mobility. Hopefully, neck pain caused by forward head posture will not be a part of your future.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.