Head Forward Posture

Many people suffer from poor posture.  In particular, poor neck posture can have a big effect on your body as a whole.  When your head is forward to the rest of your body, your center of mass moves forward and the muscles and joints will compensate. 

When the head is forward to the body, this is called anterior head carriage.  With seated activities including using a computer at work, studying and reading, it is common for your head and neck to lean forward.  This position can feel relaxing for a short period, but it places increased force on the muscles and ligaments in the back of the neck.  Over time the ligaments of the neck stretch and the muscles of the back tighten.  Many office workers suffer from this type of work injury. 

Compensation in the low back includes activation of the posterior muscles.  The muscles of the low back work to keep the torso upright.  When the head is forward, combined with body weight, muscle activation and leverage increase pressure and wear on the joints and discs in the neck and back.  Whether sitting or standing, a head forward posture puts increased stress on the spine both in the neck and the back.  It is important to be aware of your posture when sitting as well as to take regular stretch breaks to prevent muscle tightness and fatigue. 

Chiropractic care can improve joint stiffness and poor posture resulting from anterior head carriage.